Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray Review: Is It Worth the Money?

If you're looking for a lightweight SPF 30 body sunscreen that smells incredible and actually makes you want to wear sunscreen every day, Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray is one of the best I've tested. After using it throughout a month-long trip around Croatia and Italy, including sightseeing in temperatures of up to 42°C, it protected my skin brilliantly without feeling greasy, sticky or heavy. I'd happily buy it again and it's earned a permanent place in my holiday suitcase.

If there's one skincare product I never compromise on, it's sunscreen. As someone who spends hours outdoors mountain biking and loves travelling somewhere sunny whenever I get the chance, I've tested more SPFs than I can count. Some have been brilliant, while others have left my skin feeling sticky, greasy or counting down the minutes until I could wash them off.

Before heading off to Croatia and Italy, I wanted a lightweight body sunscreen that would protect my skin without feeling heavy in the heat. That's when I spotted the Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray at Bristol Airport. The bright yellow bottle caught my eye, but it was the sweet coconut scent that completely sold me.

After using it every day throughout our holiday, it quickly became one of those products I reached for without even thinking. So, is the Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray really worth the money?

Sun Bum Original SPF 30 sunscreen spray bottle on green grass surrounded by daisies on a sunny summer day.

Quick Take

The Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray is one of those products that completely caught me off guard. I bought it hoping it would make applying sunscreen a little easier on holiday, but by the end of our trip to Croatia and Italy, I'd found myself reaching for it every single morning.

What makes it stand out isn't just the broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. It's how lightweight it feels, how quickly it disappears into the skin and, honestly, how incredible it smells. It's one of the few sunscreens I've actually looked forward to applying.

It isn't perfect, and I do think there are situations where I'd still choose an SPF 50 instead. But if you're wondering whether this fun yellow bottle is worth packing for your next holiday, I'll explain exactly why it's earned a permanent place in my suitcase.

At a Glance

Product: Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
SPF: 30
Protection: Broad-spectrum UVA & UVB
Type: Aerosol sunscreen spray
Water Resistant: Up to 80 minutes
Best For: Holidays, beach days, sightseeing and everyday body sun protection
Skin Types: Normal, dry, combination and most oily skin types
Finish: non-greasy with a healthy, natural glow
Scent: Sweet tropical coconut
Key Ingredient: Vitamin E
Free From: Oxybenzone and octinoxate
Cruelty Free: Yes
Where I Tested It: Croatia and Italy, including an eight-hour day exploring Pompeii in temperatures of around 42°C
Would I Buy It Again? Absolutely.

What Is Sun Bum Original SPF 30?

Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray is a lightweight aerosol body sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. SPF 30 filters approximately 97% of UVB rays when applied correctly, while broad-spectrum sunscreens also help protect against UVA rays, which contribute to premature skin ageing.

It's water resistant for up to 80 minutes, contains Vitamin E to help keep skin hydrated and is designed for quick, everyday application whether you're at the beach, sightseeing or spending time outdoors.

Sun Bum Original SPF 30 sunscreen spray being applied to an arm before spending time outdoors.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Packaging and Spray Application

The packaging is one of the first things that drew me to Sun Bum SPF spray. The bright yellow bottle really stands out on the shelf and instantly gives off fun holiday vibes. It feels different from the clinical-looking sunscreen bottles we're all used to seeing.

Looks aside, it's also really practical. The aerosol spray makes applying sunscreen quick and effortless, especially when you're trying to get out the door or head to the beach. It gives a nice, even mist over the skin, making it easy to cover larger areas without spending ages rubbing in lotion. Throughout our month-long trip around Croatia and Italy, the bottle travelled everywhere with us without leaking or causing any mess. The spray mechanism worked perfectly from the first use to the last, and even with sandy hands, I found it easy to hold and use.

If you're someone who usually dreads applying body sunscreen because it feels like a chore, I think you'll really appreciate just how simple this packaging makes the whole process.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Ingredients

One of the first things I look at before buying any sunscreen is the ingredient list. A sunscreen can feel lovely on the skin, but I also want to know what's actually doing the hard work. The Sun Bum SPF 30 sunscreen formula combines broad-spectrum UV protection with skin-loving ingredients like Vitamin E, making it a great choice if you're looking for a body sunscreen that's both protective and comfortable to wear.

Despite its lightweight, almost invisible finish, the formula doesn't just protect your skin from the sun. One of the standout ingredients is Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps defend against free radical damage caused by UV exposure while helping to keep skin feeling soft and hydrated. After a month of sightseeing, beach days and exploring Croatia and Italy, my skin never felt tight or uncomfortable, which really impressed me.

The broad-spectrum SPF 30 formula helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are linked to premature skin ageing, while UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn. When applied correctly, SPF 30 filters around 97% of UVB rays, making it a great everyday choice for holidays and outdoor adventures. It's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, although, like any sunscreen, you'll still need to reapply at least every two hours and after swimming, sweating or towel drying to maintain protection.

It's also worth remembering that no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays. For the best protection, sunscreen should be used alongside other sun-safe habits such as seeking shade during the hottest part of the day, wearing protective clothing and sunglasses, and reapplying your sunscreen regularly.

According to NHS guidance, sunscreen should be applied generously and reapplied regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.

Another feature I really like is that Sun Bum has formulated this sunscreen without oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it compliant with Hawaii Act 104. It's also cruelty free and gluten free, which is a nice bonus if those things are important to you.

I also think it's worth mentioning that, although it looks like a traditional aerosol sunscreen, it actually uses Bag-on-Valve (B.O.V.) technology. This dispenses the sunscreen using compressed air rather than traditional chemical propellants, giving a fine, even mist that I found quick and easy to apply throughout my holiday.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Texture, Finish and Scent

The texture and scent of this SPF spray is what completely won me over. The spray is incredibly lightweight and feels almost invisible on the skin. It comes out in a fine mist and disappears surprisingly quickly, so I found I barely needed to rub it in. Within seconds, my skin felt smooth, hydrated and protected rather than sticky or greasy. Even in the heat of Croatia and Italy, it stayed comfortable to wear and never left me feeling like I needed to wash it off.

Then there's the scent, and it's one of my favourite things about this sunscreen. Instead of the typical sunscreen smell, it has a gorgeous sweet coconut fragrance that instantly makes me think of summer holidays. It genuinely smells more like a luxury body mist than a body SPF.

In fact, while we were relaxing by the pool in Limone, someone actually asked me what perfume I was wearing because they thought the scent was a fragrance rather than sunscreen. I think that says everything you need to know about how lovely it smells.

If you enjoy skincare that makes everyday routines feel like a little treat, I think you'll absolutely love this sunscreen. Every time I sprayed it on, it instantly put me in a holiday mood.

How to Apply Sun Bum SPF 30 Correctly

Using this sunscreen couldn't be much easier. I gave the bottle a quick shake before spraying it generously over any exposed skin, making sure I didn't miss easy-to-forget areas like the backs of my legs, shoulders and, most importantly, my hair parting. Trust me, no one likes a burnt parting. It's the kind of pain that just lingers for days, and it's so easy to avoid with a quick spray before you head out.

For the best protection, shake well before use, apply generously around 20 minutes before sun exposure if following the brand's directions, and remember to reapply at least every two hours, or sooner after swimming or towel drying.

Because the mist is so fine and barely-there, I found it spread really evenly and needed very little rubbing in. On holiday, it was always the last step before we headed out for the day, whether we were wandering around Dubrovnik, relaxing by the pool or spending the afternoon at the beach.

While I found the protection lasted really well on my skin, it's still important to reapply regularly, especially after swimming, sweating or drying off with a towel. The biggest mistake most people make isn't choosing the wrong Body SPF; it's simply not applying enough in the first place.

Where Sun Bum SPF 30 Fits Into My Skincare Routine

On holiday, sunscreen is the most important step in my skincare routine. Before I even think about makeup or heading out for the day, I make sure my sun protection is sorted.

At the start of our trip, when my skin hadn't seen much sunshine for months, I relied on Hugo's P20 SPF 50 because I always like to be extra careful. Later in the holiday, when we were spending more time sightseeing, eating by the lake and exploring towns rather than sitting in direct sunshine all day, this SPF 30 sunscreen became my everyday choice for my body. It was so quick to apply that there was never an excuse to skip it.

Whether we were heading to the beach, wandering around Dubrovnik or enjoying a lazy afternoon by Lake Garda, this spray was always the last thing I reached for before leaving the apartment. It slotted effortlessly into my routine and made daily sun protection feel less like a chore and more like a habit.

Why Choose Sun Bum SPF 30 Spray Instead of Traditional Sunscreen Lotions?

There's absolutely nothing wrong with a traditional sunscreen lotion, and for some people, especially those with very dry skin, it might even be the better choice. Personally, though, I've become a huge fan of a spray sunscreen, especially when I'm travelling.

Come on, who really wants to spend ages rubbing in thick, white-cast sunscreen when you can simply spray, go and get on with enjoying your holiday? This SPF 30 sunscreen goes on in seconds, absorbs quickly and leaves my skin looking hydrated and glowy rather than greasy. It became part of my morning routine without me even thinking about it.

I also find I'm much more likely to apply enough product and remember to reapply throughout the day because it's so quick and easy to use. Whether I was heading out to explore Dubrovnik, walking around Lake Garda or popping down to the pool, I never found myself putting off applying sunscreen because this formula made the whole process so simple.

For me, that's what makes this product stand out. Sometimes the best body sunscreen isn't the one with the fanciest ingredients or the highest price tag. It's the one you'll actually enjoy using every single day, and this is one of the very few I've genuinely looked forward to applying.

How My Skin Felt After Wearing Sun Bum SPF 30

One thing that really stood out to me was how comfortable my skin felt after wearing this sunscreen day after day. Even after long walks in the sunshine and hours by the pool, my skin never felt dry or tight.

Some sunscreens leave my arms and legs crying out for body lotion by the evening, but I didn't get that with this one. My skin still felt soft, looked healthy and had a lovely natural glow without feeling greasy.

As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, whether that's mountain biking at home or travelling somewhere warm, I know how important it is to protect my skin from UV damage. Finding a sunscreen that makes my skin look and feel good as well is a huge bonus.

My Honest Thoughts on Sun Bum SPF 30

Honestly, I didn't want to love this sunscreen as much as I do. At around £20 a bottle, it isn't the cheapest, and with Hugo's P20 already sitting in our bathroom, buying good sunscreen is becoming quite an expensive habit!

That said, I also believe you get what you pay for when it comes to sun protection. Skin cancer has affected members of my family, so looking after my skin has never been something I'm willing to cut corners on. If a sunscreen feels so good that I actually enjoy wearing it every day, that's money well spent in my eyes.

Throughout our trip around Croatia and Italy, this Sun Bum SPF 30 really impressed me. The biggest test came in Pompeii, where we spent around eight hours exploring in temperatures of around 42°C, walking almost entirely in the open with very little shade. I reapplied it throughout the day as recommended, and despite those extreme conditions, I didn't even turn red. That gave me a huge amount of confidence in how well it protected my skin when used properly.

My skin stayed comfortable throughout the holiday and developed a lovely, even tan without ever feeling dry or flaky. I never had that tight, uncomfortable feeling that some sunscreens leave behind after a long day in the sunshine.

My only real criticism is that you can get through a bottle quite quickly. If you're applying it generously every day, especially if you're sharing it with someone else, you'll probably need another bottle after a couple of weeks. It's certainly not the cheapest body sunscreen, but because it's so quick to apply, feels lovely on the skin and provides reliable sun protection, I actually looked forward to using it every day. For me, that's worth paying a little extra.

That said, because I enjoy using it so much, I actually remember to wear it every day, and that alone makes it worth paying a little more. Good sunscreen is expensive. Treating sun damage is even more expensive.

What Is Sun Bum SPF 30 Best For?

After using it every day on holiday, I think Sun Bum SPF 30 is best suited to people who want a lightweight body sunscreen that's quick and enjoyable to apply. If you're someone who dreads rubbing in thick, sticky lotions before heading out, this sun protection spray makes reapplying throughout the day effortless.

I'd especially recommend it if you love a tropical coconut scent, travel regularly or simply want a sunscreen spray that leaves your skin feeling comfortable and looking naturally glowy rather than greasy. It also makes applying daily sun protection much quicker, which means you're far more likely to use it consistently.

If you have very fair skin, burn easily or know you'll be spending long periods in intense sunshine, I'd personally consider choosing Sun Bum SPF 50 instead for the extra level of protection. At the start of our trip, before my skin had seen any sunshine, I actually borrowed Hugo's P20 SPF 50 for exactly that reason.

How Does Sun Bum SPF 30 Compare to P20 SPF 50?

I've also reviewed P20 Original Spray SPF 50, and while both are excellent sunscreens, I think they suit slightly different situations.

For me, P20 SPF 50 is the one I reach for when I know I'll be spending long periods in intense sunshine, such as mountain biking, hiking or sightseeing all day in very hot weather. It's the sunscreen I choose when maximum protection is my top priority.

Sun Bum SPF 30, on the other hand, is the one I genuinely enjoy using the most. It smells incredible, feels lighter on my skin and makes applying daily sun protection feel less like a chore. It's one of those products I actually look forward to putting on each morning.

If I were packing for another summer holiday, I'd honestly take both. I'd use P20 SPF 50 for those long, high-exposure days, like our eight hours exploring Pompeii in 42°C heat, and keep sun bum sunscreen for days spent wandering around towns, relaxing by the pool or enjoying the beach. They complement each other really well, and having both meant I always felt prepared for whatever the day had planned.

Is Sun Bum SPF 30 Worth It?

For me, yes, without a doubt.

It costs more than many supermarket sunscreens, but I genuinely think you're paying for the overall experience, not just the SPF. It protects my skin, feels lightweight, smells incredible and makes applying daily sun protection something I actually enjoy rather than another holiday chore.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely. In fact, it's become one of those products I'll be stocking up on whenever I see it on offer. That's probably the biggest compliment I can give any body sunscreen.

Sometimes spending a little more on a product you'll happily use every single day is far better than saving a few pounds on one that ends up forgotten at the bottom of your beach bag. For me, Sun Bum SPF 30 has earned a permanent place in my holiday suitcase. It provides reliable broad-spectrum sun protection while still feeling incredibly non-greasy on the skin.

Is Sun Bum SPF 30 Suitable for Your Skin Type?

One thing I really like about Sun Bum SPF 30 is how comfortable it feels on the skin. While everyone's skin is different, here's who I think it's best suited to after using it throughout our holiday.

Dry skin: I think you'll really appreciate how lightweight yet moisturising it feels. My skin never felt tight or uncomfortable after long days in the sunshine.

Normal skin: This is probably the easiest skin type to recommend it for. It absorbs quickly, feels comfortable all day and doesn't leave a heavy finish.

Oily skin: If you don't enjoy rich, greasy sunscreens, I think you'll like this one. It feels lightweight on the skin and never left me feeling sticky, even in the Croatian and Italian heat.

Mature skin: Daily sun protection is one of the best ways to help defend against premature skin ageing, and I like that this formula also leaves skin looking healthy and hydrated.

Very fair or sun-sensitive skin: If you burn very easily or know you'll be spending long periods in intense sunshine, I'd personally consider Sun Bum SPF 50 or another high-protection SPF instead.

Pros and Cons of Sun Bum SPF 30

Pros

The biggest advantage for me is simply how enjoyable this SPF 30 sunscreen is to use. The tropical coconut scent is gorgeous, the fine mist makes application incredibly quick and it leaves my skin looking healthy and naturally glowy rather than sticky or greasy. It fitted perfectly into our holiday routine, whether we were exploring Dubrovnik, relaxing by the pool or spending hours walking around Pompeii. Most importantly, it made applying daily sun protection something I actually looked forward to.

Cons

My only real criticism is the price. At around £20 a bottle, it's definitely more expensive than many high street or supermarket sunscreens, and because it's such an easy-to-use spray sunscreen, you can get through a bottle fairly quickly if you're applying it generously every day or sharing it with someone else. For me, though, that's a trade-off I'm happy to make because I know I'll actually wear it consistently.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Price and Value

I paid around £20 for Sun Bum SPF 30 at Bristol Airport before flying to Croatia. I'll admit I hesitated, but after using this travel sunscreen every day throughout the trip, I completely changed my mind. The lightweight formula, tropical coconut scent and reliable protection made it one of those holiday essentials I'd happily buy again. It's one of the best sunscreens for holidays I've tried.

My experience also seems to reflect what many other buyers say online. People regularly praise the lightweight feel, tropical scent and easy application, although some mention that, like me, they find the bottle doesn't last particularly long if used generously every day.

Who I Wouldn't Recommend Sun Bum SPF 30 To

If you're expecting one bottle to last an entire family holiday, this probably isn't it. Likewise, if you burn very easily or spend most of your time in intense sunshine, I'd personally invest in an SPF 50 instead. For me, Sun Bum SPF 30 works best as an everyday holiday sunscreen rather than an extreme sun product.

If you're looking for a sunscreen that feels more like a lightweight facial moisturiser, you may prefer the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50. I found it especially comfortable for everyday wear and it's a great option if hydration is a priority.

Is Sun Bum SPF 30 Worth It? My Final Verdict

Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray completely exceeded my expectations. It combines reliable UVA and UVB protection with a lightweight finish, which is exactly what I look for in a holiday sunscreen.

But when I picked it up at Bristol Airport before our trip to Croatia and Italy, I thought it would simply be another holiday purchase I'd use up and forget about. Instead, it's become one of my favourite holiday sunscreens, and that's something I honestly wasn't expecting.

The lightweight, moisturising sunscreen formula combines broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with Vitamin E, making it incredibly comfortable to wear all day. Rather than feeling like another job to tick off before heading out for the day, it became a product I genuinely looked forward to using every morning.

Will it replace every sunscreen I own? No. I still keep an SPF 50 on hand for days when I know I'll be spending hours in intense sunshine or when my skin hasn't seen the sun for a while. Different holidays and different activities call for different levels of protection, and I think there's room for both.

For city breaks, beach holidays and everyday adventures, though, this has earned a permanent place in my suitcase. After everything from relaxing by the pool to spending eight hours exploring Pompeii in 42°C heat, it's a body sunscreen I trust for hot weather and one I'll continue buying whenever I see it on offer.

Honestly, I'd love to tell you that you don't need this and that it's just another overhyped sunscreen, but I'd be lying. I absolutely love it. If you're looking for an SPF 30 sunscreen that's lightweight, comfortable to wear and makes daily sun protection feel effortless, I genuinely don't think you'll be disappointed.

Would I Travel With Sun Bum SPF 30 Again?

Six months ago, I'd never even tried Sun Bum. Today, I won't book a summer holiday without throwing a bottle into my suitcase. That probably tells you everything you need to know.

Why Sun Bum SPF 30 Has Become One of My Favourite Sunscreens

If you've read this far, you've probably realised I genuinely love this sunscreen. Not because it's the cheapest SPF I've tried, but because it's one of the few products that makes me want to wear sunscreen every day. The lightweight formula, tropical scent and easy application mean I never dread reapplying it, and that's exactly what good sun protection should do.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Bum SPF 30

Is Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray greasy?

No. I found it surprisingly lightweight. It absorbed quickly and left my skin feeling hydrated rather than oily or sticky, even in the Croatian and Italian heat.

Is Sun Bum SPF 30 worth the money?

For me, yes. It's more expensive than many supermarket sunscreens, but it's one of the few I've genuinely enjoyed using every day. The lightweight formula, coconut scent and easy application make it well worth the price in my opinion.

Can you use Sun Bum SPF 30 on your face?

You can, but I personally tested Sun Bum Original SPF 30 as a body sunscreen rather than a facial SPF. If you choose to apply it to your face, avoid spraying directly onto your skin. Spray it into your hands first and apply carefully, avoiding the eyes. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, you may prefer a sunscreen designed specifically for the face.

Does Sun Bum SPF 30 smell like coconut?

Yes, and it's one of my favourite things about it. The sweet tropical coconut fragrance instantly reminds me of summer holidays. In fact, someone even asked me what perfume I was wearing while I was sitting by the pool because they loved the scent so much.

How often should you reapply Sun Bum SPF 30?

Sun Bum recommends reapplying at least every two hours, as well as after swimming, sweating or towel drying. Although I found the protection lasted really well, I always followed the guidance and topped it up throughout the day.

Is Sun Bum SPF 30 water resistant?

Yes. It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice for beach holidays, swimming and pool days. You'll still need to reapply after swimming, sweating or towel drying to maintain protection.

Do dermatologists recommend Sun Bum sunscreen?

Many dermatologists recommend wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, regardless of the brand. I can't say that dermatologists specifically recommend Sun Bum over other sunscreens, but it meets many of the features professionals commonly advise looking for, including broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and regular reapplication.

Can you use Sun Bum SPF 30 on your hair parting?

I did throughout our holiday and had no irritation. It's a great way to protect an area that's easy to forget. Just avoid spraying directly onto your face or into your eyes. Instead, spray it into your hands first if you're applying it close to your face.

Is Sun Bum SPF 30 suitable for dry skin?

I think so. My skin can become quite dry after spending time outdoors, and I found this sunscreen left it feeling comfortable and hydrated rather than tight by the end of the day.

Is Sun Bum SPF 30 good for sensitive skin?

I didn't experience any irritation while using it, including on my hair parting. However, everyone's skin is different, so if you have particularly sensitive skin or known allergies, it's always worth doing a patch test first.

Is Sun Bum reef friendly and cruelty free?

Yes. Sun Bum Original SPF 30 is cruelty free and formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it compliant with Hawaii Act 104. While no sunscreen can be described as completely reef safe in every environment, it's designed with reef-conscious ingredients in mind.

Does Sun Bum SPF 30 leave a white cast?

Not on my skin. The fine mist blended in quickly and left an invisible finish with a healthy glow rather than a white residue.

Can you use Sun Bum SPF 30 every day?

Absolutely. While I mainly tested it on holiday, I think it's just as suitable for everyday use if you're spending time outdoors and want a lightweight, comfortable body sunscreen.

Is Sun Bum SPF 30 good for holidays?

Without a doubt. I used it throughout Croatia and Italy, including during an eight-hour day exploring Pompeii in temperatures of around 42°C. It became one of my favourite travel essentials because it was quick to apply, comfortable to wear and easy to reapply throughout the day.

Can you apply Sun Bum SPF 30 over a tan?

Yes. Having a tan doesn't stop your skin from being damaged by UV rays, so it's still important to wear sunscreen every day. I continued using SPF throughout my holiday to help protect my skin while enjoying the sunshine.

Where can you buy Sun Bum SPF 30 in the UK?

I bought mine at Bristol Airport before flying to Croatia, but I've since seen it stocked by retailers such as Cult Beauty. It's also worth keeping an eye out for offers, as I usually stock up when it's on sale.

Should I choose Sun Bum SPF 30 or SPF 50?

It really depends on your skin type and how you'll be using it. If you burn easily, have very fair skin or know you'll be spending long periods in strong sunshine, I'd recommend an SPF 50. If you're looking for a lightweight everyday holiday sunscreen and your skin is less prone to burning, I think Sun Bum SPF 30 is a fantastic option.

Pinterest pin showing Sun Bum Original SPF 30 sunscreen spray on green summer grass with daisies, asking whether it's worth buying after being tested on holiday in Croatia and Italy.

About the Author

Hi, I'm Laura, the beauty, travel and lifestyle writer behind MissLJBeauty. I'm a qualified beauty therapist and makeup artist with over 15 years of experience testing skincare, beauty and wellness products. Every review is based on my own honest experience, so you can shop with confidence and spend your money on products that truly deliver.

MissLJBeauty