Sun Bum Original SPF Lotion Sunscreen
Moderate risk; Sun Bum hasn't publicly disclosed ingredient transparency.
Waterproof sunscreen lotions commonly use PFAS for water-repellent durability. Sun Bum discloses nothing about PFAS content or ingredient sourcing.
The safe swap
Raw Elements
Raw Elements Plastic Free Sunscreen Pack SPF 30
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
Oil/water emulsion lotion base with waterproofing actives
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.
Synthetic UV-filter dermal absorption
Oxybenzone and avobenzone (common actives in this product class) are absorbed through skin at measurable levels; FDA 2019-2023 studies flagged systemic absorption above 0.5 ng/mL threshold. Individual risk is low at occasional use but cumulative exposure over seasons warrants caution, especially for frequent users or children.
Emulsion stability and polymer leachates
Oil-water emulsions in sunscreens rely on synthetic polymers and silicone surfactants to maintain suspension and waterproofing. Over time or with heat exposure, these additives may leach into skin; long-term dermal safety data for many commercial polymers in cosmetics remains limited.
Fragrance and fragrance allergens
Sun Bum Original is scented (typical coconut or tropical fragrance); undisclosed fragrance components may trigger contact dermatitis or photosensitivity in sensitive individuals. No ingredient list publicly specifies the allergen profile of the fragrance blend.
Photocatalytic activity of UV filters
Certain chemical UV filters can generate reactive oxygen species when exposed to sun, potentially accelerating skin damage or irritation in susceptible individuals. This risk is low for most users but may occur in prolonged outdoor settings or in individuals with compromised skin barriers.
Water-resistance claims and reapplication risk
Waterproof sunscreens often rely on fluorinated polymer coatings (a likely source of PFAS). The 80-minute water-resistant claim assumes reapplication compliance; inadequate reapplication is a leading cause of sunburn and UV damage among consumers, not a product safety defect but a use-pattern risk.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Sun Bum Original is an oil-water emulsion lotion containing UV-absorbing active ingredients (likely oxybenzone and/or avobenzone based on typical formulations in this product line) suspended in a moisturizing base. The waterproofing and emulsion stability rely on synthetic polymers and surfactants that may include fluorinated compounds (linked to the PFAS concern flagged separately). The lotion matrix is designed to adhere to skin during water exposure, which increases dermal absorption risk for any problematic additives.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sun Bum has not published detailed ingredient breakdowns or toxicology commitments on its website or third-party disclosures reviewed in available sources. The brand has no known voluntary certifications (e.g., EWG Verified, Reef Safe badge, or independent safety audits) that would signal transparency. The PFAS-related silence suggests no proactive phase-out or ingredient reform messaging; this is typical of mid-market sunscreen makers but contrasts with brands that have publicly committed to fluorine-free water-resistance formulas.
How it compares in its category
Sun Bum Original sits in the mainstream, mass-market segment alongside brands like Coppertone and Banana Boat. It lacks the premium transparency of brands such as Blue Lizard or Badger, which publish full ingredient lists and avoid known synthetic actives. Compared to reef-safe or mineral-only alternatives (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), this chemical sunscreen formulation carries higher dermal absorption risk and potential for photocatalytic or endocrine effects from active ingredients, though actual risk remains low at typical use rates.
If you buy it
Apply generously (1/4 teaspoon per face) and reapply every two hours or after water exposure; do not rely solely on waterproof claims for extended aquatic use. Avoid use on infants under 6 months and on broken or irritated skin. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation of UV filters. Consider rotating with alternative sunscreens or mineral-only formulas if using daily on face or on children; this reduces cumulative exposure to synthetic actives and potential PFAS residues.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 55% 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.