Sun Bum SPF 15 Tanning Oil & Natural Browning Lotion
Works for
1 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 15 · 4 UV filters · Broad spectrumWeak protectionSPF under 30
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
MoisturizingCocos nucifera oil, Argania spinosa kernel oil + 14 moreGood evidence
“SPF 15 Tanning Oil & Natural Browning Lotion”
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: cocos nucifera oil, dimethicone.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 10 moreModerate evidence
This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, ginkgo biloba leaf extract, punica granatum extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy8 strong irritants: Calendula officinalis flower extract, Citrus grandis fruit extract + 6 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic7 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale7 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Tin~29–36%
Sclerocarya birrea seed oil~5.5–6.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.
More about Sclerocarya birrea seed oilArgania spinosa kernel oil~5.2–6.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
More about Argania spinosa kernel oilCocos nucifera oil~3.9–4.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic
More about Cocos nucifera oilPersea gratissima oil~2.7–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function
More about Persea gratissima oilCamellia sinensis extract~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tea extract. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin
More about Camellia sinensis extractButter~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Aloe barbadensis extract~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis extractAdipic acid/diglycol crosspolymer~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extractAscorbic acid~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidBht~0.65–0.95%
Calendula officinalis flower extract~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating
More about Calendula officinalis flower extractCamellia sinensis leaf extract~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
More about Camellia sinensis leaf extractCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideCetyl alcohol~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholCitrus grandis fruit extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Citrus limon fruit extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity
More about Citrus limon fruit extractCyclohexasiloxane~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxaneCyclopentasiloxane~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneDiisobutyl adipate~0.5–0.7%
Dimethicone~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeEquisetum arvense extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating
More about Equisetum arvense extractEthylhexyl palmitate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Ethylhexyl palmitateParfum~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumGinkgo biloba leaf extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating
More about Ginkgo biloba leaf extractHydrated silica~0.55–0.8%
Isostearyl linoleate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Macrocystis pyrifera extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Paraffinum liquidum~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function
More about Paraffinum liquidumOzokerite~0.4–0.6%
Panax ginseng root extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating
More about Panax ginseng root extractPeg-8~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a nice product consistency
More about Peg-8Polysorbate 80~0.45–0.65%
Propylene glycol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolPunica granatum extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective
More about Punica granatum extractRetinyl palmitate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect
More about Retinyl palmitateRosmarinus officinalis extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Salix alba bark extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect
More about Salix alba bark extractSalvia officinalis extract~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Sodium saccharin~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Theobroma cacao seed butter~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Theobroma cacao seed butterTocopheryl acetate~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneHomosalate15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation
More about HomosalateEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate7.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateEthylhexyl salicylate5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateAdipic acid/diglycol crosspolymer~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extractAscorbic acid~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidBht~0.4–0.6%
Calendula officinalis flower extract~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating
More about Calendula officinalis flower extractCamellia sinensis leaf extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
More about Camellia sinensis leaf extractCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideCetyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholCitrus grandis fruit extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Citrus limon fruit extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity
More about Citrus limon fruit extractCyclohexasiloxane~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxaneCyclopentasiloxane~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneDiisobutyl adipate~0.5–0.75%
Dimethicone~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeEquisetum arvense extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating
More about Equisetum arvense extractEthylhexyl palmitate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Ethylhexyl palmitateParfum~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumGinkgo biloba leaf extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating
More about Ginkgo biloba leaf extractHydrated silica~0.55–0.8%
Isostearyl linoleate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Macrocystis pyrifera extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Paraffinum liquidum~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function
More about Paraffinum liquidumOzokerite~0.45–0.65%
Panax ginseng root extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating
More about Panax ginseng root extractPeg-8~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a nice product consistency
More about Peg-8Polysorbate 80~0.4–0.6%
Propylene glycol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolPunica granatum extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective
More about Punica granatum extractRetinyl palmitate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect
More about Retinyl palmitateRosmarinus officinalis extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Salix alba bark extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect
More about Salix alba bark extractSalvia officinalis extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Sodium saccharin~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Theobroma cacao seed butter~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Theobroma cacao seed butterTocopheryl acetate~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateIngredient list view
Tin, Unknown, Sclerocarya birrea seed oil, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Cocos nucifera oil, Unknown, Persea gratissima oil, Camellia sinensis extract, Butter, Aloe barbadensis extract, Adipic acid/diglycol crosspolymer, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Ascorbic acid, Bht, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cetyl alcohol, Citrus grandis fruit extract, Citrus limon fruit extract, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Diisobutyl adipate, Dimethicone, Equisetum arvense extract, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Parfum, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, Hydrated silica, Isostearyl linoleate, Macrocystis pyrifera extract, Paraffinum liquidum, Ozokerite, Panax ginseng root extract, Peg-8, Polysorbate 80, Propylene glycol, Punica granatum extract, Retinyl palmitate, Rosmarinus officinalis extract, Salix alba bark extract, Salvia officinalis extract, Sodium saccharin, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Tocopheryl acetate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Adipic acid/diglycol crosspolymer, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Ascorbic acid, Bht, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cetyl alcohol, Citrus grandis fruit extract, Citrus limon fruit extract, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Diisobutyl adipate, Dimethicone, Equisetum arvense extract, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Parfum, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, Hydrated silica, Isostearyl linoleate, Macrocystis pyrifera extract, Paraffinum liquidum, Ozokerite, Panax ginseng root extract, Peg-8, Polysorbate 80, Propylene glycol, Punica granatum extract, Retinyl palmitate, Rosmarinus officinalis extract, Salix alba bark extract, Salvia officinalis extract, Sodium saccharin, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Tocopheryl acetate
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| Sun BumSPF 15 Tanning Oil & Natural Browning LotionYOUR PRODUCT | thinksportSunscreen - Safe - Kids - Spf 50 Plus | thinkbabyThinksport Sunscreen - Safe - Kids - Spf 50 Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 55% | 55% |
| Price | — | $14.93 | $15.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 18 | 3 of 18 |
| Key difference | — | Cetyl Dimethicone | Cetyl Dimethicone |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 15 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
"Sun Bum - SPF 15 Tanning Oil & Natural Browning Lotion" "is a broad spectrum sunscreen meaning that it protects both from UVB rays (" burning "- they cause sunburn) and UVA rays (" aging "- they don't cause sunburn but lead to premature aging and pigmentation issues). However, this moisturizer does not offer enough sun protection. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses so-called" chemical ", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: avobenzone 2.00% (declared), octinoxate 7.50% (declared), octisalate 5.00% (declared) and homosalate 15.00% (declared).
Irritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 27 studies and safety reviews.
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