Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Lower-risk option; mineral sunscreens typically skip PFAS-heavy waterproofing.
Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide avoids the water-resistant coatings that often contain PFAS. Sun Bum provides no PFAS statements or independent test results.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide base)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is made of, ingredients and materials
Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion uses zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as UV blockers, which sit on skin rather than absorbing into it. These minerals are physically opaque and stable under sun exposure, avoiding the photodegradation risk of chemical sunscreens. The lotion base typically includes glycerin, cetyl alcohol, and water; mineral sunscreens historically skip PFAS-based water-repellents because the mineral particles themselves provide some water resistance. No nanoparticle claims appear in the product literature, so standard particle size is assumed.
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 sensitizers
Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is typically lightly fragranced or unscented depending on variant; specific fragrance composition is not detailed on public labeling. Mineral sunscreens do not preclude fragrance allergens. Individual contact sensitization is rare but possible with any fragrance package.
1,4-dioxane (cosmetic contaminant from ethoxylation)
Lotion bases may include polysorbate or ceteth emulsifiers created via ethoxylation, which can harbor trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct. No specific testing data for this product is public. Industry standard is to remove or limit dioxane; premium brands report testing, but Sun Bum does not disclose this.
Skin irritation from mineral particle concentration or additives
Mineral sunscreens at high SPF require higher mineral loading, which can clog pores or cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Sun Bum formulation is not hypoallergenic-certified. Pre-test on a small area if you have a history of cosmetic sensitivities.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are non-toxic at typical dermal doses and do not leach into skin. No regulatory or toxicology literature documents bioaccumulation from topical sunscreen use. Skin barrier prevents systemic absorption of whole particles.
Source, FDA ↗Photochemical stability of emulsifier or preservative system
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are photostable, but the lotion matrix (emulsifiers, glycerin, preservatives) may degrade under UV or heat. No recalls or reports of instability for this specific product are on record. Proper storage away from direct sunlight extends shelf life.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Sun Bum is a mainstream beach and outdoor skincare brand owned by Edgewell Personal Care (Schick, Wilkinson). The company provides ingredient lists on packaging and websites but has not published formal safety testing reports or third-party certifications (EWG verification, reef-safe claims, etc.) for this product. No recalls, lawsuits, or regulatory warnings specific to this sunscreen line are on record. The brand's silence on PFAS reflects the industry norm for mineral sunscreens, which do not typically require fluorinated compounds.
How it compares in its category
Mineral sunscreens like this one rank lower-risk for PFAS than chemical sunscreens, which sometimes contain fluorinated UV absorbers or waterproofing agents. Sun Bum's version is a standard lotion formulation without specialty claims (powder, spray, tinted, etc.), placing it in the mainstream segment. Compared to avobenzone or oxybenzone-based products, mineral sunscreens avoid photodegradation concerns but typically leave a visible white cast and can feel heavier on skin. Price and cosmetic elegance are trade-offs; hazard profile is simpler.
If you buy it
Apply generously (about a quarter-teaspoon per face or equivalent body area) and reapply every 2 hours or after water exposure, as labeled. Do not heat or store above 104F (40C) to avoid any potential separation of mineral particles and emulsifiers. Keep the cap sealed to prevent water ingress and bacterial contamination of the lotion. Discontinue if skin irritation or unusual redness develops; mineral sunscreens are rare sensitizers, but individual reactions are possible. Check expiration dating; sunscreen efficacy degrades after 3 years.
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 Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50?
- 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.