FAQ
We've Got Answers
"Reef Safe" or "Reef Friendly" is not currently defined or regulated by the FDA. There are various municipalities with different regulations which leads to some consumer confusion. To help make it clearer, we are choosing to reference Hawaii Act 104 which barred the use of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. We are proud to say that all of our formulas meet this standard.
All of our products that contain active ingredients (including our SPF products) have expiration dates printed directly on 'em. Let us know if you can't find it and we'll help ya out!
For all other products, expiration is generally about 6 months to a year after opening. But if you notice any changes in its smell or consistency, toss it.
For all other products, expiration is generally about 6 months to a year after opening. But if you notice any changes in its smell or consistency, toss it.
Sun Bum ® products are made, tested, and filled in the USA.
Sun Bum® is Cruelty Free. This means that our products and raw materials are not tested on animals. Period. We are also certified by PETA® and Leaping Bunny®, third party companies that verify product testing practices as well as the processes of our suppliers. Check out the PETA® and Leaping Bunny® pages for more deets. https://crueltyfree.peta.org/company/sun-bum/ https://www.leapingbunny.org/shopping-guide
While most all our products are Vegan, certain products such as our Coco Balm Lip Balms, Tinted Lip Balms, Signature Lip Balm, Mineral Lip Balm and Baby Bum Diaper Rash Cream contain beeswax (from bees). We continue to explore ways to make our entire lineup of products Vegan and will do our best to update you as we do.
Our Signature line, Mineral line, Baby Bum SPF products, SPF Face Lotions, and our Daily Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer are all Fragrance Free.
Nope. None of our products are made with Parabens or Vitamin A.
We're always looking for ways to be better to our planet. Currently, the bottles, tubes, and non-aerosol spray cans in our Skin Care line are recyclable, in addition to our sunscreen spray bottles.
Just look at the number inside the little recycling symbol on the back of the product to learn how to best recycle it and check your local recycling laws, as it varies from state to state. Remember to unscrew caps and wash out containers before tossing them in the bin.
Just look at the number inside the little recycling symbol on the back of the product to learn how to best recycle it and check your local recycling laws, as it varies from state to state. Remember to unscrew caps and wash out containers before tossing them in the bin.
Yep! All of our products are Gluten Free.
You know in Spongebob how Mr. Krabs is super protective about the Krabby Patty formula? Well, that's kinda how we are with our scent. It's proprietary (top secret).
Sun Bum ® is not currently USDA Certified Organic.
Outside of Coconuts, Kukui Nuts, and Argan oil, which some consider a tree nut, we don’t use nuts in any of our Baby Bum or Sun Bum products. But we don’t currently have a program in place to certify our manufacturing facilities as nut-free so cannot guarantee zero traces. For any allergy concerns, consult your doctor before you use any of our stuff just to be safe.
10 minutes of sunlight a day helps give us a healthy dose of Vitamin D, which is essential for good health. But don’t forget, if you stay out past 10 mins, please make sure to put on sunscreen—we don’t care if it’s ours, just use it.
We got a lot of requests for a Fragrance Free Mineral sunscreen option. So, we made one. And while we know you might miss the scented version, we absolutely love this formula and think you will too.
Yes, you can totally use our Original sunscreen on your face. It's non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores. But just a heads up, the Original Sunscreen Lotions do contain fragrance. So if you have sensitive skin, we recommend a Fragrance Free sunscreen option for the face.
Our Original Sun Care collection. This is the stuff we use every day. They use non-physical (non-mineral) active ingredients and provide Broad Spectrum protection that won’t alter the pigment of your skin.
We recommend checking with your doctor if you have any concerns!
Getting sunscreen in your eyes is the worst. The stinging typically comes from the active ingredients in sunscreen that can often cause irritation if applied too closely to our eyes. So, we try to wait about 20 minutes after applying sunscreen before getting in the water.
Because the active ingredients in Mineral sunscreens are naturally white and don't fully absorb into the skin. If you want another option, check out some of our non-mineral products here: https://www.sunbum.com/collections/sunscreen-plp?filters=sunline-signature+sunline-original
Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure and allow it to absorb. Reapply at least every two hours and more frequently after swimming/sweating and towel drying.
Those with oily skin love our Mineral Tinted or Non-Tinted Face Lotion, which provide Broad Spectrum SPF 30 protection and glide on like butter, leaving a matte finish on our skin. Our Mineral Sprays and Lotions are also great for the rest of your body.
For children under 6 months old we recommend consulting your pediatrician before applying sunscreen. For children over 6 months old we recommend the mineral based sunscreens in our Baby Bum ® line. These products have been pediatrician tested and are great options for our groms. https://www.sunbum.com/collections/plp-baby-bum-zinc-sunscreen
Also make sure that if you do take your little ones into the sun, that you cover them up with proper clothing (including a hat) and find them some shade whenever possible.
Also make sure that if you do take your little ones into the sun, that you cover them up with proper clothing (including a hat) and find them some shade whenever possible.
It’s rare, but that ugly orange tint can happen when Avobenzone (an active ingredient in many sunscreens) mixes with water containing a super high iron content. That combo causes oxidation and often leads to annoying rust stains.
Nah, not right now. We only have bulk pumps available for specific accounts and marketing events. Hopefully someday we'll be able to share them with the world, but we're not quite there yet!
Broad Spectrum includes protection from both both UVA/UVB sun rays. UVA rays sink deep into the skin and are often responsible for dark spots, fine lines, uneven skin tone and wrinkles. UVA rays can even pass through window glass. UVB rays are known for causing sunburn.
Everyone has a different definition for what "all-natural" means. To us, making products that we would want to use on ourselves and our families is the goal. Our sunscreen is Hypoallergenic, Cruelty-free, and made without Parabens or Gluten.
Yes! Any of our sunscreens can be used underneath make up and as part of your daily regimen. Our SPF 45 Sunscreen Face Mist is our refreshing daily go-to that makes it easy to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
That's up for debate. In short, no not always. How often you use sunscreen and how much you use are more important than the SPF value. While SPF 15 is the FDA's minimum recommendation for protection against skin cancer and sunburn, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-does-a-high-spf-protect-my-skin-better/
Well, Mineral uses physical active ingredients (Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide) to create a sunscreen barrier on the skin that blocks UV rays by absorbing and reflecting them away from the skin (absorbs approx ~90%+ of UV rays, reflects ~5%+).
Non-Mineral (also called “synthetic”) sunscreens use non-physical active ingredients (Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone) to absorb UV rays by converting them into heat and sending them right back out to where they came from (absorbs approx ~95%+ of UV rays).
Non-Mineral (also called “synthetic”) sunscreens use non-physical active ingredients (Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone) to absorb UV rays by converting them into heat and sending them right back out to where they came from (absorbs approx ~95%+ of UV rays).
Our Signature Line is specifically made with athletes in mind. It’s a Water Resistant, Fragrance Free Mineral/Chemical hybrid formula that's tough enough to stay on in extreme conditions, without getting in your eyes.
Our sunscreen products are Water Resistant for up to 80 minutes. Waterproof is no longer a claim that can be made according to the ruling made by the FDA in 2011. If you get in the water, sweat, or towel off just remember to reapply.
DEFINITELY. People with darker skin are still at risk for skin cancer. We recommend that everyone (no matter what your skin tone is) wear sunscreen to help protect themselves from harmful UV rays.
Nope. All of our products were reformulated years ago without DMDM.
Sulfates encompass a wide range of very different chemicals with very different chemical properties. For example, iron sulfate is a common form of iron used in supplements for people and in soil used for plants. Magnesium sulfate (aka “Epsom salts”) are used in therapeutic baths. There are even organisms found near deep-sea thermal vents that use naturally occurring sulfates for energy in place of sunlight. Clearly, not all sulfates are bad. We use Sodium Coco-Sulfate (in our Revitalizing Shampoo) that starts from Coconuts.
For sure! Our Sun Bum Hair Lightener is formulated with ingredients that really help amplify the natural highlighting effect of the sun including:
Meyer Lemon & Costa Rican Pineapple extracts
Topped off with a bit of hydrogen peroxide
We’ve seen the best color results on lighter brown to blonde hair tones. But using hair lightener on dark brown hair will work it will just give you warmer hues…think amber, gold, and honey. If you do decide to try it on dark hair, we recommend testing it out on a few strands first by applying 1-2 sprays and combing through before going out in the sun. Just remember all results are permanent.
Whether you are going for an all over light a bright look or some sun-kissed highlights, use these steps for the best results:
Wash hair using shampoo and conditioner
On desired area, spray Hair Lightener onto dry or damp hair
To avoid breakage and over-drying, limit use to no more than once between hair washes and use a leave in conditioner. We also recommend using a tone Enhancing product with this like our Tone Enhancer, https://www.sunbum.com/products/blonde-lighten-tone
Complete the look with any of our other hair styling products.
Meyer Lemon & Costa Rican Pineapple extracts
Topped off with a bit of hydrogen peroxide
We’ve seen the best color results on lighter brown to blonde hair tones. But using hair lightener on dark brown hair will work it will just give you warmer hues…think amber, gold, and honey. If you do decide to try it on dark hair, we recommend testing it out on a few strands first by applying 1-2 sprays and combing through before going out in the sun. Just remember all results are permanent.
Whether you are going for an all over light a bright look or some sun-kissed highlights, use these steps for the best results:
Wash hair using shampoo and conditioner
On desired area, spray Hair Lightener onto dry or damp hair
To avoid breakage and over-drying, limit use to no more than once between hair washes and use a leave in conditioner. We also recommend using a tone Enhancing product with this like our Tone Enhancer, https://www.sunbum.com/products/blonde-lighten-tone
Complete the look with any of our other hair styling products.
We usually just let our hair air dry but if we’re in a hurry, to avoid frizz, we DON’T use a towel, we use a chamois first and then a cotton t-shirt.
All of our products that contain active ingredients (including our SPF products) have expiration dates printed directly on 'em. Let us know if you can't find it and we'll help ya out!
For all other products, expiration is generally about 6 months to a year after opening. But if you notice any changes in its smell or consistency, toss it.
For all other products, expiration is generally about 6 months to a year after opening. But if you notice any changes in its smell or consistency, toss it.
Sun Bum ® products are made, tested, and filled in the USA.
Sun Bum® is Cruelty Free. This means that our products and raw materials are not tested on animals. Period. We are also certified by PETA® and Leaping Bunny®, third party companies that verify product testing practices as well as the processes of our suppliers. Check out the PETA® and Leaping Bunny® pages for more deets. https://crueltyfree.peta.org/company/sun-bum/ https://www.leapingbunny.org/shopping-guide
While most all our products are Vegan, certain products such as our Coco Balm Lip Balms, Tinted Lip Balms, Signature Lip Balm, Mineral Lip Balm and Baby Bum Diaper Rash Cream contain beeswax (from bees). We continue to explore ways to make our entire lineup of products Vegan and will do our best to update you as we do.
Our Signature line, Mineral line, Baby Bum SPF products, SPF Face Lotions, and our Daily Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer are all Fragrance Free.
Nope. None of our products are made with Parabens or Vitamin A.
We're always looking for ways to be better to our planet. Currently, the bottles, tubes, and non-aerosol spray cans in our Skin Care line are recyclable, in addition to our sunscreen spray bottles.
Just look at the number inside the little recycling symbol on the back of the product to learn how to best recycle it and check your local recycling laws, as it varies from state to state. Remember to unscrew caps and wash out containers before tossing them in the bin.
Just look at the number inside the little recycling symbol on the back of the product to learn how to best recycle it and check your local recycling laws, as it varies from state to state. Remember to unscrew caps and wash out containers before tossing them in the bin.
Yep! All of our products are Gluten Free.
You know in Spongebob how Mr. Krabs is super protective about the Krabby Patty formula? Well, that's kinda how we are with our scent. It's proprietary (top secret).
Sun Bum ® is not currently USDA Certified Organic.
Outside of Coconuts, Kukui Nuts, and Argan oil, which some consider a tree nut, we don’t use nuts in any of our Baby Bum or Sun Bum products. But we don’t currently have a program in place to certify our manufacturing facilities as nut-free so cannot guarantee zero traces. For any allergy concerns, consult your doctor before you use any of our stuff just to be safe.
Nope. All of our products were reformulated years ago without DMDM.
Sulfates encompass a wide range of very different chemicals with very different chemical properties. For example, iron sulfate is a common form of iron used in supplements for people and in soil used for plants. Magnesium sulfate (aka “Epsom salts”) are used in therapeutic baths. There are even organisms found near deep-sea thermal vents that use naturally occurring sulfates for energy in place of sunlight. Clearly, not all sulfates are bad. We use Sodium Coco-Sulfate (in our Revitalizing Shampoo) that starts from Coconuts.
For sure! Our Sun Bum Hair Lightener is formulated with ingredients that really help amplify the natural highlighting effect of the sun including:
Meyer Lemon & Costa Rican Pineapple extracts
Topped off with a bit of hydrogen peroxide
We’ve seen the best color results on lighter brown to blonde hair tones. But using hair lightener on dark brown hair will work it will just give you warmer hues…think amber, gold, and honey. If you do decide to try it on dark hair, we recommend testing it out on a few strands first by applying 1-2 sprays and combing through before going out in the sun. Just remember all results are permanent.
Whether you are going for an all over light a bright look or some sun-kissed highlights, use these steps for the best results:
Wash hair using shampoo and conditioner
On desired area, spray Hair Lightener onto dry or damp hair
To avoid breakage and over-drying, limit use to no more than once between hair washes and use a leave in conditioner. We also recommend using a tone Enhancing product with this like our Tone Enhancer, https://www.sunbum.com/products/blonde-lighten-tone
Complete the look with any of our other hair styling products.
Meyer Lemon & Costa Rican Pineapple extracts
Topped off with a bit of hydrogen peroxide
We’ve seen the best color results on lighter brown to blonde hair tones. But using hair lightener on dark brown hair will work it will just give you warmer hues…think amber, gold, and honey. If you do decide to try it on dark hair, we recommend testing it out on a few strands first by applying 1-2 sprays and combing through before going out in the sun. Just remember all results are permanent.
Whether you are going for an all over light a bright look or some sun-kissed highlights, use these steps for the best results:
Wash hair using shampoo and conditioner
On desired area, spray Hair Lightener onto dry or damp hair
To avoid breakage and over-drying, limit use to no more than once between hair washes and use a leave in conditioner. We also recommend using a tone Enhancing product with this like our Tone Enhancer, https://www.sunbum.com/products/blonde-lighten-tone
Complete the look with any of our other hair styling products.
We usually just let our hair air dry but if we’re in a hurry, to avoid frizz, we DON’T use a towel, we use a chamois first and then a cotton t-shirt.
"Reef Safe" or "Reef Friendly" is not currently defined or regulated by the FDA. There are various municipalities with different regulations which leads to some consumer confusion. To help make it clearer, we are choosing to reference Hawaii Act 104 which barred the use of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. We are proud to say that all of our formulas meet this standard.
10 minutes of sunlight a day helps give us a healthy dose of Vitamin D, which is essential for good health. But don’t forget, if you stay out past 10 mins, please make sure to put on sunscreen—we don’t care if it’s ours, just use it.
We got a lot of requests for a Fragrance Free Mineral sunscreen option. So, we made one. And while we know you might miss the scented version, we absolutely love this formula and think you will too.
Yes, you can totally use our Original sunscreen on your face. It's non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores. But just a heads up, the Original Sunscreen Lotions do contain fragrance. So if you have sensitive skin, we recommend a Fragrance Free sunscreen option for the face.
Our Original Sun Care collection. This is the stuff we use every day. They use non-physical (non-mineral) active ingredients and provide Broad Spectrum protection that won’t alter the pigment of your skin.
We recommend checking with your doctor if you have any concerns!
Getting sunscreen in your eyes is the worst. The stinging typically comes from the active ingredients in sunscreen that can often cause irritation if applied too closely to our eyes. So, we try to wait about 20 minutes after applying sunscreen before getting in the water.
Because the active ingredients in Mineral sunscreens are naturally white and don't fully absorb into the skin. If you want another option, check out some of our non-mineral products here: https://www.sunbum.com/collections/sunscreen-plp?filters=sunline-signature+sunline-original
Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure and allow it to absorb. Reapply at least every two hours and more frequently after swimming/sweating and towel drying.
Those with oily skin love our Mineral Tinted or Non-Tinted Face Lotion, which provide Broad Spectrum SPF 30 protection and glide on like butter, leaving a matte finish on our skin. Our Mineral Sprays and Lotions are also great for the rest of your body.
For children under 6 months old we recommend consulting your pediatrician before applying sunscreen. For children over 6 months old we recommend the mineral based sunscreens in our Baby Bum ® line. These products have been pediatrician tested and are great options for our groms. https://www.sunbum.com/collections/plp-baby-bum-zinc-sunscreen
Also make sure that if you do take your little ones into the sun, that you cover them up with proper clothing (including a hat) and find them some shade whenever possible.
Also make sure that if you do take your little ones into the sun, that you cover them up with proper clothing (including a hat) and find them some shade whenever possible.
It’s rare, but that ugly orange tint can happen when Avobenzone (an active ingredient in many sunscreens) mixes with water containing a super high iron content. That combo causes oxidation and often leads to annoying rust stains.
Nah, not right now. We only have bulk pumps available for specific accounts and marketing events. Hopefully someday we'll be able to share them with the world, but we're not quite there yet!
Broad Spectrum includes protection from both both UVA/UVB sun rays. UVA rays sink deep into the skin and are often responsible for dark spots, fine lines, uneven skin tone and wrinkles. UVA rays can even pass through window glass. UVB rays are known for causing sunburn.
Yes! Any of our sunscreens can be used underneath make up and as part of your daily regimen. Our SPF 45 Sunscreen Face Mist is our refreshing daily go-to that makes it easy to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
That's up for debate. In short, no not always. How often you use sunscreen and how much you use are more important than the SPF value. While SPF 15 is the FDA's minimum recommendation for protection against skin cancer and sunburn, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-does-a-high-spf-protect-my-skin-better/
Well, Mineral uses physical active ingredients (Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide) to create a sunscreen barrier on the skin that blocks UV rays by absorbing and reflecting them away from the skin (absorbs approx ~90%+ of UV rays, reflects ~5%+).
Non-Mineral (also called “synthetic”) sunscreens use non-physical active ingredients (Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone) to absorb UV rays by converting them into heat and sending them right back out to where they came from (absorbs approx ~95%+ of UV rays).
Non-Mineral (also called “synthetic”) sunscreens use non-physical active ingredients (Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone) to absorb UV rays by converting them into heat and sending them right back out to where they came from (absorbs approx ~95%+ of UV rays).
Our Signature Line is specifically made with athletes in mind. It’s a Water Resistant, Fragrance Free Mineral/Chemical hybrid formula that's tough enough to stay on in extreme conditions, without getting in your eyes.
Our sunscreen products are Water Resistant for up to 80 minutes. Waterproof is no longer a claim that can be made according to the ruling made by the FDA in 2011. If you get in the water, sweat, or towel off just remember to reapply.
DEFINITELY. People with darker skin are still at risk for skin cancer. We recommend that everyone (no matter what your skin tone is) wear sunscreen to help protect themselves from harmful UV rays.