As reefers, it’s hard to imagine purposefully harming the mystical realm of natural coral reefs. Few places offer such magnificent displays of nature as these endangered underwater worlds.
But, what if you discovered you’ve played a direct role in the continued degradation of this delicate ecosystem?
Unfortunately, millions of advocates and admirers unknowingly introduce toxic chemicals into these brilliantly decorated environments. How?
The answer may surprise you.
Sunscreen.
Author:
As a lifelong aquarist, Yuliya has an endless curiosity about our underwater universe. After graduating with a bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering, she transformed her passion into a successful career. While working at the Institute of Environmental Protection in Moscow, her passion for saltwater and reef aquariums only increased. Moving to the United States in 2013, Yuliya embarked on another impactful journey by sharing her unprecedented experience for all aquarium hobbyists ... Read More.
QUICK REEF SAFE SUNSCREENS COMPARISON OUR TOP 10 PICKS:
Best Reef Safe Sunscreens For Adults:
- Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion.
- Badger SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen Cream.
- Stream2Sea Biodegradable Sunscreen Lotion.
- All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter with Zinc Oxide.
- SPF Rx Mineral Sunscreen.
- ThinkSport Safe Sunscreen - Kids and Adults!
- Coral Safe Biodegradable Sunscreen.
- Reef Safe Biodegradable Sunscreen Lotion.
Best Reef Safe Sunscreens For Kids:
I remember learning about the toxic nature of this everyday product. Sitting at my computer, I scrolled through multiple studies, expose articles and interviews with human and wildlife experts. What did I learn?
The majority of sunscreen formulas activate its UV-protection qualities through chemical filters, such as oxybenzone, octisalate, homosalate and many other hard-to-pronounce compounds. Without getting into incredible detail, simply knowing roughly 50% of sunscreen products sold in the United States are banned in Europe.
While we could easily dive into the potential harm chemical filter sunscreen formulas cause to the human body, this post involves a lesser-advocated species: coral reefs.
Throughout this article, we’ll not only discuss the best sunscreens for coral reef protection, but why sunscreen compounds can prove toxic to marine life.
Essential Information About Reef Safe Sunscreens.
Exposing the Darker Side of Sunscreen and Coral Reefs.
How can something you put on your body, which is supposed to stay without washing off, capable of harming coral reefs? Is it really possible sunscreen is harming coral reef colonies?
The root of this problem is marketing. Despite pervasive advertising tactics, there’s no such thing as waterproof sunscreen.
First, you’ll likely only see sunscreen advertised as water-resistant. In fact, the FDA specifically prohibits brands from describing their sunscreen as waterproof. Even still, if a sunscreen is resistant to water, shouldn’t it stay on your skin?
Well, yes, but only for a short time. The longest-lasting water-resistant formula maintains its aversion to watery environments for 80 minutes. This means, after just over an hour, your sunscreen begins to wash away.
Not only does this put you at a greater risk of sun damage, but unbeknownst to swimmers, this sunscreen begins to leech out into the water around them.
While this isn’t much of a concern for those swimming in contained pools, it’s a nightmare scenario for coral reefs. Did you know, even one drop of standard sunscreen is extremely harmful to corals. Considering there’s over 14,000 tons of this protective product dumped into coral reefs each year, it doesn’t take much of an imagination to see the problem.
The most dangerous compound, which is also the most common, is oxybenzone. Used to filter UV-rays from entering your skin, researchers have found this toxic ingredient in surprisingly high concentrations throughout tourist-oriented reefs.
Basically, oxybenzone is responsible for bleaching coral white by literally extracting nutrients from these brilliant organisms. Moreover, presence of this sunscreen chemical stunts marine life growth and development.
When combined with the multitude of other harmful compounds and scenarios coral reefs encounter, the addition of sunscreen chemicals is truly horrific.
So, what can we do? As reefers, the most impactful step we can make is also the easiest: only use coral reef safe sunscreen.
Throughout the last several years, there’s been an explosion of reef-safe sunscreens to hit the market. As our understanding of how chemicals influence the natural world, our ability to create not only safe sunscreens for humans, but also reef safe products, grows.
Without further ado, let’s investigate the top 10 reef safe sunscreens for adults and kids.
#1 - Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30.
With a name like this, Sun Bum is an obvious choice for this list. Not only does this coral safe sunscreen provide UVA/UVB coverage, it offers a wide range of protection.
Boosted by natural ingredients and enriched with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals, this biodegradable sunscreen offers 80 minutes of water resistance and is safe for reef ecosystems as it has no chemical fragrances or preservatives. Unlike so many other sunscreens, Sun Bum doesn’t use nanoparticles, which are notoriously harmful to all marine life and also offers a version for your precious baby!
#2 - Badger SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen Cream.
This is among my personal favorite products on this list. Badger SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen Cream features only five ingredients.
Not only is its formulation strikingly simple, this reef safe sunscreen was awarded the 100% Certified Natural recognition. Combined with its 95% Certified Organic recognition, and it’s easy to see why this is a favorite among the reefing community.
Along with zinc oxide as its primary mineral filter, it features a sunflower oil base. Of course, it’s also biodegradable and offers water resistance up to 80 minutes of water exposure.
#3 - Stream2Sea Biodegradable Sunscreen Lotion.
What I truly appreciate about Stream2Sea Biodegradable Sunscreen Lotion is the amount of testing this USA manufactured sunscreen underwent. Before release, its ingredients were tested to confirm safety for both freshwater and saltwater marine life. This means, not only is this sunscreen safe for coral reefs, but is approved for all wildlife environments.
As mentioned earlier, most reef tourism and protection agencies require the use of a biodegradable sunscreen. Basically, this means its ingredients easily degrade into an environment without positively or negatively impacting the natural water parameter balance.
Stream2Sea Reef Safe Sunscreen Lotion uses an antioxidant blend of organic compounds, such as olive leaf, tulsi and green tea, to provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
Other noteworthy features include 80 minutes of water resistance, non-greasy application and natural mineral filtering compounds.
#4 - All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter with Zinc Oxide.
As you continue through this list, you’ll notice a trend in sunscreen ingredients. Instead of chemical filtering agents, reef safe sunscreens often use natural minerals. Not only are these safe for your body, but they pose no threat to reef environments.
In fact, the majority of reef tourism companies now require all divers to wear not only mineral-based sunscreen, but biodegradable sun protection, as well.
What I really enjoy about All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter is its ability to combine organic, reef-safe ingredients with a dense texture.
The most noteworthy features of this coral reef sunscreen include:
- Broad Spectrum Protection - Protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Verified Safety - Awarded the top rating from EWG.
- Water-Resistant - As mentioned earlier, this reef safe sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes of water exposure.
- Zinc Oxide - The star ingredient of All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter is zinc oxide. This product delivers adequate sun protection without harming the environment.
If you aren’t a fan of the thicker butter formula, then go with the All Good Natural Sport Sunscreen Lotion, which offers the same protection benefits in lotion consistency.
#5 - SPF Rx Mineral Sunscreen.
With an SPF rating of 40, SPF Rx Mineral Sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection powered by a higher-than-normal Zinc Oxide concentration. Since its zinc content is so high, you only need to use a small amount. Make sure that you liberally rub the lotion into your skin. Trust me, if you don’t you’ll end up with a visually interesting white-streak pattern across your body. However, this is true for any zinc-based sunscreen.
Along with its mineral compounds, this reef safe sunscreen includes titanium dioxide, aloe leaf and shea butter to protect and moisturize skin. Don’t worry, while titanium dioxide sounds dangerous, it’s non-toxic and widely recognized as safe for coral reefs.
#6 - ThinkSport Safe Sunscreen - Kids and Adults!
As the first commercial sunscreen to satisfy the Whole Foods Premium Care Requirements, ThinkSport is among the most trusted brands for body and environment safe sunscreen. Not only is its formula reef safe, but with a maximum protection SPF 50+, it sufficiently protects against sun damage. Enjoy water resistance for up to 80 minutes, and since it’s free from harmful chemicals and nano particles, the land and sea marine life aren’t harmed. The best part? This brand offers a variety of sunscreen products for adults and kids. If you’re searching for a solid brand, this is definitely a top contender.
#7 - Reef Safe Biodegradable Sunscreen Lotion.
If you can’t tell by its name, Reef Safe Biodegradable Sunscreen Lotion is specifically formulated to protect coral reefs. This hypoallergenic sunscreen offers both UVA and UVB protection, while remaining water resistant up to 80 minutes of being in the water.
My personal favorite element of this product is its freshwater and saltwater biodegradability. While we’re primarily concerned with reef environments, it’s important to note this isn’t the only ecosystem harmed by sunscreen ingredients.
This next feature may not appeal to everyone, but it demonstrates the purity of its formula. Reef Safe is classified as Bait Safe, which means even with direct exposure, live bait isn’t harmed or contaminated.
Best Reef Safe Sunscreen For Kids - Sunscreens For Your Child.
#8 - Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen.
With safe ingredients, and a magical ability to dry clearly, Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen is among the best reef safe sunscreens for kids. Its gentle formula prevents skin irritation, while offering an SPF +50 rating.
Designed for human and marine life safety, Thinkbaby is formulated without using nanoparticles and biologically toxic chemicals. Not only will your child stay protected from sunburns, but the natural environment will simultaneously stay safe from harmful compounds.
#9 - Badger Active Kids Zinc Oxide Sunscreen.
While natural sunscreen is generally recognized as safe for all ages, Badger Active Kids Zinc Oxide Sunscreen is specially formulated to provide reef safe protection for our little ones. This biodegradable sunscreen is hypoallergenic and features up to 40 minutes of water resistance.
The biggest consideration is to apply small amounts and thoroughly rub the lotion into skin. Because zinc oxide is thick, provide a streak-free finish by rubbing small amounts over your child’s skin. This is different than standard sunscreen, but its ability to protect against UVA/UVB rays without harming your child or the environment makes the extra effort worth it.
#10 - All Good Natural Kid’s Sunscreen.
With an SPF 30 rating, All Good Natural Kid’s Sunscreen delivers the best of both worlds: superior UVA/UVB protection and a coral reef safe formula. Free from harmful compounds, such as nanoparticles and toxic chemicals, this sunscreen is a top choice among reefers.
Along with a zinc oxide mineral filtering ingredient, All Good delivers skin nourishing ingredients to keep your child’s skin hydrated and protected. Made out of organic compounds, such as rose hips, burrito oil and green tea, this sunscreen prevents future damage and repairs previous sun damage.
Protect More Than Your Skin With Reef Safe Sunscreen.
There you have it. While there’s plenty of other brands capable of shielding the sun without damaging reef ecosystems, the aforementioned are among the best reef safe sunscreens on the market.
What are your thoughts? Have you tried one of the mentioned products? Head on over to our Facebook page and send us a message!
by Yuliya Ivanova for ReefHacks.