Sun Bum’s original sunscreen line is not the best choice for babies, but the brand’s Baby Bum mineral line is formulated specifically for infant and young children’s skin. The key difference comes down to the type of UV filters used: Baby Bum relies on zinc oxide, a mineral that sits on top of the skin, while the original Sun Bum products use a blend of chemical filters that absorb into the skin. For babies, mineral sunscreen is what pediatricians and dermatologists recommend.
Baby Bum vs. Original Sun Bum
The original Sun Bum Signature SPF 50 contains chemical UV filters like octisalate (5%) and octocrylene (7%) alongside 10% zinc oxide. These chemical ingredients work by absorbing UV radiation and converting it to heat, a process that requires the active ingredients to penetrate the outer layers of skin. A study published in JAMA found that ingredients in some chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the bloodstream at levels high enough to warrant further investigation. That’s not necessarily dangerous for adults, but baby skin is thinner, more permeable, and covers a larger surface area relative to body weight.
Baby Bum SPF 50 Mineral Lotion, by contrast, uses 20% zinc oxide as its only active ingredient. The Baby Bum Mineral Face Stick uses 19.2% zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is a physical blocker that reflects UV rays off the skin’s surface rather than absorbing them. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia specifically recommends mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for young children and anyone with sensitive skin or eczema. Baby Bum also makes a mineral spray version that combines titanium dioxide (3.4%) with zinc oxide (15.7%).
What About Oxybenzone and Octinoxate?
Two chemical filters that have drawn the most concern for children are oxybenzone and octinoxate. Oxybenzone has been detected in breast milk and associated with hormonal changes, including lower testosterone levels in adolescent boys. Sun Bum has removed both oxybenzone and octinoxate from all of its sunscreen products across the U.S., a change driven partly by Hawaii’s reef protection law (Act 104). The brand also excludes parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde from its formulations.
So while the original Sun Bum line is cleaner than it used to be, the remaining chemical filters still aren’t ideal for babies. Stick with the Baby Bum mineral products if you’re shopping within this brand.
Age Guidelines for Sunscreen Use
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight whenever possible, relying on shade and protective clothing first. If shade and clothing aren’t available, you can apply a small amount of mineral sunscreen to exposed areas like the face and backs of the hands. Once your baby is older than 6 months, sunscreen can go on all exposed skin, though you should still be careful around the eyes.
This guidance applies regardless of brand. Even a well-formulated mineral sunscreen like Baby Bum should be a second line of defense for very young infants, not a substitute for a hat and shade.
Lotion vs. Spray for Babies
Baby Bum comes in both lotion and spray formats, and the lotion is the safer option for children. The FDA is currently studying whether inhaling aerosolized sunscreen particles poses health risks, and Consumer Reports has advised against spraying sunscreen directly on children until that review is complete. The fine mist from a spray can easily reach a baby’s nose and mouth, especially outdoors in a breeze.
If a spray is the only sunscreen you have available, spray it onto your own hands first, then rub it onto your child’s skin. Never spray it directly onto a child’s face.
How to Patch Test Before First Use
Baby skin reacts unpredictably, and even gentle mineral sunscreens can cause irritation in some children. Before applying Baby Bum (or any new sunscreen) all over your baby, do a simple patch test. Apply a small amount to the inside of your baby’s forearm and wait 24 hours. If the skin stays clear with no redness, bumps, or irritation, the product is likely fine for broader use. The most commonly reported side effects from sunscreens are local skin reactions, so this step is especially worthwhile when you’re trying a product for the first time or switching brands.
What to Look for on the Label
If you’re comparing Baby Bum to other baby sunscreens, here’s what matters most:
- Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both. These are the mineral filters recommended for babies.
- SPF 30 or higher: Baby Bum’s SPF 50 exceeds this threshold comfortably.
- Broad spectrum: This means the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Zinc oxide at 20% provides broad-spectrum coverage on its own.
- Fragrance free: Baby Bum offers fragrance-free options, which reduce the chance of skin irritation.
The white cast that mineral sunscreens leave behind is actually a feature, not a flaw. It helps you see where you’ve applied and where you’ve missed, which is useful when you’re covering a squirming baby.