Original SPF 45 Sunscreen Face Mist
Original SPF 45 Sunscreen Face Mist
Product Description
Sun Bum's Original SPF 45 Sunscreen Face Mist is a sheer, fast-drying chemical sunscreen spray built for everyday face and neck protection. This lightweight, alcohol-based mist delivers broad-spectrum SPF 45 with 40-minute water resistance, calming witch hazel and vitamin E, and the brand's signature beach scent β all in a reef-friendly, vegan, oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free formula.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
A four-filter chemical system (Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene) shields against both UVA aging rays and UVB burning rays.
Sheer & Lightweight
Sprays on clear with no greasy film or white cast, so it layers easily over skincare or under makeup.
Witch Hazel + Vitamin E
Calming Hamamelis Virginiana soothes irritation while Tocopherol adds antioxidant support against free radicals.
Reef-Friendly Formula
Free of oxybenzone and octinoxate and Hawaii Act 104 compliant, so it's vacation- and ocean-friendly.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains chemical filters (Homosalate, Octocrylene) that some studies flag for mild endocrine concern. Many clinicians prefer mineral SPF during pregnancy β check with your doctor.
Isoamyl Cocoate is a fatty-acid ester that can potentially feed malassezia yeast, so this is not considered fungal-acne safe.
Brand-tested non-comedogenic and oil-free, so it's unlikely to clog pores for most users.
Alcohol Denat. drives the fast-dry finish but can be drying and may sting or irritate sensitive, reactive, or rosacea-prone skin.
No animal-derived ingredients or animal testing; also paraben-free and gluten-free.
Layers fine over most serums and moisturizers. Apply as the final AM step; allow actives like retinol or acids to absorb first.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
βοΈ Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) 3% Proven
The primary UVA filter in the formula and one of the few chemical filters that absorbs across the full UVA range, helping prevent long-term photoaging.
- Function: Broad UVA protection with peak absorbance for aging rays.
- Note: Photo-unstable on its own, so it is paired with Octocrylene here to stabilize it.
π‘οΈ Homosalate 15% Proven
A UVB filter that also acts as a solvent, helping dissolve and carry harder-to-formulate filters like Avobenzone. It's the highest-concentration active in the mist.
- Function: UVB absorption (peak ~306 nm) and filter solubilizer.
- Research: In-vitro studies suggest possible mild estrogenic activity, though real-world human risk is unconfirmed.
π Octisalate (Ethylhexyl Salicylate) 5% Proven
A gentle UVB filter used at its maximum US concentration. It also boosts water resistance and helps the formula feel lighter on skin.
- Function: UVB protection plus a water-resistance boost.
- Safety: Good safety profile; one of the milder chemical filters.
π Octocrylene 7% Proven
A photostable UVB / short-UVA filter whose main job here is to stabilize Avobenzone and improve water resistance for longer-lasting protection.
- Function: Stabilizes Avobenzone; adds UVB and water-resistant performance.
- Note: Rarely linked to photo-contact allergy, mostly in ketoprofen-sensitive individuals.
πΏ Witch Hazel + Vitamin E Soothing duo Promising
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract is known for anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, while Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is a skin-loving antioxidant.
- Witch Hazel: Helps calm minor irritation and soothe sensitive skin.
- Tocopherol: Antioxidant that helps defend against free-radical damage from UV and pollution.
9 ingredients
Active Ingredients: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) 3%, Homosalate 15%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate) 5%, Octocrylene 7%. Inactive Ingredients: Alcohol Denat. (67%), Isoamyl Cocoate, Parfum (Fragrance), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract, Tocopherol.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Always the last step of your morning routine. Let your moisturizer fully absorb first, then apply this mist 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply throughout the day.
π How to Use
Shake well
Shake the bottle before each use to evenly distribute the filters.
Spray into palm
Spray liberally into your palm rather than directly onto the face to avoid eye stinging.
Apply evenly
Pat and smooth across face and neck 15 minutes before sun exposure, avoiding the eye area.
Reapply often
Reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, after towel-drying, and at least every 2 hours.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin and want a matte, weightless finish
- You dislike thick creams and want an easy reapply option
- You want a reef-friendly, vegan sunscreen for travel and the beach
- You like a light, fresh scent and fast-drying feel
- You need broad-spectrum face protection without a white cast
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, sensitive, or rosacea-prone skin (high alcohol content)
- You're fungal-acne prone (contains an ester)
- You want a fragrance-free formula
- You prefer mineral filters during pregnancy
- You expected to mist directly onto the face (it's applied via palm)
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Oil-free, matte, fast-drying finish that won't add shine β a strong match.
Lightweight and balanced, though drier zones may want extra moisturizer underneath.
The 67% alcohol base can feel drying; layer over a rich moisturizer.
Witch hazel soothes, but alcohol and fragrance may sting reactive skin β patch test first.
Non-comedogenic and oil-free, but not fungal-acne safe due to an ester.
π Results Timeline
Lightweight, dry-touch protection
Absorbs in seconds with a sheer, non-greasy finish and no white cast once rubbed in.
90% noticedBroad-spectrum defense
Shields against UVA and UVB while witch hazel and vitamin E help keep skin comfortable in the sun.
82% noticedAnti-aging benefit
Consistent daily use helps reduce the risk of sun-related early aging and skin damage.
75% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Truly lightweight, sheer, and fast-drying with no white cast
- Great for oily and combination skin and easy reapplication
- Reef-friendly, vegan, and free of oxybenzone & octinoxate
- Pleasant signature beach scent
- Non-comedogenic and oil-free
β Criticized
- Very high 67% alcohol content can feel drying
- Must be sprayed into the palm, not misted on the face
- Can sting eyes and reactive skin
- Contains fragrance β not for fragrance-sensitive users
- Not fungal-acne safe
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
A facial SPF 45 setting mist at a lower price with strong reviews. Lighter, fresher finish that doubles as a makeup-setting step.
A wallet-friendly chemical face mist with a similar tropical scent profile, though at a lower SPF and slightly less refined finish.
The body version from the same line shares the same filter family at higher SPF, but it's a body spray rather than a dedicated face mist.
π Comparison with Competitors
Sun Bum SPF 45 Face Mist (Featured)
$18.49Supergoop! PLAY Antioxidant Mist SPF 50
$32.00COOLA Classic Face Sunscreen Mist SPF 50
$32.00e.l.f. Suntouchable All Set for Sun SPF 45
$15.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sun and heat. Do not store above 104Β°F / 40Β°C.
Non-aerosol pump spray bottle
Yes, 3.4 oz is carry-on friendly β but flammable due to alcohol; can't ship to Hawaii, Alaska, or PO boxes.
β Frequently Asked Questions
This is a chemical sunscreen containing Homosalate and Octocrylene, filters that some in-vitro studies have linked to mild endocrine activity. Real-world human risk is unconfirmed, but many clinicians suggest switching to mineral (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) sunscreens during pregnancy and breastfeeding as a precaution. Talk to your doctor before use.
No. The formula contains Isoamyl Cocoate, a fatty-acid ester derived from coconut that can potentially feed malassezia yeast. If you're prone to fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis), this is not an ideal pick β choose an ester- and oil-free mineral sunscreen instead.
Yes. Sunscreen is the final morning step and pairs well with active routines β in fact, daily SPF is essential when using retinol or exfoliating acids. Apply your retinol, vitamin C, or AHA/BHA products first, let them fully absorb, then finish with this mist. Sun protection helps prevent the irritation and sun sensitivity those actives can cause.
It's best for oily and combination skin thanks to its oil-free, matte, fast-drying finish. Acne-prone skin generally does well since it's non-comedogenic. Dry and sensitive skin types may find the 67% alcohol content too drying, so layer it over a hydrating moisturizer and patch test first.
Sun protection works immediately β apply 15 minutes before sun exposure for the filters to bind. You'll feel the lightweight, sheer finish right away. The longer-term benefit (helping reduce the risk of sunspots, early aging, and sun damage) comes from consistent daily use over weeks and months.
It's always the last step of your morning routine β after cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer, and before makeup. Let your moisturizer absorb fully, then apply the mist. Reapply over the day (and over makeup, if needed) every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
It's labeled non-comedogenic and oil-free, so it's unlikely to clog pores for most users β we'd rate it around 1 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. That said, it's not fungal-acne safe due to the ester it contains, which is a separate concern from pore-clogging.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is typically 12 months. As with all sunscreens, the filters degrade over time, so replace it once a year (or by the printed expiry date) to keep protection effective. Store it cool and out of direct sun, and never above 104Β°F / 40Β°C.
Verdict: The Sun Bum Original SPF 45 Sunscreen Face Mist is a genuinely lightweight, reef-friendly, broad-spectrum option that shines for oily and combination skin that wants a sheer, matte, fast-drying finish and easy reapplication. Its four-filter chemical system delivers solid UVA/UVB coverage, and the witch hazel and vitamin E are nice touches. The trade-offs are real: the 67% alcohol base can dry out and sting sensitive or dry skin, it's not fungal-acne safe, it contains fragrance, and despite the "mist" name you apply it via your palm β not directly onto your face. If you have resilient or oily skin and love a beach-scented, no-cast SPF, it's an easy daily go-to; sensitive, dry, or fungal-acne-prone users should look at gentler alternatives.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Uv Absorber, Uv Filter
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 0 |
Homosalate
Skin Conditioning, Uv Absorber, Uv Filter
|
|
|
| 4 |
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Uv Absorber, Uv Filter
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 3 |
Octocrylene
Uv Absorber, Sunscreen Agent, Uv Filter
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 0 |
Alcohol Denat.
|
|