If you’ve visited a beach that’s known for its coral reefs recently, you might have noticed a new push for reef-safe sunscreens.
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Many resorts have started to offer free reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life and marine growth. Even public beaches that are home to reefs sometimes have signs urging the public to use sunscreen that won’t cause permanent damage. In places like Hawaii and Aruba, it’s illegal to sell non-reef-safe sunscreens.
Still, not many Americans have a reef-safe sunscreen at home—or have even heard of reef-safe sunscreens to begin with. Here’s what you need to know about oxybenzone and octinoxate, and how they contribute to coral bleaching. I’ve also rounded up some of the most affordable reef-safe sunscreens that you can order online today.
Top 3 reef-safe sunscreens you can order on Amazon right now
- Raw Love – One of the original Hawaiian reef-safe sunscreens to go on the market
- Raw Elements –A standout with a clean, organic list of ingredients
- Project Reef – A science-backed product with a focus on sustainable operations
What is reef-safe sunscreen?
Sunscreen’s main job is to filter out harmful UV rays that cause sunburn and, in severe cases, can cause skin cancer. However, many of those UV-blocking chemicals are harsh. They leak into the water off our skin and, where there are coral reefs, cause bleaching and even DNA damage to marine life.
Sunscreens that remove these harmful chemicals are known as reef-safe—but keep in mind that reef-safe isn’t a regulated term. In other words, any sunscreen producer can put it on their label, but it doesn’t mean it guarantees that the product won’t harm coral reefs.
The general difference between reef-safe and non-reef-safe are chemicals—a reef-safe sunscreen relies on minerals, not chemical compounds. Rather than absorbing UV rays, these mineral-based sunscreens reflect UV rays.
Below, you can find reef-safe sunscreens that I’ve vetted. But if you want to shop for yourself, here’s what you need to look out for when you purchase a ‘reef-safe’ product. (You can check out a deep dive here from Save the Reef, if you want.)
Avoid sunscreens that use these harmful chemicals:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Homosalate
- Octocrylene
- Avobenzone
- Octisalate
- Dioxybenzone
- Benzophenone-1 and Beznophenone-2
- Padimate O
- Enzacamene
- 3-Benzylidene
- Nanoparticles
Best reef-safe sunscreens you can order right now on Amazon
Click on the link to explore popular reef-safe sunscreens from some of the biggest names in sun protection. All are available on Amazon for an affordable price.
- Raw Love: For those who want simple ingredients and a highly rated product
- Raw Elements: For those who prefer organic ingredients
- California Baby: For anyone with ultra-sensitive skin
- All Good: For those who want to choose between sticks, sprays, and creams
- Project Reef: For those who buy sustainably
- ThinkSport: For those who like to be active
- Kokua Sun Care: For anyone who prefers eco-friendly packaging
