Sun Bum Signature SPF 30 Lotion

Common questions

Is Sun Bum Signature SPF 30 Lotion healthy?

Sun Bum Signature SPF 30 Lotion scores 20/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the lower scores in Scout's catalog. This sunscreen contains multiple chemical UV filters such as avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene, which are associated with potential skin irritation and environmental concerns.

How does Sun Bum Signature SPF 30 Lotion compare to other sunscreen?

Sun Bum Signature SPF 30 Lotion ranks #49 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 Signature SPF 30 Lotion's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Tocopheryl Acetate counts in its favor; Butyloctyl Salicylate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Dimethicone are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Sun Bum Signature SPF 30 Lotion

Sun Bum
20 Poor

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 10
Owned by SC Johnson
Category Sunscreen
Summary

This sunscreen contains multiple chemical UV filters such as avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene, which are associated with potential skin irritation and environmental concerns. The presence of synthetic fragrance and preservatives like methylisothiazolinone further contributes to the risk of skin sensitization and allergic reactions. While it includes some beneficial ingredients like tocopheryl acetate, the overall formulation relies heavily on processed additives and chemical filters, impacting its safety profile.

Key ingredients 28

Fragrance
Very Bad

Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to cosmetic products. However, it can be a source of allergens and irritants, especially for sensitive skin. It is often criticized for its potential to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Risks

Fragrance can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and may contain undisclosed chemicals.

Benefits

It provides a pleasant scent to the product, enhancing user experience.

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Methylisothiazolinone
Very Bad

Methylisothiazolinone is used as a preservative in cosmetics. It is effective at preventing microbial growth but is known to cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions. It is often criticized for its potential to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Risks

Methylisothiazolinone can cause skin sensitization, allergic reactions, and irritation.

Benefits

It provides effective preservation against microbial growth.

See more about Methylisothiazolinone →
Homosalate
Very Bad

Homosalate is a chemical UV filter used in sunscreens to absorb UVB radiation. It is known to penetrate the skin and may disrupt hormones. It is often criticized for its potential endocrine-disrupting effects and environmental impact.

Risks

Homosalate can penetrate the skin, potentially disrupting hormones and causing environmental harm.

Benefits

It provides UVB protection in sunscreen formulations.

See more about Homosalate →
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with Butyloctyl Salicylate, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It enhances the sun protection factor (SPF) of the product and provides a smooth application.

See more about Butyloctyl Salicylate →
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It enhances the durability and water resistance of the sunscreen.

See more about Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer →
Dimethicone
Bad

Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with Dimethicone, though it may cause build-up on the skin with prolonged use.

Benefits

It provides a silky texture and helps to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

See more about Dimethicone →
BHT
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are concerns about BHT's potential endocrine-disrupting effects, though it is considered safe in low concentrations.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize the formulation and extend the shelf life of the product.

See more about BHT →
Disodium EDTA
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize the formulation and improve the efficacy of preservatives.

See more about Disodium EDTA →
Avobenzone
Bad

Avobenzone is a chemical UV filter used in sunscreens to absorb UVA radiation. While effective, it can degrade in sunlight and may cause skin irritation. It is often criticized for its instability and potential to cause skin irritation.

Risks

Avobenzone can degrade in sunlight, reducing its effectiveness and potentially causing skin irritation.

Benefits

It provides broad-spectrum UVA protection when stabilized in formulations.

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Octocrylene
Bad

Octocrylene is a chemical UV filter used in sunscreens to absorb UVB and short UVA rays. It can cause skin irritation and has been linked to potential environmental harm. It is often criticized for its potential to cause skin irritation and environmental impact.

Risks

Octocrylene can cause skin irritation and has been linked to coral reef damage.

Benefits

It provides broad-spectrum UV protection and stabilizes other UV filters.

See more about Octocrylene →
Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in many cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic formulations.

Benefits

Water helps to hydrate the skin and improve the texture of the product.

See more about Water →
Hydrated Silica
Neutral

Hydrated Silica is used as a thickening agent and absorbent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for topical use.

Risks

Inhalation of silica particles can be harmful, but this risk is minimal in lotion form.

Benefits

It provides a smooth texture and helps control the viscosity of the product.

See more about Hydrated Silica →
VP/Hexadecene Copolymer
Neutral

VP/Hexadecene Copolymer is a film-forming agent that helps to create a water-resistant barrier on the skin. It is commonly used in sunscreens to enhance durability. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It improves the water resistance of the sunscreen, enhancing its effectiveness.

See more about VP/Hexadecene Copolymer →
Polyester-8
Neutral

Polyester-8 is used as a film-forming agent in sunscreens to enhance water resistance. It helps to improve the longevity of the product on the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It enhances the water resistance and durability of the sunscreen.

See more about Polyester-8 →
Caprylyl Methicone
Neutral

Caprylyl Methicone is a silicone-based compound used as an emollient and conditioning agent. It provides a lightweight feel and enhances the spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with Caprylyl Methicone, though it may cause build-up on the skin with prolonged use.

Benefits

It provides a lightweight, non-greasy feel and improves the texture of the product.

See more about Caprylyl Methicone →
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Neutral

Ethylhexyl Stearate is used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides a smooth application and enhances the texture of the product.

See more about Ethylhexyl Stearate →
Trideceth-6
Neutral

Trideceth-6 is used as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize the formulation and improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize the formulation and improve the texture of the product.

See more about Trideceth-6 →
Glyceryl Stearate
Neutral

Glyceryl Stearate is used as an emulsifier and emollient in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize the formulation and provide a smooth application. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides a smooth application and helps to stabilize the formulation.

See more about Glyceryl Stearate →
PEG-100 Stearate
Neutral

PEG-100 Stearate is used as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize the formulation and improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize the formulation and improve the texture of the product.

See more about PEG-100 Stearate →
Sodium Polyacrylate
Neutral

Sodium Polyacrylate is used as a thickening agent and film-former in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides a smooth texture and helps control the viscosity of the product.

See more about Sodium Polyacrylate →
Behenyl Alcohol
Neutral

Behenyl Alcohol is used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides a smooth application and enhances the texture of the product.

See more about Behenyl Alcohol →
Dimethyl Capramide
Neutral

Dimethyl Capramide is used as a solvent and penetration enhancer in cosmetics. It helps to improve the delivery of active ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It enhances the delivery of active ingredients and improves the efficacy of the product.

See more about Dimethyl Capramide →
Ethylhexylglycerin
Neutral

Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a preservative and skin conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to enhance the efficacy of other preservatives and improve skin feel. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It enhances the preservation of the product and provides a smooth skin feel.

See more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Neutral

Trimethylsiloxysilicate is used as a film-forming agent in cosmetics. It helps to create a water-resistant barrier on the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It enhances the water resistance and durability of the sunscreen.

See more about Trimethylsiloxysilicate →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan Gum is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides a smooth texture and helps control the viscosity of the product.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Polyaminopropyl Biguanide
Neutral

Polyaminopropyl Biguanide is used as a preservative in cosmetics. It helps to prevent microbial growth and extend the shelf life of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and prevent microbial contamination.

See more about Polyaminopropyl Biguanide →
Octisalate
Neutral

Octisalate is a chemical UV filter used in sunscreens to stabilize other UV filters and enhance UVB protection. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. It is effective at enhancing the efficacy of other UV filters.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with Octisalate, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It enhances the stability and efficacy of other UV filters in sunscreen formulations.

See more about Octisalate →
Tocopheryl Acetate
Good

Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of Vitamin E used as an antioxidant in cosmetics. It helps to protect the skin from free radical damage and improve skin health. It is generally considered safe and beneficial for skin care.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with Tocopheryl Acetate, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and helps to improve skin health.

See more about Tocopheryl Acetate →

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