As someone who has struggled with skin cancer in the past, the #1 MOST important skincare product I have to use every day is SPF. It's a nonnegotiable for me. I wear it on my face and any exposed parts of my body whenever I leave the house. Because of that, one thing I've accepted is that I'll probably always smell like sunscreen, and my skin will always feel a little sticky from the residue of the SPF. Then I heard that the Sun Bum Sunscreen offered an amazing smell, with a high SPF of 50, and it doesn't leave a leftover sticky feeling on your body.
Understanding Sun Bum's Sunscreen Formulation
First thing's first, this is a non-mineral - AKA chemical or "synthetic" - sunscreen. This means the active ingredients work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, which is then released from the skin. While mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin to physically block UV rays, chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin.
First Impressions and Application Experience
Upon first application, I noticed that Sun Bum Original SPF 50 starts white, but then almost emulsifies into a light serum that effortlessly blends into the skin. With most sunscreens, I have to apply and rub it in for a few minutes to get rid of the white cast, but this one quickly absorbed into the skin.
Starting off, I love that Sun Bum Original SPF 50 really is a lotion. It goes on incredibly smooth, and melts into the skin. It's not too thick or sticky at all, especially in comparison to most sunscreens. I also noticed it wasn't tacky on the skin throughout the day either. Instead, it was very thin, almost like a light serum, so I didn't even notice it was there after applying. This was a much welcomed change - normally, I can feel the sunscreen on my skin, but this one was incredibly light.
Performance and Longevity
The longevity of this sunscreen was really great, too. However, you want to re-apply if you're in the sun for prolonged periods of time! Sun Bum recommends reapplying at least every two hours.
Every 80 minutes is the sweet spot. Sunscreen breaks down over time (especially if you're swimming, sweating, or drying off), so reapplying every two hours keeps your skin protected and happy. Keep a bottle nearby-beach bag, car, backpack, whatever-so you can take your skincare and suncare to-go.
The Signature Sun Bum Scent
Finally, I noticed the smell was fantastic! It didn't smell like average sunscreen with a really heavy chemical scent - it genuinely did smell like summer! What does "summer" smell like exactly? It was a coconut-adjacent scent, giving off a tropical aura, which I happen to love.
People say it smells like summer®. It’s the sunscreen formula that started it all.
Overall Rating and Recommendations
Overall, Sun Bum Original SPF 50 will definitely be a re-purchase for me! I hate feeling sunscreen on my body, and this was one I didn't even notice was there! It's light, smells good, and isn't sticky - so that's a 10/10 for me on all fronts. Not to mention, it also doesn't have the normal harsh chemicals that are bad for the environment and bad for my skin. Let the good times roll.
Important Usage Instructions
- Shake well before use.
- Apply liberally and spread by hand 15 minutes before sun exposure.
- Reapply: after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.
- Immediately after towel drying.
- When using this product, keep out of eyes.
Sun Protection Measures and Skin Cancer Awareness
Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime. Avoid making a rookie mistake! Yep.
Reflections off water and snow can increase sun exposure by up to 50%. Keep newborns out of direct sunlight and always cover them with shade.
Blippi Learns Why We Wear Sunscreen! | Blippi Wonders Educational Videos for Kids
Understanding Different Sunscreen Types
Mineral vs. Non-Mineral Sunscreens
Both mineral and non-mineral sunscreen offer Broad Spectrum protection. Mineral sunscreen sits on your skin instead of soaking into it, which means it won’t clog your pores or make you break out. In fact, zinc oxide (one of the main ingredients) is actually pretty rad for acne-prone skin-it helps calm inflammation and redness.
Nope! Mineral sunscreen sits on your skin instead of soaking into it, which means it won’t clog your pores or make you break out. In fact, zinc oxide (one of the main ingredients) is actually pretty rad for acne-prone skin-it helps calm inflammation and redness.
Yep, kinda. Mineral sunscreen blocks most of the UV rays that burn your skin, but a little bit of UVA still gets through, which means you might get a slight tan over time. But here’s the thing-tanning is still sun damage, even if it looks good in the moment.
Sun Bum's Product Range: Original vs. Roll-On
Yes, you can totally use our Roll-On Lotion 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.
For sure! Roll-on sunscreen is like the low-maintenance friend you can always count on-easy to use, mess-free, and perfect for when you’re on the move. It’s especially great for kids (or let’s be real, anyone who doesn’t want sunscreen all over their hands). Plus, no leaking, no lost caps, and it fits right in your bag or pocket. Easy-just roll and go. The rollerball evenly glides sunscreen onto your skin without drips, spills, or the whole squeeze-out-too-much-and-now-it’s-everywhere situation.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Your Needs
It depends on what your skin’s into. Sunscreen lotion is usually lighter, so it spreads easier and feels less sticky-great for everyday use or when you're on the go. Creams are thicker and more moisturizing, which makes them a solid pick for dry or sensitive skin.
First up: check that it’s broad-spectrum and SPF 30 or higher. That’s your baseline. If you’ve got dry skin, look for hydrating ingredients. Sensitive? Go fragrance-free. And if you’re headed into the water, make sure it’s water-resistant.
Application Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
Moisturizer goes first, sunscreen goes last. Think of mineral sunscreen like a force field-it needs to sit on top of your skin to do its job. If you slather on moisturizer afterward, you’re messing with the shield and making it less effective. So hydrate first, let it soak in, then lock it all down with your sunscreen. Boom.
Dispense in hand and apply to body. We recommend working from head to toe so you don't accidentally miss a limb. If you need help reaching your back, ask a friend-that's what they're for. Apply this body sunscreen liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure and allow it to absorb. Reapply at least every two hours. Apply more frequently after swimming/sweating, or after an aggressive towel dry.
Sun Bum's Commitment to the Environment
Made with naturally derived ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, our mineral sunscreen is lightweight, effective, and Hawaii Act 104 compliant (which means it’s made without oxybenzone and octinoxate). Stays on through sweat and water for up to 80 minutes.
