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
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What Sun Bum Original SPF Sunscreen Lotion is made of, ingredients and materials
Sun Bum Original is a lotion-based sunscreen with a water and oil emulsion base, typical for broad-spectrum UV protection products. The lotion matrix itself poses no inherent leaching or coating-degradation risks common to cookware or rigid containers, since it is a liquid suspension applied topically and not stored in contact with food. Standard emulsifiers and preservatives in sunscreen lotions carry low contamination risk if formulated to FDA cosmetic standards, which Sun Bum products are marketed to meet.
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
Sunscreen lotions often contain fragrance blends to mask odor; Sun Bum Original's ingredient list includes fragrance, but no specific allergen composition is disclosed. Risk is individual variation; patch testing recommended for sensitive individuals.
Parabens
Lotion-based sunscreens require preservatives to prevent microbial growth; Sun Bum formulations may contain common preservatives that trigger contact dermatitis in a minority of users. No recalls or widespread safety warnings are on record for this product.
Source, FDA ↗Photoallergic or phototoxic reaction to UV filters
Chemical sunscreen actives (e.g., oxybenzone, avobenzone) can trigger photosensitivity in rare cases. Sun Bum does not advertise hypoallergenic or photosensitivity-tested formulations; individuals with known UV-filter sensitivities should review the full ingredient list or consult a dermatologist.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
If Sun Bum Original uses mineral-based UV filters, these are regulated cosmetic-grade materials with low contamination risk when sourced from qualified suppliers. No published testing or recalls for heavy-metal contamination in Sun Bum products are on record.
Source, FDA ↗Talc contamination
Talc is not a typical ingredient in sunscreen lotions and does not appear in standard formulations for this product type. No records of talc-related contamination in Sun Bum sunscreen products exist.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Sun Bum is owned by Energizer Holdings and has maintained a consumer-focused sunscreen product line for decades without major FDA enforcement actions or product recalls tied to chemical contamination. The brand does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient sourcing or third-party testing for heavy metals or allergens, which is typical for mainstream sunscreen makers but limits transparency. No established controversies involving formulation hazards such as talc contamination, heavy-metal pigments, or undisclosed allergens are on public record for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Sun Bum Original is a conventional chemical and mineral sunscreen hybrid, positioned as a mid-tier consumer product without claims of organic, reef-safe, or hypoallergenic formulation. Compared to clinical-grade or dermatologist-recommended brands, it offers no special certification for sensitive skin or third-party verification of ingredient purity. Within the mass-market sunscreen category, it carries typical disclosure and testing standards, neither above nor below the norm for major retailers.
If you buy it
Apply sunscreen liberally and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming to maintain UV protection, as directed on the label. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat, as high temperatures can degrade active UV-filter molecules; do not leave in a hot car for extended periods. Replace the bottle if it shows separation, discoloration, or expiration date has passed. Discontinue use if you develop a rash or burning sensation and consult a dermatologist if sensitive skin is a concern.
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
- Sun Bum Original 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 Original SPF 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.