Sun Bum Original SPF Sunscreen Lotion
Lower risk without obvious need for fluorochemical additives.
This standard lotion sunscreen has no inherent need for water-repellent coatings or Teflon-family coating. Sun Bum hasn't disclosed PFAS testing or commitments.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Lotion base (water, oils, emulsifiers)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
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.
Fragrance allergens
Sun Bum Original contains fragrance compounds (coconut scent marketed); specific allergen disclosure not provided. Individual sensitivities to fragrance components vary widely; patch testing recommended for sensitive skin.
Oxybenzone and avobenzone photostability
Both UV filters are known to degrade under sunlight and may produce minor photodegradation byproducts. Stability is typical for mainstream sunscreens; no recalled batches of Sun Bum for this issue have been documented.
Parabens
Standard lotion preservatives (parabens, methylisothiazolinone) have low oral toxicity but can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Exact preservative system not disclosed on typical retail label; contact manufacturer for details if concerned.
Source: FDA ↗Ocular irritation from emulsifier residue
Sunscreen lotions can irritate eyes if applied too close to lids or if accidentally rubbed into eyes. This is typical for all sunscreen lotion formulas, not specific to Sun Bum, and easily avoided with careful application.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Heavy metals
No public testing or recalls involving heavy metal contamination in Sun Bum Original; minimal pigmentation used in clear/translucent lotion formulas reduces this risk relative to tinted products.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Sun Bum Original is a water-in-oil lotion emulsion containing active UV filters (likely avobenzone and/or oxybenzone based on broad-spectrum labeling), water, mineral oils, and standard emulsifiers. The lotion base itself poses minimal chemical leaching risk since it sits on skin rather than leaching into food or water. Stability of UV filters under heat and sunlight is the primary chemistry concern for efficacy and degradation byproducts.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sun Bum does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient sourcing, manufacturing audits, or third-party safety certifications (e.g., no visible EWG Verified or Reef Safe certification). The brand has no documented major product recalls or safety controversies on public record. Transparency on heavy metals testing or formaldehyde-releaser screening is not evident from publicly available statements.
How it compares in its category
Sun Bum Original occupies the mainstream commercial sunscreen tier, comparable to Coppertone, Banana Boat, and store-brand lotions. It lacks premium certifications (reef-safe, reef-friendly, mineral-only) that some consumers seek; mineral-only alternatives reduce oxybenzone/avobenzone exposure but are less water-resistant. No standout safety distinction separates it from typical drugstore broad-spectrum lotions.
If you buy it
Reapply every two hours or after swimming per label guidance; sunscreen efficacy degrades with sweat and water regardless of brand. Store in cool, dry conditions away from direct heat to prevent UV filter breakdown. Patch test on a small area first if you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/oil sensitivities. Discard if discolored, separated, or past expiration.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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.