Sun Bum class action claims sunscreen’s SPF is lower than advertised

Sun Bum class action overview:

• Who: Two consumers filed a class action lawsuit against Sun Bum LLC.
• Why: The plaintiffs allege Sun Bum falsely advertises the SPF level of its mineral sunscreen lotion.
• Where: The Sun Bum class action lawsuit was filed in California federal court.

A new nationwide class action lawsuit claims Sun Bum falsely advertises its SPF 50 mineral sunscreen lotion as providing a higher level of sun protection than it actually does.

Plaintiffs Andrea Fahey and Kevin Smith filed the class action complaint against Sun Bum on Aug. 29 in California federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.

According to the lawsuit, Sun Bum falsely advertises its SPF 50 mineral sunscreen lotion as providing a higher level of sun protection than it actually does.

The plaintiffs allege the sunscreen only provides SPF 17 protection, which is nearly one-third of the protection claimed by the company. They claim independent laboratory testing commissioned by their counsel revealed the discrepancy.

Sun Bum uses false SPF claims to charge premium prices, lawsuit alleges

The lawsuit accuses Sun Bum of misleading consumers into believing the product offers better protection against sunburns and other harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, such as skin cancer and premature aging, than it actually does. The plaintiffs argue that this deception leads consumers to pay a premium price for a product that is not worth it.

“By promising SPF 50 protection, the Product sells at premium prices and, in turn, generates more revenue and profit for Defendant than its lower-SPF sunscreen counterparts,” the class action lawsuit says.

The plaintiffs allege Sun Bum has been aware of the true SPF level of its product since its inception but failed to disclose this information to consumers. They argue that the company’s actions have caused significant harm to consumers nationwide, including in California and Florida.

The class action lawsuit seeks to represent all consumers who purchased Sun Bum SPF 50 mineral sunscreen lotion during the applicable limitation period. The plaintiffs are demanding a jury trial and request actual damages, restitution, injunctive relief and other legal and equitable remedies.

Recently, two consumers hit Edgewell with a lawsuit alleging its Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Lotion only provides SPF 20 protection and not SPF 50 as advertised.

What do you think of the allegations made in this Sun Bum class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiffs are represented by Frank S. Hedin of Hedin LLP.

The Sun Bum class action lawsuit is Fahey, et al. v. Sun Bum LLC, Case No. 3:25-cv-02263, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

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