The importance of reef-safe sunscreen

Coastal living has taught us that it’s more important than ever to keep our environment as healthy as possible. We’ve always had a passion for protecting our oceans — from local beach cleanups, to donating to ocean conservation programs — and one way to make a positive impact is with a simple swap!

The next time you jet off on a tropical vacation, spend a weekend at the beach, go on a snorkeling adventure, or even update your daily skincare routine, reach for a reef-safe sunscreen!

What makes a sunscreen reef-safe and why is it so important?

Let’s dive in!

What’s wrong with traditional sunscreen?

Take into consideration how long you’ve been using mainstream sunscreen brands. Probably from a young age! These traditional brands aren’t only harmful to us, but damaging our oceans and marine life.

The active ingredients in many commonly-used sunscreen brands are highly toxic. It’s so important to pay attention to ingredients, as well become aware of how to decipher those ingredients. Do your research into Oxybenone, Butylparaben, Octinoxate, and 4-Methylbenzylidine Camphor, among others, all of which are harmful to humans and our coral reefs. Oxybenzone in particular, found in thousands of sun care products, is known for altering the environment of our eco-systems. Toxic for human health, it’s increasingly linked to certain types of cancers, early puberty, affects estrogen and testosterone production, and results in low sperm count, just to name a few.

Why traditional sunscreens are banned

Covering over more than 3/4 of the earth and holding nearly 97% of its water, our oceans are essential to the health of our planet. You might have heard coral reefs called “rainforests of the sea”. Biodiverse ecosystems, coral reefs are responsible for producing large amounts of the atmospheres oxygen (more than trees) and absorbing carbon. A critical component of ocean life, coral reefs give support to over one million different species. They’re also vital to coastal protection, acting as a physical barrier between land and sea by dissipating the vast majority of wave energy, therefore mitigating erosion and hurricane damage.

Sadly, coral reefs are suffering due to the threats of human activity. In the last 30 years alone, we’ve lost more than half of the worlds coral reefs and it’s projected that by the end of this century, all shallow reefs could disappear or be damaged beyond repair if immediate action is not taken.

Conventional sunscreens are killing coral reefs around the world. While research shows that in part is due to rising ocean temperatures, another factor is the chemicals in toxic sunscreen brands. If you need proof, just look at high-traffic tourist destinations. Coastal areas, such as Key West, Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, Aruba, and Mexico have even begun to ban mainstream sunscreen brands that use ingredients such as those mentioned above.

It’s estimated that 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in the ocean every year. No sunscreen is fully waterproof, which is why in 2011 the FDA announced sunscreen brands can no longer advertise their product as being water or sweat proof. Easily washed off while swimming, simply wearing these sunscreens and entering bodies of water is enough to do harm.

But how?

The chemicals in commonly-used sun care brands lead to coral bleaching (and eventual death), damage it’s DNA, increase abnormalities, and make corals more susceptible to disease.

What is reef-safe sunscreen?

Reef-safe sunscreen is safe not only for our bodies, but better for our planet and the environment. Natural, mineral-based sunscreens do work a little differently than some of the most commonly-used brands found at your local drugstore.

Reef-safe sunscreen is made with natural ingredients and minerals like zinc oxide (which blocks UVA and UVB) or titanium oxide (which blocks UVB) acting as a physical barrier to the suns rays and reflecting them away from your body. Chemical sunscreens, which soak into our bloodstream, absorbs UV light.

It’s important to note that not all mineral sunscreens are reef-safe. Look for “non-nano”, or a product that specifies minerals as larger than 100 nanometer in size, which makes the product likely to be absorbed by marine life.

Recommended Reef-Safe Sun Creme Brands

Manda — Manda Organic Sun Paste SPF 50 is a thick paste formulated to stay on longer and protect against wind, water, and sweat. Loved by surfers, climbers, hikers, and athletes, serious staying power means it won’t rub off during activities in both sun and snow, though the paste may solidify in colder climates. 20% non-nano zinc oxide is the active ingredient, and thanaka oil, from the wood of a tree native to Myanmar and used as a natural sun protectant for over 2000 years, is also introduced. Packaged in a tin and bamboo container, it is recyclable and reusable. Manda Organic Sun Paste comes in at $28. It does leave a visible layer, however, comes in three shades (original, tan, and dark) to better blend with various skin tones. One of our favorites, Manda has an amazing texture that’s hydrating and not sticky at all. Plus, it smells like cinnamon!

Kokua Sun Care — Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian Natural Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50 is a reef-safe, zinc sunscreen for UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. Made without toxic chemicals, harsh preservatives, artificial fragrances, parabens, or phthalates, it uses the highest percentage (25%) of non-nano zinc oxide as the only active ingredient. As an added benefit, it’s deeply nourishing, containing 23 antioxidants, 7 of which are sourced from Hawaii (supporting local Hawaiian business, agriculture and non-profit organizations). It goes on white, and most of the quickly cast rubs in clear. With 80 minutes of superior water-resistant capabilities, Kokua Sun Care lasts well for days spent in sun, sand, and swells. A little pricey at $30 per bottle, we suggest stocking your summer supply during a sale when the cost drops to $25.

Raw Elements — If it isn’t produced by Mother Earth, it isn’t in Raw Elements sunscreen. 23% non-nano zinc oxide is the only active ingredient, and inactive ingredients are either certified organic or certified natural and sustainably-sourced. Their best-selling Face + Body SPF 30 ($18.99) is available in a zero waste, plastic free aluminum tin, which can be infinitely recycled. A performance driven sunscreen, it’s water resistant beyond 80 minutes. Raw Elements also offers face and lip sticks for on-the-go protection. It goes on white, and does tend to stay more on the opaque side.

mama KULEANA — mama KULEANA UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum 30 SPF Reef-Safe Sunscreen, made with non-nano zinc powder, is manufactured locally in Kahului, Maui, Hawaii. In the Hawaiian language, kuleana means “accepting responsibility with diligence and intent” and it’s with this philosophy that mama KULEANA goes about their mission to protect oceans, lakes, and rivers around the world. 100% micro-plastic free, their eco-friendly packaging is fully biodegradable and compostable, and comes with a screw top to prevent spills.

SurfDurt — SurfDurt is a non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen made with numerous antioxidants and high-quality natural ingredients that nourishes and protects your skin without killing the ecosystems you wear it in. Surfdurt sunscreen comes in a reusable bamboo container with an aluminum liner, and you can choose between two colors: Zombie White (a traditional white sunscreen) and Neutral Tan (a tinted sunscreen to blend into your skin tone for those who don’t want a bright white face). Of these two shades, you can choose your packaging color, each of which contributes to a different cause that uplifts diversity or fights climate change. Our favorite, of course, is “The OG” which benefits Coral Gardeners to fight coral reef decline by planting coral and restoring the most essential lifeline in the ocean ecosystem.

Final things to consider

Choose reef-safe: Refrain from using harmful sunscreens. The next time you go on an outdoor adventure, make the switch to a reef-safe alternative. Something we’ve learned over the years, and apply to many areas of our life — skincare, haircare, food — is to read the ingredient list. Doing so will ensure it is truly reef-safe.

Plastic-free: Reduce plastic-pollution by opting for sunscreens in a metal, glass, or recyclable container.

Say no to aerosol: Avoid aerosol sunscreens, more of which ends up in our environment than on our skin. These chemicals settle onto the sand, washing into the ocean with the next tide.

Take a break: Even though the above recommended sunscreens are reef-safe, remember to apply at least 15 minutes before going into the water.

Avoid midday sun: The suns rays are most harsh during 10am-2pm. Avoid these hours if you can, instead opting to enjoy the outdoors in the early morning or late afternoon.

Cover up: In addition to reef-safe sunscreen, for extra protection, wear a hat, or throw a t-shirt and linen pants over your swimsuit. A reminder that if you’re surfing, scuba diving, or snorkeling, there’s no need to apply sunscreen underneath your wetsuit.

Find shade: An easy way to protect yourself is to find shade. Set up a beach umbrella, spread out a picnic under a tree, etc.

Spread awareness: Chemical sunscreens full of synthetic ingredients create such a negative impact on our planet. It’s important to educate those around us, so they are empowered to take steps to keep themselves and our oceans safe.

Did You Know?

Ocean conservation has always been a topic of significant importance to us, which is why a portion of every project goes towards protecting and conserving our oceans and its inhabitants!

Coral Restoration Foundation is a non-profit marine conservation organization dedicated to restoring coral reefs. They do this by growing corals in offshore Coral Tree™ Nurseries, and then rehoming them on carefully chosen locations. Over 130,000 critically-endangered corals have been returned to Florida’s oceans since 2007, which have since grown into healthy, thriving eco-systems!