Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
Moderate risk; water-resistant sprays often contain PFAS-based hydrophobic coatings.
Water-resistant spray sunscreens frequently employ PFAS-based hydrophobic agents. Sun Bum makes no public statement about PFAS presence or absence.
The safe swap
Raw Elements
Raw Elements Eco Formula SPF 30 Sunscreen
100/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Spray sunscreen with water-resistant film-forming agents
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Inhalation risk from aerosol propellant and UV filter particles
Spray sunscreen delivery inherently creates fine aerosol particles and propellant vapor. Repeated inhalation of silicone carriers and UV filters can irritate respiratory tissues; the FDA has flagged inhalation as a route of concern in spray sunscreen guidance. No specific respiratory incidents tied to Sun Bum are on record, but the hazard class is well-established.
Endocrine disruptors
If this formulation includes oxybenzone (common in SPF 50 sprays), published studies show systemic absorption and potential hormone disruption at high doses. Sun Bum does not publicly confirm specific UV filter composition. Avobenzone is a safer alternative but still absorbs systemically. The spray delivery may increase absorption rates compared to lotions.
Source: NIEHS ↗Silicone and synthetic polymer film accumulation on skin
Water-resistant spray sunscreens rely on siloxane polymers and acrylate resins that do not fully rinse away with soap and water alone. Repeated application creates polymer buildup, potentially occluding pores and trapping bacteria. No direct toxicity is established at typical use levels, but prolonged wear without thorough cleansing raises irritation and folliculitis risk.
PFAS
Water-resistant spray sunscreens frequently use PFAS-based hydrophobic polymers (fluorocarbon films) to maintain efficacy post-swimming. Sun Bum's silence on this ingredient and the product's emphasis on water resistance strongly suggest PFAS presence. These compounds persist in skin, blood, and the environment; see separate PFAS assessment.
Source: ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
Sun Bum Original is marketed with a coconut scent, typically achieved with fragrance blends that may include limonene, linalool, or other contact allergens. Full fragrance composition is not disclosed; individuals with fragrance sensitivity or atopic dermatitis should patch test or choose unscented alternatives.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 is an aerosol spray sunscreen formulated with UV filters (likely avobenzone and/or octinoxate based on typical SPF 50 formulations), silicone carriers, and film-forming agents to maintain water resistance. Spray sunscreens rely on volatile propellants and binders to create an even coating; water-resistant versions often incorporate siloxane-based or fluorocarbon-based hydrophobic films to prevent washoff. The spray delivery method inherently poses inhalation risk during application, particularly in enclosed spaces.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sun Bum does not publish detailed ingredient disclosure or PFAS-specific sourcing statements. The brand has not achieved third-party certifications (EWG, MADE SAFE, or reef-safe standards), and no public recalls or formal safety controversies are recorded. The silent stance on PFAS in water-resistant products reflects common industry practice but limits consumer transparency for this specific hazard class.
How it compares in its category
Spray sunscreens occupy a higher-risk position than lotions or sticks due to inhalation exposure; water-resistant sprays sit at the top tier of that risk because they require additional bonding chemistry. Many premium spray sunscreens (Coppertone, Neutrogena aerosol lines) share this profile. Mineral or non-water-resistant spray alternatives exist but offer shorter reapplication windows. Lotion formulations eliminate inhalation risk and typically contain fewer synthetic polymers.
If you buy it
Apply outdoors or in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation of propellant and silicone aerosol. Do not spray on face directly; apply to hands first or use a lotion for facial application. Reapply every 2 hours or immediately after water exposure, despite water-resistant claims. Store below 120F (aerosol cans can rupture or release propellant under heat). If you have respiratory sensitivity or use the product frequently, switching to a lotion formulation reduces cumulative inhalation exposure.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Sun Bum Original has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Sunscreen
Goddess Garden
Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 6 oz
mineral-based UV filters, plant-derived waxes
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
Limited concern
Skin irritation or photosensitivity from plant oils
Limited concern
Lower-concern mineral sunscreen backed by credible PFAS-exclusion certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Eco Formula SPF 30 Sunscreen
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide in sunlight
Limited concern
Skin irritation or sensitivity to mineral film
Limited concern
Low risk. Mineral sunscreen backed by third-party verification, no fluorochemical history.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Face & Body Sunscreen Tin SPF 30
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), tin packaging
Epoxy resin coating in tin lining
Limited concern
Fragrance allergens
Limited concern
Nano particle inhalation from loose powder form
Limited concern
Low risk. Mineral formula plus explicit PFAS-free stance and certs lower concern.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
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.