What does "Reef-safe" or "Reef-friendly" Sunscreen Mean? Terms like "reef-safe" or "reef-friendly" are typically used to identify sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two common UV-blocking chemicals, that studies have shown can cause coral bleaching.
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Sun Bum and Blue Lizard are a couple of my personal favorites. You can find a more comprehensive list of >>Reef Friendly Sunscreen For Kids<< here.
HEMPZ
HEMPZ
Eco-Friendly, Reef Safe. Octocrylene Free, Homosalate Free
Coola
Coola
Organic Sunscreen Spray, Dermatologist Tested, Vegan and Gluten Free
Bare Republic
Bare Republic
Mineral Sunscreen, Sheer and Non Greasy, Enriched with Antioxidant-Rich Hydrators
Florida Glow
Florida Glow
SPF 50 broad spectrum protection.Enriched with coconut oil to nourish and moisturize your skin while you enjoy the sun. Reef friendly and PABA free formula, making it safe for the environment and your skin. 100% vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using this sunscreen. Coconut scent to transport you to a tropical paradise.
CeraVe Tinted Face Sunscreen
CeraVe Tinted Face Sunscreen
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen with Sheer Tint. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30, 1.7oz
11. Raw Elements
11. Raw Elements
Face and Body Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30, Organic, Non Toxic, Reef Safe, Water Resistant, Cruelty Free, 3oz
ALL good MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER
ALL good MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER
What’s good for the environment is also good for you.ALL good products are free from harmful ingredients. Clean non-nano zinc oxide is the active ingredient — a topical mineral that doesn’t absorb into skin. Good for your body, your kids, and our reef...it’s All Good.
Badger
Badger
Mineral Sunscreen, Zinc Oxide, 98% Organic Ingredients, Reef Safe, Broad Spectrum, Hypoallergenic, Water Resistant
Caribbean Breeze
Caribbean Breeze
Reef Friendly, Rich in Anti Oxidants, Water Resistant, Broad Spectrum
Project Reef
Project Reef
Reef Safe & Vegan - This mineral, non-nano Zinc only sunscreen is vegan, reef-safe & held to the highest environmental standards. Hawaii Reef Act 104 compliant. Our products are thoughtfully & sustainably made in Maui, Hawaii.
Thrive
Thrive
Reef Safe, SPF 50 - Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant, Mineral Sunscreen Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Vegan, 5.8oz
Hawaiian Tropic Sun Milk
Hawaiian Tropic Sun Milk
Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk Sunscreen, Zinc Oxide, Oxybenzone Free
Kokua Sun Care
Kokua Sun Care
Moisturizing Sun Protection Cream, Mineral Water Resistance, Cruelty Free, Natural Vegan, SPF 50/80, Hawaiian Reef Safe, Non Nano Zinc Oxide, For Face & Body
Vacation Classic Lotion
Vacation Classic Lotion
A luscious, lightweight sunscreen that takes leisure as seriously as it does protection. Vacation® Classic Lotion combines the best of the classic sunscreens you grew up with, with the best of modern suncare science to create a timeless sunscreen product that makes you look, feel, and smell like you’ve been to paradise and back. With Vacation® SPF 50 Classic Lotion, protection has never felt this good.
babo
babo
Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30, Natural Zinc Oxide, Shea Butter, Water Resistant, Fragrance Free, Vegan, EWG Verified
There is no standard guideline for what makes sunscreen reef-safe, but some states and destinations have laws and restrictions in place:
Hawaii
In 2018, Hawaii passed Act 104, banning the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are chemicals that can cause coral bleaching. The law went into effect in 2021.
Key West, Florida
In early 2019, Key West banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Aruba, Bonaire, Palau, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
These destinations have also banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octocrylene, and/or octinoxate. Some bans forbid the sale or distribution of sunscreens with prohibited ingredients, while others forbid having one in your possession.
To choose a reef-safe sunscreen, you can look for sunscreens that contain physical UV-blocking ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients form a physical block to shield skin from absorbing rays. You can find these ingredients listed on the sunscreen tube.
You can also consider the following tips for using reef-safe sunscreen:
Avoid lotions that contain microplastics, nanoparticles, PABA, parabens, or triclosan.
Choose lotions over sprays and mists, as inhaling titanium dioxide from sprays and mists can be harmful.
Use reusable containers made from recycled materials or plant-based sources like cardboard.
Chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, commonly found in many sunscreens, can damage coral reefs and other marine life. Some excursions, especially those focused on snorkeling or diving, may have specific sunscreen policies in place, so it's always a good idea to check with the tour operator, cruise line or local authorities before your trip.
Example:
Some excursions in Cancun require you to use biodegradable sunscreen or will not allow you to wear sunscreen or insect repellent.
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