), you may not have thought about how what you choose to protect your body from the sun could also have a role in protecting, or deteriorating, the environment around you. How do I know if my sunscreen is reef-safe? | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 30+ | Water-Resistant: Yes. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it's the perfect beach companion whether you'll be sipping pia coladas in a cabana or sweating through a hardcore wave-riding session. Generally speaking, scented skincare products are more likely to cause irritation than their fragrance-free counterparts. Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 100% Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon, California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion at Amazon, Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion at Amazon, All Good Makes Everything Better Face & Body Sunscreen Lotion at Amazon, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Mineral Sunscreen, Alba Botanica Hawaiian Coconut Clear Spray SPF 50, The 11 Best Travel-size Sunscreens of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 8 Most Comfortable Women's Sandals of 2022, Tested and Reviewed, Supergoop! It also glides on smoothly and is safe for children as well. Avoid sunscreens containing: avobenzone, butylparaben, ecamsule octinoxate, oxybenzone or 4-methylbenzylidine camphor. Thats because some products use essential oils, which in and of themselves have a fragrance. Likewise, if your sunscreen claims to do double-duty as an exfoliant or create a shimmer effect, it may contain nanoplastics, which are harmful to the marine environment. Even when our tester used a tablespoon of the SPF (instead of the recommended teaspoon), she found that there was no white cast. Nanoparticles are often found in sunscreens that absorb into the skin versus creating a UV barrier or filter that rests on top of the skin. The Pipette Mineral Sunscreen - SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Sunblock with Non-Nano Zinc outperformed the competition with its ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formula that quickly sinks into skin, doesnt leave a white cast, and doesnt transfer onto clothes. This sunscreen uses ingredients that are thought to be safest for reefs. Waxhead Vanilla Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick. Discover safe and non-toxic sunscreen options for 2022. . In this article, we'll be sharing the 14 best reef-safe sunscreen brands to consider for your next beach trip. With so many reef-friendly sunscreens on the market, it can be hard to know which ones work the best. "Both nano particlea smaller particle sizeand traditional zinc oxide sunscreens are both safe and effective, and both will . "Because reef-safe sunscreens do not use chemical UV blockers, they are super safe for the face and body," she says. That means our team of testers has reviewed every product on this list using a unique methodology to ensure it's really worth your time, money, and attention. Oxybenzone is the worst reef offender in the world, and a few of the others are pegged for likely harming ocean life as well. I imagine if I really lathered my whole body the scent might be slightly stronger and could potentially be unpleasant, but that's just a conjecture.. Why We Love It: It's free from common allergens such as gluten, soy, oats, and most nuts. All Terrain AquaSport Reef Friendly Sunscreen. Despite saying this has an hour or more of water resistance, adding water did make the sunscreen run slightly, and I can imagine if I went swimming for a while, a lot of the sunscreen would run off, our tester admits. Sun Care. Baby Sunscreen; Baby Toothpaste. The lightweight formula goes on smoothly, and it disappears quickly with zero-to-minimum white cast and greasy residue. Generally speaking, reef-safe sunscreens are considered to be free from chemicals and nanoparticles that are known as harmful to ocean and coral reef environments. SPF: 30 | Size: 2.9 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 40 minutes. It also comes in clutch for boating trips or relaxing water activities like river tubing when you don't want to fuss with applying creams or sticks and need protection on hard-to-reach areas. It contains ingredients like squalane and red algae to help moisturize and protect skin, while also allowing it to spread easily and quickly. Size: 3.4 oz. productslearn more about Discover safe and non-toxic sunscreen options for 2022. What to Consider: It may leave a slight white cast on darker skin. For example, I ended up on a page on Walmart.com that literally said Neutrogena Reef-Safe Sunscreen in Sunscreen. There are some independent agencies who have set up their own certification and testing processes to help identify sunscreens that dont contain harmful ingredients. Diapers; Fragrance. Sunscreens that claim to be reef-friendly and absorb into your skin should be carefully scrutinized. Thats why Hawaii became the first state in the US to ban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2018. Sunscreens ingredients widely believed to be harmful to coral reef systems include oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, para-aminobenzoic acid, parabens, and triclosan. MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Clear Spray. Reef safe sunscreen is sun protection that doesn't use chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate as its active protective ingredient. Almost as close to pure zinc as you can get (while still sinking into skin quickly and without a greasy film), this mineral-based sunscreen is approved by the EWG and Whole Foods. Without nano-zinc particles and meant to last in the water, this a great all-around cream. ", SPF: 30+| Size: 2.9 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. The gentle, non-irritating formula makes it a good choice for wearing everyday (yes, you should be wearing sunscreen every single day) on your face or body as well, even for sensitive skin types. But it was so non-specific that no one really paid attention. Best Natural: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen at Amazon. It's that zinc oxide, a staple of mineral-based sunscreens, that the Environmental Working Group (EWG . *Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian SPF 50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen. Hawaii is the first state in the US toban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, ushering in a new era of reef safe sunscreen. After ruling out the usual suspects like sewage, fuel, pesticides, and road runoff, says Downs, they realized that there were high concentrations of chemicals found in sunscreens in the water of the highly popular tourist beaches. Still, per the American Academy of Dermatologys Sunscreen guidelines, its best to reapply after taking a dip to ensure youre fully protected for hours to come. Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. Thats why chemical sunscreens were developedthey sink into skin easier and dont usually leave a white, chalky cast. Pacifica After Sun Body Spray Coconut Vanilla Person & Covey, Inc. SolBar PF Sunscreen Cream SPF 50 Person & Covey, Inc. Solbar Zinc Oxide SPF 38 Unscented Transparent Sunscreen Cream Cynics among us may wonder if saving marine life could be as simple as switching their sunscreen. To save you from sifting through thousands of reviews, we went ahead and tested the 24 most popular reef-safe sunscreens. The chemicals in your SPF can rinse off and affect the ecosystems where you swim. Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen has a very thin texture so much so that its quite runny and takes pretty much zero effort to squeeze out of the tube. Formulated to be lightweight and creamy, the stick SPF applies beautifully, absorbs quickly, and doesnt leave a white cast not even on darker skin tones. To no surprise at all, Pacifica has made a product that is my families new obsession. Coola Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. The product is also vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO, made with solar power, and packaged in 50 percent recyclable materials. What We Dont Love: It gets a bit sticky once wet, and it has a strong lemony scent. What to Consider: It needs to be reapplied after only 40 minutes of water contact. Thinksport SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen. Best Overall: Kkua Sun Care Reef Safe Natural Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50. When we apply sunscreens containing these ingredients and then swim in waters where there is coral, the sunscreen gets into the water and poisons the coral, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sumayah Jamal, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. This Black-owned sunscreen isn't just reef-safe . In doing so, we were able to narrow down the top 10 reef safe-sunscreens. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. I found this list of reef safe sunscreens on one of our Hawaii blogs. What We Dont Love: The stick is quite small and may not last very long. Now 10% off. What We Love: A little bit of this soothing sunscreen goes a long way. It was almost like a body oil feel and effect, but not in a bad way, our tester explains. Wear hats and sunglasses, find shade and limit the amount of time in the sun. Mineral Face Shade Coconut Probiotic SPF 30 - this natural sunscreen for your face is water resistant and goes on relatively transparent, helping you enjoy a day at the beach or the pool without suffering from sun damage. We know reapplying sunscreen after less than an hour on your little one doesn't seem practical, but hear us out. Los Angeles-based dermatologist Dr. Jasmine Yun wears reef-safe sunscreen every day and recommends getting into the habit of always applying a thin layer of sun protection on any exposed areas, especially the face. Thinkbaby Is the Best Sunscreen for Bodies and Water Bodies. Ultimately it comes down to what kind of sunscreen it is. But as you slather yourself in SPF (and reapply every two hours as directed, right? That said, the formula doesnt fully hold its ground in the presence of water. While technically developed for children, the formula far exceeded our adult expectations, cementing it as the best overall reef-safe sunscreen we tried. To be as safe as possible, the sunscreen should contain only non-nano mineral sunscreens. A naturally sourced lotion that is lightweight, oil-free, and water-resistant up to 80 minutes. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best "It has a light sheen and leaves my face looking smooth. She writes for a variety of publications, covering everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. Comes in at a drugstore price point and . Supergoop . Wearing sunscreens without either oxybenzone or octinoxate can help mitigate the problem and help coral reefs thrive. There are plenty of eco-conscious sunblock options that provide proper protection without violating these bans or sacrificing your skin's comfort. Sunscreens with the Protect Land + Sea Certification Seal are considered safe, Dr. Jamal says. Best for Sensitive Skin: Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion. The new law goes into effect January 1, 2021, but many visitors and residents are already trading in their non-reef safe sun protection. What We Dont Love: Its not water resistant despite claiming to be. Men. Note that La Roche-Posay does not use "reef-safe" marketing terms, nor does it specify whether its main ingredients are non-nano. As a professional surfer in the World Surf League, Kirra Seale says applying Mattescreen is part of her daily reef-safe sun protection routine. Following the growing amount of evidence that what sunscreens we put on our bodies can have a devastating effect on the environment around us, Hawaii became the first state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2018, two known endocrine disrupting chemical ingredients that have been shown to drastically affect ocean life. Resistant, Reef Safe, SPF 50 . While this product is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate and labeled reef-friendly, it contains octocrylene, an ingredient that is banned in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to being dermatologist tested, clinically tested, and hypoallergenic, this sunscreen has a fabulous consistency that sinks quickly and fully into skin. If you're one of those people who hates the feeling of being slathered in gooey sunblock, Thinksport could be a game-changer. Even the bottle is made from a corn-based . The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens to Wear This Summer, 15 Long Lasting Colognes, According to Experts, Food and Drug Administration proposed a new rule to regulate common chemicals found in sunscreens, as advised by the American Academy of Dermatology, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Sunscreen creams and sticks that are ideal for snorkeling trips or watersports aren't going to give the same lightweight feeling or barely-there look you'll want to seek out in an everyday sunscreen for your face. What We Dont Love: Because this isnt noncomedogenic, it can clog pores. Buy for 46 at Net-a-Porter or Harrods. "I use Sun Bum in SPF 50 lotion for my body whenever I go surfing and when competing in events like the WSL Longboard Tour," professional athlete Kirra Seale says. Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, it meets basic non-regulated guidelines for being reef-friendly. Its best suited when youre being especially active, because of the 80-water resistant factor which applies to sweat, too. The Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 50+ is beloved for its fast-absorbing formula that leaves skin feeling hydrated and smooth. Avoid sunscreens with high content of Titanium Dioxide. Were partial to this zinc formula which goes on smooth and dries to a powdery finish that doesnt leave you with a grey film or sticky feeling (there is also a version specifically for your face). It also contains a few other chemicals some beach-goers try to avoid, namely homosalate and octocrylene. That word "zinc" is what gives this sunscreen its good name, both for you . While it doesnt dry down for an unnoticeable feel, she says that the creamy paste feels similar to applying a heavy moisturizer, so its not distracting or uncomfortable. The other shortcoming of this SPF is its lack of water resistance, despite its claims. #3 Cover up! Ahead, check out the 12 best reef-safe sunscreens. Experts including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce have tried over 100 reef-safe sunscreens and evaluated them for their protection, texture, and finish, and if their ingredients lined up with the Protect Land & Sea's requirements for a reef-safe sunscreen. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, wearing sunscreen is the best protection you can get against sun damage that can lead to skin cancer. Another option, as mentioned before, is to look for mineral sunscreens. These chemicals can affect all aspects of an ocean ecosystemfrom fertility issues in sea urchins and fish to killing off seaweed and other marine plant life. Instead of using oxybenzone or octinoxate, these sunscreens use minerals to protect your skin from sunburns and skin cancer, as well as prevent aging due to sun exposure. Look for mineral formulas, as theyre made without the aforementioned chemicals. #1 Apply at least 10 - 15 minutes before entering the water. Baby Wipes. When you do need to use sunscreen, or for areas that can't be effectively covered with clothing, be aware that there are two types of sunscreen to choose from: Chemical sunscreens: Products that frequently contain the absorbable and coral harming ingredients mentioned above. A reef-safe sunscreen is one free of chemicals and particles known to harm coral reefs. Why We Love It: The vegan formula is hypoallergenic and not tested on animals. There are multiple factors to consider, according to Dr. Bhanusali, like climate change and pollution, which also contribute to the deterioration of coral reefs and nothing is black and white. When she's not writing, she can be found out and about with her Jack-Chi, Cash, sweating her way through an Orangetheory class, or taking it easy with family and friends. Best refillable sunscreen - UpCircle SPF25 mineral sunscreen: 24.99, Upcirclebeauty.com 1 / 1 11 best eco-friendly sunscreens that help to protect our oceans 11 best eco-friendly sunscreens . According to our tester, the formula, which is infused with organic and sustainably-grown ingredients, blends in easily despite feeling a bit sticky fresh out of the tube. . But if you want the best reef-safe spray, stick, or sensitive skin formula, we found expert-approved options for those too. One of the biggest reasons people stay away from mineral sunscreens is how they look (chalky) and feel (filmy) on their skin. Originally produced as fragrance-free, this product is now scented with gardenia and lemongrass essential oils. The absorbability and lack of white cast arent the only reasons this sunscreen stands out: Made with water lily and sugarcane-derived squalane, it also deeply hydrates skin and provides a cooling effect, so it can double as post-sun care if you spend too much time soaking up the rays or forget to reapply. "I have peace of mind when I wash my face at night, knowing the water going down the drain is safe for ocean life.". Check out the 12 best reef-safe sunscreens. What We Love: It absorbs quickly into skin without leaving a white cast. However, we are starting to see a trend of these big brands creating new, less toxic sunscreen lines such as Banana Boats Simply Protect which is made without oxybenzone & parabens. Read more: Best Mineral Sunscreen for Men. The first step to buying reef-safe sunscreen is to check which active ingredients are in the bottle. One thing to keep in mind: This SPF is formulated without synthetic fragrances but it definitely has a scent. This clean reef safe sunscreen is the brands Supergoop mineral sheerscreen. My two requirements were reef safe and non toxic. Why We Love It: This mineral sunscreen is made from just five ingredients. Offers may be subject to change without notice. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.