Is Sun Bum Really Reef-Safe? A Deep Dive Into Its Ingredients, Claims, and Best-Use Tips
Is Sun Bum reef safe? It’s a question many beachgoers are asking, especially once they realize their go-to SPF might be harming coral reefs just offshore. While slathering on sunscreen is essential for UV protection, not all formulas are created equal. Many chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate can damage delicate marine ecosystems. One brand that often comes up as a better alternative is Sun Bum. But does it really live up to the reef-friendly hype?
Its bright-yellow and white bottles promise fun-in-the-sun protection and ocean-safe ingredients. Today we’re unpacking whether those claims hold up, which active ingredients are in the products, and how Sun Bum stacks up against Hawaii Act 104—the strictest reef-safety legislation in the U.S.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to protect both your skin and the sea. Let’s dive in.
Is Sun Bum Reef Safe?
Before we crown Sun Bum the hero of reef-safe sunscreens, we need to define what “reef friendly” means and examine how brands meet the requirements of Hawaii’s regulation. This post breaks down scientific definitions, Sun Bum’s ingredient list, and real-world user feedback (“worked great, zero white cast!” vs. “my skin absorbs it but I still wonder about coral reefs”). Think of this as your primer for choosing sunscreen products that protect you and the ocean.
What Does Reef-Friendly Sunscreen Mean?
Reef-friendly (or reef safe) refers to SPF formulas free of ingredients shown to harm corals, most notably oxybenzone and octinoxate. Studies show these chemicals can bleach coral, disrupt reproduction, and harm marine life.
In 2021, Hawaii Act 104 banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, pushing brands to reformulate with mineral filters—namely zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—or newer, “cleaner” chemical filters.
All of that said, to be truly reef-friendly, a sunscreen should:
- Contain mineral sunscreen actives (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide)
- Exclude the entire “toxic dozen,” which include oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, and avobenzone
- Avoid microplastics and unnecessary fragrances that linger in water
What Is Sun Bum Sunscreen?
Sun Bum launched in 2010 in Cocoa Beach, FL, marketing a laid-back surf ethos and broad-spectrum protection. The brand offers everything from SPF 50 sunscreen lotions to sprays, sticks, and baby formulations.
Products are made in the USA, vegan, cruelty-free, and PETA-certified. Sun Bum claims to formulate reef-friendly options that meet or exceed Hawaii’s regulations, all while delivering a lightweight texture, minimal white cast, and that signature banana-coconut scent. But do the ingredient labels back up the promise?
Is Sun Bum Sunscreen Reef-Safe?
Short answer: mostly—but it depends on which Sun Bum products you choose.
- Mineral line (white tubes): Reef-safe. Uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide only—no oxybenzone, octinoxate, or octocrylene—so it does meet the requirements of the Hawaii Act 104.
- Original line (yellow bottles): Not reef-safe. Uses avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. While it eliminates the worst offenders (oxybenzone and octinoxate), octocrylene and homosalate are still bad for reefs. These formulas comply legally in Hawaii, but ultra-conservative reef warriors may prefer mineral sunscreen.
If you want guaranteed reef-safe sunscreens and don’t mind a white cast, always go mineral. But if you prioritize a clear finish and your local beaches don’t restrict chemical filters, Sun Bum Original may still be acceptable.
What Are the Active Ingredients in Sun Bum Sunscreen?
Since Sun Bum has two lines of sunscreen, we’re providing the ingredients list for both of them so you can make an informed decision that works for you. First up, we have the Sun Bum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, followed by the Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion.
- Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion (reef-safe): Zinc Oxide (20%)
- Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion (not reef-safe): Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10%
How to Use Sun Bum Sunscreen
Apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure.
Slather a full ounce (shot-glass size) over exposed skin so your skin absorbs the protection before UV exposure. I like to put it on before I get dressed so that I know it’s fully protecting me when I step outside.
Reapply every two hours (or after swimming).
Even water-resistant SPF 50 sunscreen needs frequent refreshing. Set a timer for every two hours to keep yourself safe from harmful UV rays. And use this guide on how to reapply sunscreen with makeup if you’re glammed up.
Choose mineral options for reef dives.
Snorkeling near coral reefs? Opt for Sun Bum Mineral Lotion or Stick to ensure compliance with reef-friendly standards. To be real, you should be doing this even if it’s not enforced. That said, some places will not let you in the water if they know you have chemicals on your skin.
Layer with other Sun Bum products.
Complement your lotion with Sun Bum’s SPF lip balms for head-to-toe coverage. As a beauty journalist of more than five years, I can say that SPF protection for lips is crucial.
Watch for a white cast.
Mineral formulas can leave residue on deeper skin tones, which is a problem the industry continues to have. To minimize white cast, warm the lotion between your palms first, then press into skin in sections. This will help the sunscreen “melt’ and better absorb into your skin.
Where to Buy Sun Bum Sunscreen
One final note: Wearing sunscreen at the beach shouldn’t be a trade-off between skin health and ocean health. Sun Bum offers options that straddle both needs, but ingredient vigilance is key. Choose mineral when you can, follow Hawaii Act 104 guidelines while traveling.
And remember: the best SPF is the one you’ll actually put on—liberally and often. Slap on that sunscreen, ride the waves, and keep coral reefs (and future you) thriving under the sun. For more top-rated, reef-friendly picks beyond Sun Bum, check out our roundup of the best non-toxic sunscreens.
