Blue Lizard vs. Sun Bum

Stroll through the sunscreen aisle of your local beauty store and you’ll face a dizzying number of choices—two of the best brands that always stick out to us, though, are Blue Lizard and Sun Bum.

We’ll be comparing their best-sellers side-by-side so you can see which would suit you and your skin the best. Enjoy!

Blue Lizard vs Sun Bum Sunscreen

If there is one skincare product that you must have all year round—especially in the summer—it’s sunscreen. SPF should be a part of your everyday skincare routine to protect the sensitive skin of your face from harmful UV rays.

Blue Lizard offers a host of incredibly popular, affordable sunscreens, however, our pick of the bunch is the best-selling Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, as it is by far their most popular. Arguably just as popular is the Sun Bum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion, which we will be comparing today.

First and foremost, the Sun Bum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion is a chemical sunscreen whereas the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen. Once upon a time this difference would make or break your decision (and to a lesser extent it still might), but a cumulation of scientific advancements now means that the differences are practically negligible. All you need to know is that mineral sunscreens contain tiny particles that physically prevent UV rays from penetrating the skin, whereas chemical sunscreens contain chemicals that absorb UV light and converts it into heat. Either way, they both provide clinically proven broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

Neither sunscreen's inactive ingredients lists are particularly exciting, however, they do both contain Vitamin E which provides extra protection against acute UVB damage, and protects against cell mutation caused by sun exposure.

The Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion is heralded as hypoallergenic, and is oil-, paraben-, gluten-, oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, and cruelty-free (and also vegan). Interestingly, though, it is not fragrance-free (meaning that strictly speaking it is not fully ideal for those with sensitive skin types).

As you can probably gather from the name, Blue Lizard's Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is targeted towards those with sensitive skin, and is fragrance-free. It is also free from parabens, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. However, unlike Sun Bum's sunscreen, it is not oil-free, and also isn't hypoallergenic due to the inclusion of Alumina and Aluminum Stearate.

Neither sunscreen can claim to be perfect—which is absolutely okay when it comes to affordable sun protection—but where one product's shortcomings are the other product's strengths, we have a big decision on our hands.

Sun Bum's Original Sunscreen Lotion is hypoallergenic, fast-absorbing, slightly more affordable, and perfect for those with normal skin types. However, it is a chemical sunscreen, and it does contain fragrance, so those with very sensitive skin might be better off avoiding this one.

Blue Lizard's Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is perfect for those with sensitive skin thanks to its mineral formula; it does take some time to massage into the skin, but ultimately it doesn't leave a garish white cast. However, it is slightly more expensive, and those that have an allergy to aluminum should steer clear.

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