Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Summary
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 scores 18/100. Despite the surf-brand 'reef-friendly' marketing (true: no oxybenzone, no octinoxate), this is a fully chemical sunscreen with four filters: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 9.5%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 8%. The homosalate is well above the EU 7.34% maximum. Octocrylene degrades to benzophenone over time. The inactive base adds BHT (NTP-flagged carcinogen-suspect) and synthetic fragrance for the trademark 'banana scent.' The vitamin E inclusion is positive but doesn't offset the filter load. Reef-friendly is a marketing claim that excludes only oxybenzone/octinoxate -- the homosalate/octocrylene here still raise environmental concerns. Privately held.
At a glance
Key ingredients 9
AvobenzoneNeutral
Chemical UVA filter -- the only FDA-approved broad-spectrum chemical UVA blocker. Photo-unstable; requires stabilizers. Less hormonal concern than oxybenzone/octinoxate.
See more about Avobenzone →Homosalate (9.5%)Very Bad
Chemical UV filter present above the EU 7.34% maximum (capped in 2022 due to endocrine-disruption concerns).
See more about Homosalate (9.5%) →OctisalateBad
Chemical UV filter. Skin penetration and absorption confirmed in FDA studies. Less hormonal concern than oxybenzone but still systemic.
See more about Octisalate →OctocryleneBad
Chemical UV filter. Degrades into benzophenone (a Prop 65 carcinogen) over time. Skin sensitizer and aquatic toxin.
See more about Octocrylene →Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Good
Natural antioxidant that stabilizes avobenzone.
See more about Tocopherol (Vitamin E) →BHTBad
Butylated hydroxytoluene -- synthetic antioxidant. NTP lists as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen' at high doses; flagged as endocrine disruptor by EWG.
See more about BHT →Fragrance (Parfum)Very Bad
Undisclosed proprietary blend that can legally contain 1000+ chemicals including phthalate carriers and EU-26 allergens. Top trigger for cosmetic contact dermatitis.
See more about Fragrance (Parfum) →Butyloctyl SalicylateBad
Synthetic SPF booster from the salicylate family. Solvent for chemical filters; structurally similar to octisalate and similar absorption concerns.
See more about Butyloctyl Salicylate →Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) OilGood
Plant emollient. Small amount.
See more about Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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