Sunbum · Sunscreen
Sun Bum Original SPF Sunscreen Lotion
Lower concern for PFAS; typical sunscreen lotion without obvious fluorochemical need.
Sun Bum Original is a standard oil-and-water sunscreen lotion with no public PFAS claims or third-party verification. Sunscreens don't typically require water-repellent coatings or Teflon-family coating, making PFAS use unlikely but unconfirmed. Brand has not disclosed PFAS testing or commitments.
Shop Sunbum on Amazon →Material
Lotion base (water, oils, emulsifiers)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
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.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
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.
Heavy metals in color additives (if present)
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.
Preservative safety (if methylisothiazolinone or parabens used)
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.
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 we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Sunscreen
Goddess Garden
Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 6 oz
mineral-based UV filters, plant-derived waxes
Lower-concern mineral sunscreen with credible PFAS-exclusion certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Eco Formula SPF 30 Sunscreen
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Lower PFAS concern; mineral sunscreen with third-party verification and no known 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
Lower-concern choice; mineral sunscreen + explicit PFAS-free positioning + third-party certs reduce risk.
✓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.