Sun Bum Sunscreen Lotion 70 SPF
Avoid this brand until it discloses waterproof formula details.
Sun Bum's waterproof sunscreen doesn't reveal what chemicals keep it water-resistant, and the brand provides no PFAS testing. Waterproof sunscreens frequently contain PFAS.
The safe swap
Raw Elements
Raw Elements Mike Field Face & Body SPF 30 Tin
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
organic sunscreen lotion (waterproof formulation)
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.
PFAS
Brand does not disclose the chemical mechanism for waterproofing. Industry reporting (2021-2023) identified PFAS in several waterproof sunscreens; without transparency, Sun Bum's formulation cannot be independently verified as PFAS-free.
Source: ATSDR ↗Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide inhalation risk (particulate)
Spray or powder application of mineral sunscreens can generate inhalable particulates; lotion form mitigates this significantly, but cosmetic-grade titanium dioxide nanoparticles have been detected in some sunscreen formulations, though systemic absorption through intact skin is considered minimal by FDA.
Fragrance allergens (if present in lotion base)
Sun Bum products often include added scent for appeal; fragrance is not fully disclosed on most labels and can trigger contact dermatitis or sensitization in susceptible individuals, particularly on sun-exposed or compromised skin.
What’s reassuring
Talc contamination in mineral powder form (if applicable)
This product is lotion, not powder, so direct talc risk is not relevant. Modern formulations of reputable brands rarely retain talc in mineral sunscreens, though no public testing specific to Sun Bum has been published.
Octocrylene or other chemical UV filter degradation (if blended formula)
Product is labeled organic (mineral only), so photocatalytic chemical filter breakdown is not expected. If formulation is hybrid, check ingredients; octocrylene can degrade to benzophenone under UV and heat, but this is not reported for Sun Bum specifically.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Sun Bum 70 SPF is an organic (mineral) sunscreen lotion formulation marketed as waterproof, meaning it contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as UV-blocking agents suspended in an emulsified base of oils, waxes, and water-binding polymers. The waterproof claim raises red flags because conventional waterproofing in sunscreens historically relied on fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to achieve water-repellency; without transparent ingredient disclosure, the mechanism here is unclear. Organic sunscreens are generally lower-risk for hormone disruption than chemical sunscreens, but the delivery matrix and any undisclosed additives matter for skin contact safety.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sun Bum has not publicly disclosed detailed waterproof formulation chemistry or made PFAS-free certifications, despite the product's waterproof marketing claims. The brand maintains a casual lifestyle positioning and does not appear on standard third-party certifications (EWG Verified, Reef Safe, etc.) that would address ingredient transparency. Public records show no major recalls specific to this sunscreen, but the silence on waterproofing mechanism is notable given industry scrutiny of PFAS in sunscreen since 2021-2022.
How it compares in its category
Sun Bum's 70 SPF lotion sits in the mid-to-high SPF segment but lacks transparency benchmarks that competitors like Badger, Blue Lizard, or EWG-listed brands publish openly. Most mainstream waterproof sunscreens now specify either silicone-based water barriers (dimethicone) or proprietary polymer systems; Sun Bum's silence on this choice makes it harder to rank. For consumers avoiding PFAS, competitors with certified PFAS-free waterproof formulas (e.g., Stream2Sea, True Grit) offer clearer safety profiles.
If you buy it
Apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming, even though it claims waterproof status; reapplication is still advised per FDA guidance. Avoid contact with eyes and rinse thoroughly if it occurs, as mineral particles can irritate. If you have sensitive skin or are pregnant, cross-check ingredient list against any known sensitivities (talc contamination is rare in modern formulas but check the label). Consider rotating to a brand with published PFAS-free or reef-safe certification if you use sunscreen regularly or live in an area with waterway proximity.
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
- Sunbum 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.