Top Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Skin and Environment Protection

As summer approaches and more people plan beach vacations, the importance of choosing reef-safe and reef-friendly sunscreen is becoming increasingly clear. While protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial, it’s also essential to consider the impact your sunscreen may have on the delicate ecosystem of the ocean.

Many sunscreens on the market contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to cause damage to coral reefs. In fact, the state of Hawaii has gone so far as to ban the sale of sunscreens containing these ingredients. To ensure you’re choosing a sunscreen that is truly reef-safe, it’s important to look for products that do not contain these harmful chemicals.

But it’s not just oxybenzone and octinoxate that you need to watch out for. Additional chemicals like octocrylene, homosalate, avobenzone, and oxybenzone can also have damaging effects on marine life. That’s why it’s crucial to read the labels carefully and opt for sunscreens that are free of these harmful ingredients.

In addition to choosing a reef-safe sunscreen, it’s also important to consider other factors like SPF level and water resistance. Skin cancer is a serious concern, so be sure to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and opt for a water-resistant formula to ensure it stays on your skin while swimming.

This Earth Day, make a conscious choice to protect both your skin and the ocean by choosing a reef-safe and reef-friendly sunscreen. By making a small change in your sunscreen selection, you can make a big impact on the health of our oceans.