Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
Lower risk with mineral filters, though brand provides no PFAS transparency.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide form the UV-blocking base without typical PFAS involvement. Sun Bum hasn't publicly disclosed formulation details or PFAS testing.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion is made of, ingredients and materials
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as UV blockers, which sit on skin rather than absorb into it, resulting in lower systemic exposure concern compared to chemical sunscreens. These inorganic minerals do not degrade under sun exposure into harmful byproducts. The lotion base typically includes water, glycerin, and standard emulsifiers; mineral sunscreens generally avoid the endocrine-active chemicals found in chemical formulations.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 contains fragrance, which is not required to list specific chemical compounds on the label under US law. Individuals with fragrance sensitivity or sensitive skin may experience contact dermatitis; the product is not hypoallergenic or fragrance-free.
Nanoparticle size of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
Particle size is not disclosed on the label. If nano-sized particles are present, theoretical skin penetration risk exists, though the epidermis generally blocks particles larger than a few micrometers; published evidence of harm from topical nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is limited, and both are approved for over-the-counter use by the FDA.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
FDA-approved zinc oxide and titanium dioxide used in sunscreens are refined to pharmaceutical standards and do not contain detectable lead, cadmium, or arsenic in finished products when sourced from reputable suppliers. No recalls or contamination reports exist for Sun Bum's mineral line.
Source, FDA ↗Talc contamination in mineral sunscreen base
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 does not list talc as an ingredient. Talc-free mineral sunscreens avoid the asbestos-contamination risk documented in some talc-containing personal care products.
Preservative safety (if applicable)
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 likely contains standard preservatives (methylisothiazolinone or similar) common in lotion formulations. No product-specific preservative concerns or recalls are on record.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Sun Bum has no published safety controversies or recalls on record for this product line. The brand does not publicly commit to PFAS testing or disclose full ingredient sourcing, which is typical for mainstream sunscreen manufacturers but limits independent verification. No third-party certifications (EWG Verified, MADE SAFE, etc.) are associated with this product, suggesting standard regulatory compliance only.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens are generally considered lower concern than chemical alternatives because they do not rely on absorptive UV filters like oxybenzone or avobenzone, which carry greater endocrine-disruption risk. Sun Bum's mineral formula aligns with category best practices. Competitors like Badger and Blue Lizard offer similar mineral formulations with higher transparency; conversely, many drugstore mineral sunscreens are chemically identical but lower cost.
If you buy it
Store in cool, dry conditions away from direct heat; mineral sunscreens are stable but can separate if exposed to temperature extremes. Apply generously and reapply every 2 hours or after water exposure, as directed on label. Shake well before use since mineral particles settle naturally. No special hazards with skin contact, but avoid eye contact; mineral sunscreens leave visible white cast on skin, which is normal and indicates proper coverage.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Sunbum has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion?
- Mineral sunscreen, zinc oxide base
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- 1,4-dioxane (non-intentional contaminant from surfactants/emulsifiers)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide base)
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Synthetic fragrance allergens
More sunscreen grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.