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Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Common questions

Is Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion healthy?

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion scores 18/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the lower scores in Scout's catalog. Sun Bum Original SPF 50 scores 18/100.

How does Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion compare to other sunscreen?

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion ranks #50 of 58 sunscreen in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is KORUA Tallow Sunscreen Grass-Fed Organic SPF 50 at 100/100.

Which ingredients drive Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil count in its favor; Avobenzone, Homosalate (9.5%), Octisalate are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

Healthy alternatives

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KORUA Tallow Sunscreen Grass-Fed Organic SPF 50
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Tanit Moisturizing Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Coconut + Vanilla
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Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Sun Bum
18 Poor

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 7
Owned by Sun Bum (private)
Category Sunscreen
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.

Key ingredients 9

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%) →
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) →
Avobenzone
Bad

Chemical UV filter with systemic absorption — Scout prefers mineral filters.

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Octisalate
Bad

Chemical UV filter. Skin penetration and absorption confirmed in FDA studies. Less hormonal concern than oxybenzone but still systemic.

See more about Octisalate →
Octocrylene
Bad

Chemical UV filter. Degrades into benzophenone (a Prop 65 carcinogen) over time. Skin sensitizer and aquatic toxin.

See more about Octocrylene →
BHT
Bad

Butylated hydroxytoluene -- synthetic antioxidant. NTP lists as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen' at high doses; flagged as endocrine disruptor by EWG.

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Butyloctyl Salicylate
Bad

Synthetic SPF booster from the salicylate family. Solvent for chemical filters; structurally similar to octisalate and similar absorption concerns.

See more about Butyloctyl Salicylate →
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Very Good

Natural antioxidant that stabilizes avobenzone.

See more about Tocopherol (Vitamin E) →
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Very Good

Plant emollient. Small amount.

See more about Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil →

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