As a family that loves to travel, we understand the importance of protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But did you know that some sunscreens can harm our oceans? In this article, we’ll explore the best reef-safe sunscreens that protect both your family and the ocean.
Understanding Sunscreen and Its Impact on the Ocean
Most sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm marine life, particularly coral reefs. When we swim in the ocean, these chemicals wash off and can cause coral bleaching, which is a significant threat to our reefs’ health.
What Does Reef-Safe Mean?
Reef-safe means the sunscreen does not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals known to harm coral reefs. However, reef-safe does not mean the sunscreen is entirely harmless, but it’s a better option for our oceans.
Why Choose Reef-Safe Sunscreens?
Opting for reef-safe sunscreens is a responsible choice for both your skin and the delicate marine environment. Reef-safe sunscreens use mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which create a physical barrier on the skin to block harmful UV rays without releasing chemicals that can harm coral reefs. By choosing reef-safe options, you help prevent the damage caused by ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been linked to coral bleaching and coral reef decline. Protect your skin while safeguarding our fragile marine ecosystems by choosing reef-safe sunscreens.
The Role of SPF in Sunscreens
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It measures the sunscreen’s ability to protect your skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer. SPF does not measure how well a sunscreen will protect from UVA rays, which are also harmful. So, always look for sunscreens labeled ‘broad spectrum’, as they protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Key Ingredients to Look for in Reef-Safe Sunscreens
Look for sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These mineral ingredients sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays.
Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreens
Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to coral reefs. Also, avoid methylisothiazolinone, which is harmful to marine life.
Top 10 Reef-Safe Sunscreens
Here are our top 10 picks for reef-safe sunscreens.
-
MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen
-
Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Zinc Oxide
- Jojoba Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Olive Oil
- Candelilla Wax
-
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
-
COOLA Organic Classic Daily Face Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
-
All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
- Zinc Oxide
- Organic Green Tea
- Organic Rose Hips
- Organic Buriti Oil
- Organic Jojoba Oil
-
Badger SPF 30 Unscented Sunscreen Cream
- Zinc Oxide
- Sunflower Oil
- Beeswax
- Vitamin E
- Seabuckthorn
-
Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen
- Zinc Oxide
- Sunflower Oil
- Green Tea
- Black Tea
- Coffee Bean
-
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
- Zinc Oxide
- Titanium Dioxide
-
Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
-
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
- Coola
- Sun Bum
- Badger
- Alba Botanica
- Babo Botanicals
- Raw Elements
- Thinksport
- All Good
- Stream2Sea
- Goddess Garden
No products found.
MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème offers excellent protection against harmful UV rays with its broad spectrum SPF 50 formula. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients, making it a reliable choice for reef-safe sunscreen. The lightweight and non-greasy texture make it ideal for everyday use, and it is suitable for all skin types. This sunscreen is also free from parabens and fragrance, making it gentle on sensitive skin.
Key (active) ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Vitamin C, Green Tea, Cranberry Fruit, and Pomegranate extracts.
No products found.
Thinksport Safe Sunscreen is a highly effective, water-resistant sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen is made with non-nano zinc oxide, a mineral compound that sits on the skin’s surface to scatter, absorb, and reflect sun rays. It’s free from harmful chemicals like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and UV chemical absorbers. This sunscreen is also enriched with jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil, which nourish the skin while providing protection. It’s a great choice for those who want a sunscreen that’s as kind to their skin as it is to the environment.
Key (active) ingredients:
No products found.
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen is a popular choice for many due to its lightweight and oil-free formula. It offers broad-spectrum SPF 46 protection, effectively shielding your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen contains niacinamide, which helps improve skin tone and texture, and hyaluronic acid, which provides hydration. It is also non-comedogenic, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.
Key (active) ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid.
No products found.
COOLA Organic Classic Daily Face Sunscreen Lotion is a high-quality sunscreen that combines broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with organic ingredients. The lightweight formula blends seamlessly into the skin, leaving no white residue. It contains antioxidants like vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids, providing additional nourishment to the skin. This sunscreen is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Key (active) ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene.
No products found.
All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion is a reef-friendly sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. This sunscreen is made with non-nano zinc oxide, which provides a physical barrier against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It’s also packed with skin-loving ingredients like organic green tea, rose hips, and buriti oil for repairing damaged skin. This sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it an excellent choice for outdoor activities. It’s also free from oxybenzone, a common sunscreen ingredient that can harm coral reefs.
Key (active) ingredients:
No products found.
Badger SPF 30 Unscented Sunscreen Cream is a simple, safe, and moisturizing sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen is made with just five simple ingredients, including non-nano zinc oxide, which provides a physical barrier against the sun’s harmful rays. It’s also enriched with sunflower oil, beeswax, and vitamin E, which moisturize and nourish the skin. This sunscreen is water and sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes, making it a great choice for activities like swimming and hiking.
Key (active) ingredients:
No products found.
Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen is a high-performance, water-resistant sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen is made with non-nano zinc oxide and a blend of natural, organic ingredients, including sunflower oil, green tea, black tea, coffee bean, hemp seed oil, and cocoa butter. These ingredients not only protect the skin from the sun but also provide hydration and antioxidants. This sunscreen is also reef safe, biodegradable, and safe for all ages, making it an excellent choice for the whole family.
Key (active) ingredients:
No products found.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum SPF 30+ protection. This sunscreen is made with non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide a physical barrier against UVA and UVB rays. It’s also free from potentially harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. This sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes and is designed for sensitive skin, making it a great choice for those with skin sensitivities or allergies.
Key (active) ingredients:
No products found.
Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion is a gentle yet effective sunscreen suitable for both children and adults. Its SPF 30 provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. The clear zinc oxide formula goes on smoothly without leaving a white residue. This sunscreen is made with natural and organic ingredients, including shea butter and green tea extract, to nourish and soothe the skin.
Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Beeswax.
No products found.
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion offers reliable sun protection with its broad-spectrum SPF 50 formula. This reef-safe sunscreen is enriched with antioxidant-rich vitamin E to neutralize free radicals and protect your skin from premature aging. The non-greasy and water-resistant formula absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling smooth and moisturized.
Key ingredients:Homosalate,Octisalate,Octocrylene,Avobenzone
How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly
Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun. Be sure to cover all exposed skin, and don’t forget about your ears, the back of your neck, and the tops of your feet. Reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating.
Other Ways to Protect Yourself from the Sun
Besides using sunscreen, you can protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing. Also, try to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
The Impact of Climate Change on Coral Reefs
Climate change poses a severe threat to the health and survival of coral reefs worldwide. Rising sea temperatures, caused by global warming, lead to coral bleaching — a phenomenon where corals expel their symbiotic algae, resulting in their stark white appearance and potential death.
Ocean acidification, another consequence of climate change, reduces the availability of carbonate ions, which are crucial for coral reef growth. Additionally, increased storm intensity and frequency, attributed to climate change, can cause physical damage to reefs. To protect these fragile ecosystems, urgent action to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions is imperative.
Final Words
Protecting your skin from the sun is essential, but it’s also important to protect our oceans. By choosing reef-safe sunscreens, you’re doing your part to preserve our marine ecosystems for future generations.
FAQs
1. What sunscreens are reef safe?
Reef-safe sunscreens are those that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals known to harm coral reefs.
2. What is the best reef safe sunscreen?
The best reef-safe sunscreen depends on your specific needs, but some of our favorites include Thinksport Safe Sunscreen, MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème & COOLA Organic Classic Daily Face Sunscreen Lotion.
3. What ingredients to avoid in sunscreen?
Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to coral reefs. Also, avoid methylisothiazolinone, which is harmful to marine life.
4. What brands of sunscreen are reef safe?
There are several brands that offer reef-safe sunscreens. Here are some popular ones:
These brands prioritize the use of reef-friendly ingredients and avoid harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to contribute to coral reef damage. It’s always a good idea to check the specific product formulations to ensure they meet your reef-safe criteria, as formulations may vary within each brand’s sunscreen range.
Co-Editor of Our Family Travel. Mother of 2 who disguises as a 9 to 5 finance professional on most days. She loves to travel, is an amateur website builder and cook. And given her day job, she loves travel planning and saving money. Follow along!
