10 Reef Safe Sunscreen Brands We Love

Your Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide – 10 Sunscreen Brands for Ocean-friendly Sun Protection

Your go-to sunscreen may be protecting your skin at the expense of coral reefs – one of the most valuable ecosystems on earth.  Swapping to a reef safe sunscreen brand, can help protect coral reefs while still protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure.  
 
Sunscreen is an important part of your skincare regime.  It plays a critical role in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and premature skin aging that can occur from overexposure. It’s important to protect your skin from the sun when you are going to spend significant time outdoors.
 
Coral reefs play in important role in the marine environment.  They protect coastlines from storms and erosion, and are a source of food for many marine animals.  They have also been a key component in medicine development over the years.  Up to 25% of all marine life depends on coral reefs for survival. Coral reefs are dying at an alarming rate and it has been shown some ingredients in chemical sunscreens are contributing to coral reef bleaching and reef production.
 
Chemical Sunscreens contain coral-harming chemicals oxybenzene and octinoxate.  When your sunscreen washes off in the water, it settle onto coral reefs and affects reef production.  Once the life cycle is disrupted, coral reefs are no longer able to sustain themselves and slowly start to die off, noted by loss of color.
 
Hawaii was the  first state in the US to ban the sale of sunscreen containing these coral-harming chemicals. Since then, other states have followed suit and this is expected to continue.  
 

Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid

Reef safe  sunscreen brands are those that do not contain chemical ingredients. While oxybenzone and octinoxate are the most well-studied culprits, new research indicates other chemicals in sunscreens and other skin/hair care products are also harmful to coral reefs.  Make sure your sunscreen does not contain the following harmful substances on the “HEL list:

  • Oxybenzone
  • Octinoxate
  • Octocrylene
  • Homosalate
  • 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
  • PABA
  • Parabens
  • Triclosan
  • Any nanoparticles or “nano-sized” zinc or titanium (if it doesn’t explicitly say “micro-sized” or “non-nano” and it can rub in, it’s probably nano-sizedAny form of microplastic, such as “exfoliating beads”
 
You can find the complete list  here of all the known pollutants that may be in your sunscreens and other products you should avoid.  

 

The Best Reef Safe Sunscreen Brands According to Dermatologists

Reef safe sunscreens are mineral based and provide the necessary broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage with ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.  below are some of the top reef safe sunscreen brands recommended by dermatologists.  

Kokua Sun Care SPF 50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen

Water-resistant zinc sunscreen using the highest percentage (25%) of non-nano zinc oxide available as the only active ingredient.  Goes on like a moisturizing lotion and rubs in clear and smooth.

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Babo Botanicals clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30

Formulated for super sensitive skin, fast absoribing and non-whitening.  The 100% non-nano zinc formula provides 80 minutes of water nd sweat resistant coverage.

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Stream2Sea Sport Sunscreen

  • Organic Ingredients
  • Water resistant
  • Doesn’t sting your eyes
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SunButter SPF50 Water Resistant Reef Safe Sunscreen

  • SPF 50
  • No Sunspheres (Nano Plastic Particles) Certified
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration registered
  • Vegan and cruelty free
  • Rubs in clear
  • Safe for all skin types including sensitive skin, babies and face application
  • Made in Australia in a solar powered factory 
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Badger Clear Zinc SPF 40

  • Cruelty Free
  • Certified to Protect Land & Sea
  • Solar Powered Production Facility
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Hello Bello Mineral Sunscreen Spray

  • SPF 30
  • non-nano zinc oxide
  • kid friendly
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Sun Bum Original Scent SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

  • Vegan & Reef Friendly
  • Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free
  • Sheer Protection
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Blue Lizard Mineral Active Sunscreen SPF 50+ Spray, 5 Fl Oz

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Amavara Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion

  • Earthwell Zinc Technology
  • Water Resistant up to 80 Minutes
  • Post Consumer Recycled Plastic Packaging
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SurfDurt Sunscreen

  • Reef Safe
  • Cruelty Free
  • SPF 30
  • comes in Tinted or Zombie White
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We love to hear about new products you love. What is your favorite reef-safe sunscreen brand?

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