Is Sun Bum Sunscreen Good Or Bad For You? Is It Safe?

Sun Bum Sunscreen

Sun Bum believes in producing safe and effective sun care products that are used by people of all ages. Their sunscreens are tested, approved, and recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation and are loved by skincare bloggers and common people. They formulate their sunscreen and other related skin care products without any unnecessary chemicals or animal testing.

What Ingredients Are In Sun Bum Sunscreen? 

Sun Bum sunscreen offers two variants: mineral and original (SPF 50). Mineral sunscreen has 20% Zinc Oxide as its active ingredient, while the original one has Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene. 

Zinc oxide can be found in most physical sunscreens due to its ability to scatter the sun’s light. This blocks harmful UV-A and UV-B radiation. Sunscreens that contain zinc oxide are best for people with sensitive skin because they don’t irritate or cause redness and are also non-comedogenic.

Unlike other sunscreens, which only shield us from the burning effect of UVB rays, Avobenzone also offers excellent protection against complete UVA rays (UVA1 & UVA2) and prevents premature aging and skin cancer.

Does Sun Bum Sunscreen Have Fragrance?

Sun Bum sunscreens have a heavy fragrance which does not make them a good choice for everyday use. If you are sensitive to synthetic fragrances, it would not be a good choice for you.   

Many users experienced stinging and irritated eyes after using Sun Bum’s original SPF 50.

Does Sun Bum Sunscreen Have Benzene?

Few reports have claimed that spray variants of Sun Bum sunscreens do have undisclosed benzene in them. However, there is no solid evidence that mineral and original SPF50 have any benzene in them. 

Does Sun Bum Sunscreen Have Avobenzone?

Yes, Sun Bum Original SPF 50 has avobenzone as its key ingredient. Avobenzone is an oil-soluble ingredient used in sunscreen to block UVB and UVA rays.  

Avobenzone is safe in terms of toxicity, but it breaks down within 30 minutes when exposed to the sun.  

While Avobenzone is commonly used to block the full range of UVA rays, it is quite ‘unstable’ in physical sunscreens. On its own, it destabilizes when exposed to light, hence Avobenzone is often paired with other ingredients to make itself stabilize.

Does Sun Bum Sunscreen Have Zinc?

Yes, Zinc Oxide is one of the chief ingredients in the Sun Bum’s Mineral SPF. Zinc oxide is another popular sunscreen filter used to block sun rays. Unlike Avobenzone, Zinc Oxide is photostable, meaning it does not break down easily when exposed to the sun. 

Sunscreens containing Zinc Oxide are effective for all skin types. It acts as an exceptionally excellent barrier against the sun as it sits on the skin’s surface and is not absorbed by the skin the same way chemical sunscreens are.

Apart from penetration and absorption, zinc oxide is also better endured by those with sensitive skin.

Does Sun Bum Sunscreen Have Oxybenzone?

No. Sun Bum sunscreens do not have Oxybenzone in them. Oxybenzone is considered safe according to the FDA and is commonly found in sunscreens, but it is known to cause harm to the environment, especially the coral reefs. 

Not only that, but Sun Bum sunscreens are also free of Octinoxate, another ingredient that causes harm to coral reefs.

Does Sun Bum Sunscreen Have Coconut?

Sun Bum Mineral SPF contains coconut oil in its formulation. Coconut oil acts as an emollient and also has an SPF of 7. 

Research from the American Academy of Dermatology established that using coconut oil in sunscreens with other ingredients can effectively protect from skin diseases and fatal skin cancers like melanoma.

Is Sun Bum Sunscreen Safe?

Yes, Sun Bum complies with the guidelines set by the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF), the American Cancer Society (ACS), and the FDA, hence, is considered safe for all skin types. 

The Original one is scented, so it is advised to go for a fragrance-free variant if you have a sensitivity toward fragrances. 

Does Sun Bum Sunscreen Cause Cancer?

Few reports have alleged that Sun Bum has undisclosed benzene, a notorious carcinogen, but there is no solid evidence that proves this claim.

Can You Use Sun Bum Sunscreen While Pregnant?

While you can wear sunscreen during pregnancy, there are certain ingredients like Oxybenzone, Octocrylene, Avobenzone, and Octinoxate that you should avoid at all costs. 

Unfortunately, Sun Bum Mineral sunscreen has Avobenzone and Octocrylene as its key ingredient. But, the original one has no ingredient that may cause harm to the baby. 

We still recommend you ask your doctor before incorporating Sun Bum’s sunscreens into your skincare routine.

Can You Use Sun Bum Sunscreen On Babies?

Always consult your baby’s pediatrician before applying sunscreen to ensure they’re safe enough for them, especially if they are under six months. 

Sun Bum offers a range specially curated for babies above six months. Their Baby Bum’s mineral-based sunscreens are an excellent option for babies because they have been dermatologist-tested. 

Can You Use Sun Bum Sunscreen On Dogs?

No. Sun Bum sunscreens are not dog-friendly. These contain ingredients like zinc oxide in them, which are toxic to dogs and can cause harm when they ingest them by licking their skin. 

Does Sun Bum Sunscreen Cause Acne?

Sun Bum sunscreens are tested for non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic and are considered break-out free. These are not supposed to cause acne until you are sensitive or allergic to the ingredients used in the formulation.

Hence, we suggest you go through the ingredient list thoroughly. 

Is Sun Bum Sunscreen Good For Sensitive Skin?

Sun Bum Mineral sunscreen is a better choice if you have sensitive skin. This specific sunscreen is hypoallergenic, gluten-free, and non-greasy. Mineral-based sunscreens contain Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide, which are non-irritants, and hence, are better tolerated by sensitive skin types. 

Zinc oxide is suitable even for those with acne-prone skin. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which can trigger hormonal imbalance, using products with zinc oxide as one of the main ingredients is a great bet for those with sensitive skin.

Is Sun Bum Sunscreen Good For Oily Skin?

Those with oily and acne-prone skin will love their mineral-based sunscreens which provide broad-spectrum SPF protection and get easily absorbed by the skin, leaving a lightweight matte finish. 

Is Sun Bum Sunscreen Good For Acne-Prone Skin?

 Acne-prone skin is often more sensitive, which means you need to be careful when it comes to choosing a daily SPF. Chemical sunscreens often contain ingredients that are comedogenic and cause acne flare-ups. 

The best sunscreen for acne-prone skin should have SPF protection of 30 or higher and should be oil-free, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free.  

Sun Bum Mineral-based sunscreen has all! It is free from comedogenic ingredients, lightweight, and leaves a matte finish.

Is Sun Bum Sunscreen Good For Black Or Dark Skin?

Sun Bum sunscreens are dark-skin friendly, however, the tinted one looks a little ashy on this skin type. So we would recommend you go for the non-tinted ones.  

You can not go wrong with their original sun care line. This range has non-mineral and non-tinted products that are gentle enough for everyday use and provide broad-spectrum protection without changing your natural skin color or tone.

Is Sun Bum Sunscreen Good For Tattoos?

Of course, yes! It is crucial to apply sunscreen to your tattooed skin to keep it intact. Prolonged sun exposure breaks down ink pigments present in the tattoos, and also causes that area of your skin to become more wrinkled.

Sun Bum sunscreens not only protect your skin from sun rays but, also help prevent fading of tattoos.

Does Sun Bum Sunscreen Leave A White Cast?

Yes, mineral-based sunscreens from Sun Bum leave a white cast as the ingredients present in them are naturally white and do not absorb completely into the skin. They rather sit on the skin and acts as a shield against the harmful sun rays. 

If you do not prefer your sunscreen to leave a white cast, you can go for the non-mineral options Sun Bum has to offer.

Does Sun Bum Sunscreen Help You Tan?

No, sunscreen can prevent skin from tanning if used correctly. If you want to get tanned skin, then the best way to get it is by using a combo like Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion and Moisturizing Browning & Tanning Lotion from the same brand. The SPF in the sunscreen protects your skin from the sun, while tanning lotion acts as a tan accelerant.

Does Sun Bum Sunscreen Stain Clothes?

Yes, Avobenzone-based sunscreen may cause some pesky rust stains on clothes. When Avobenzone (an active ingredient in Sun Bum’s Original sunscreen ) mixes with water containing a super high iron content causes oxidation and leads to rust stains.

How Long Does Sun Bum Sunscreen Last?

It is recommended that you must re-apply Sun Bum sunscreens every 2 hours, especially if you sweat a lot or indulge yourself in swimming. 

Is Sun Bum Sunscreen Water-Resistant?

Sun protection does not last forever! Sun Bum’s sun care products can last up to 80 minutes in water. According to FDA rules, there is no such thing as waterproof when it comes to sun protection claims. Reapplication becomes necessary after swimming or sweating.

Does Sun Bum Sunscreen Expire?

Yes, Sun Bum sunscreens expire within 6 months to a year after opening. If not opened, their sunscreens have a shelf life of 3 years from the date of manufacturing. 

Is All Sun Bum Sunscreen Reef Safe?

This has been the most debatable question of all time. Sun Bum claims that its Original range is reef-safe and complies with the Hawaii state legislature, which bans the use of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. 

There are still additional troubling ingredients that pose a potential threat to reefs. Unfortunately, there is not enough research on these ingredients yet, so it can not be confirmed how damaging they may or may not be.

Sun Bum also uses Homosalate, and Octocrylene, which are seen as harmful to coral reefs. These chemicals are dangerous for corals; they can disrupt their reproductive cycles and even damage their DNA.

Octocrylene

According to a study by the center for biological diversity, this ingredient can trigger brain deformities in fishes and increase reproductive toxicity. It may also have a bleaching effect on coral reefs.

Homosalate

This chemical does not break down easily, and traces of this have been found on sea life and corals. It is yet to discover what exact effect it has on them, but many organizations working for coral reefs have shown concern over this ingredient. 

Avobenzone

Avobenzone decreases the ability of coral reefs to protect themselves from rising ocean temperatures.

Sunscreens having Zinc Oxide with no-nano-sized particles are safer for coral reefs than sunscreens having nano-sized particles. And it is not known if Sun Bum contains nanoparticles or no-nano-sized particles.

Is Sun Bum Sunscreen Biodegradable?

For a sunscreen to be biodegradable, it needs to be free of the following chemicals:

  • Octinoxate
  • Oxybenzone
  • PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
  • 4-methyl benzylidene 
  • Camphor
  • Butylparaben

Even though Sun Bum does not contain any of the above, it is tough to say if it is completely biodegradable because there are ingredients in them that do leave traces in the environment. 

Is Sun Bum Sunscreen Any Good?

Sunscreen is a crucial step in any skincare routine, and Sun Bum lives up to its promises. 

Sun Bum makes effective sunscreens and has one for every skin type. 

They come in a range of formulas, from lotions to sprays to sticks. 

This brand has a few variants that come fragrance-free and are non-greasy and lightweight. It glides effortlessly on the skin and is easy to wear underneath makeup. 

It can also be used as a daily moisturizer. It is fast-absorbing and does not leave behind a terrible white cast on the skin. Another bonus is that it does not feel oily and does not break out. 

We think that Sun Bum mineral-based sunscreen is an overall winner as the Zinc Oxide is suitable for all skin types and is a safer choice for the environment too. 

It not only biodegrade easily compared to other chemical ingredients but is also the safest UV filter for human beings.

References:

  1. https://www.sunbum.com/pages/sun-care-products
  2. https://www.skinsafeproducts.com/sun-bum-spf-50-original-sunscreen-lotion

Check out our articles on other popular sunscreens

Anand Srinivasan
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