Sun Bum Animal Testing: Facts, Myths, and Alternatives

If you’ve ever wondered whether Sun Bum puts animals through testing, you’re not alone. Sunscreen is a must‑have, but the idea of animal testing can turn anyone off. Let’s break down what Sun Bum actually does, why the rules are the way they are, and what you can buy if you want to stay cruelty‑free.

Sun Bum’s Testing Policy Explained

Sun Bum is a U.S. brand, and in the United States the FDA still requires safety data for sunscreen. That data often comes from animal studies because the agency hasn’t approved a fully non‑animal test method yet. Sun Bum says they follow the law, but they also claim they support alternatives and fund research into new testing methods.

In practice, the company uses a mix of in‑vitro (lab) tests and data from other companies that have already done animal tests. The label on most Sun Bum products says “not tested on animals,” which is technically true for the final product, but the ingredient safety data may have involved animals somewhere down the line.

So the short answer: Sun Bum does not test the finished sunscreen on animals, but the ingredients may have been part of animal studies required by law. If you need a product that guarantees zero animal involvement from start to finish, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

How to Choose Truly Cruelty‑Free Sunscreens

When you’re hunting for a cruelty‑free sunscreen, start by checking the certification. Look for logos from Leaping Bunny, PETA‑Approved, or the European Union’s “no animal testing” seal. Those programs only certify products that have never been tested on animals at any stage.

Brands like Badger, Alba Botanica, and Raw Elements often carry these certifications. They use mineral filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are safer for the skin and easier to test without animals.

Another tip: read the ingredient list. If you see chemical UV filters such as oxybenzone or avobenzone, they’re more likely to have been part of animal safety tests. Mineral filters are usually a safer bet for cruelty‑free shoppers.

Finally, don’t forget to check the brand’s website for a clear animal‑testing policy. Some companies are transparent about the laws they have to follow and still commit to finding alternatives. That honesty can be a good sign that they care about the issue.

Bottom line: Sun Bum isn’t outright cruelty‑free because of U.S. regulations, but the final product isn’t tested on animals. If you want to avoid any animal involvement, go for certified cruelty‑free sunscreens with mineral filters. Keeping an eye on certifications and ingredient lists will help you protect both your skin and your values.