Coral reefs are vital to the health of our oceans, yet they are under severe threat from various factors, including harmful chemicals found in many conventional sunscreens. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two such chemicals that can cause coral bleaching, and DNA damage, and hinder coral reproduction. When these chemicals wash off and enter the ocean, even in minute amounts, they can have devastating effects on coral reef ecosystems.
Thankfully, there are alternatives. Reef-safe sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide broad-spectrum UV protection without harming coral reefs. These minerals are naturally occurring in ocean water and are non-toxic to coral at typical concentrations.
In this advisory blog, we explore seven of the best reef-safe sunscreens available. Each product is reviewed for its price, ingredients, and benefits, helping you make an informed choice that protects both your skin and the ocean.
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1. Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion
Price: $16
Main Ingredient: Non-nano Zinc Oxide
Benefits:
- Provides a physical barrier for effective UV protection.
- Rubs in clear without leaving a white residue.
- Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin.
- Contains antioxidants to hydrate and protect the skin.
Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion is an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. Its hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulation ensures that even the most delicate skin can be protected without irritation.
The non-nano zinc oxide acts as a physical barrier against the sun's harmful rays, while antioxidants like sunflower oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil hydrate and nourish the skin.
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2. Thinksport SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
Price: $11
Main Ingredient: Non-nano Zinc Oxide
Benefits:
- High SPF 50 provides robust protection from UV rays.
- Water-resistant and biodegradable, making it ideal for water activities.
- Absorbs quickly, although it may leave some white residue.
Thinksport SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen is perfect for active individuals who spend a lot of time in the water.
Its high SPF ensures maximum protection from the sun, while its water-resistant formula means it stays effective even during extended water activities. Though it may leave a slight white residue, this is a small trade-off for such comprehensive protection.
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3. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Price: $38
Main Ingredient: Reef-safe formulation
Benefits:
- Made without oxybenzone, ensuring reef safety.
- Goes on clear with SPF 40, making it an excellent daily sunscreen.
- Functions as both a sunscreen and a makeup primer.
- Contains hydrating ingredients like frankincense and meadowfoam seed oil.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is a versatile product that combines skincare and sun protection. Its clear, weightless formula is perfect for daily use and doubles as a makeup primer. Ingredients like frankincense and meadowfoam seed oil provide hydration, making it suitable for all skin types.
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4. Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
Price: $22
Main Ingredient: Not specified (reef-safe formulation)
Benefits:
- Formulated specifically for darker skin tones, dries clear without leaving a white residue.
- Moisturizes with nourishing ingredients like jojoba, cacao, and avocado.
- Provides SPF 30 protection.
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion addresses the unique needs of darker skin tones, ensuring that it dries clear without the dreaded white cast.
Its moisturizing formula, enriched with jojoba, cacao, and avocado, provides essential hydration while offering reliable sun protection.
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5. Manda Organic Sun Paste
Price: $28
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, Thanaka
Benefits:
- Provides SPF 50 protection.
- Contains 98% organic ingredients.
- Rich in antioxidants, thanks to thanaka.
- Long-lasting, even through extended water activities.
Manda Organic Sun Paste is a robust and environmentally friendly option. Its 98% organic formula includes thanaka, a natural sunscreen and antioxidant, ensuring both protection and nourishment for the skin. This sun paste is particularly effective for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, as it stays on through water activities.
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6. Badger Active Sunscreen Cream
Price: $15
Main Ingredient: Uncoated Zinc Oxide
Benefits:
- Rubs in clear, leaving no white residue.
- Contains 98% organic ingredients.
- Free of artificial ingredients and dyes.
Badger Active Sunscreen Cream is a straightforward, effective, and environmentally friendly sunscreen. Its simple formulation includes uncoated zinc oxide for UV protection and organic oils to nourish the skin. The absence of artificial ingredients and dyes makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
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7. Cocokind Daily SPF
Price: $27
Main Ingredients: Non-nano Zinc Oxide, Blue Phytoplankton, Microalgae
Benefits:
- Provides SPF 32 protection.
- Protects against UV rays, pollution, and blue light.
- Leaves minimal residue and has a non-greasy feel.
Cocokind Daily SPF is a multi-functional sunscreen that offers broad protection not only against UV rays but also pollution and blue light.
Its non-nano zinc oxide provides effective sun protection, while blue phytoplankton and microalgae help shield the skin from environmental stressors. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula is perfect for daily use.
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Why Choose Reef-Safe Sunscreens?
Reef-safe sunscreens are crucial for protecting coral reefs from harmful chemicals that contribute to coral bleaching and ecosystem damage. By opting for sunscreens that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients, we can enjoy effective sun protection without harming marine life.
Understanding the Harmful Effects of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate
Oxybenzone and octinoxate are common in many sunscreens due to their ability to absorb UV radiation. However, these chemicals have been shown to cause significant harm to coral reefs. They can:
- Cause Coral Bleaching: Disrupts the growth and reproduction of coral polyps, leading to bleaching.
- DNA Damage: Affects the DNA of coral larvae, impairing their development and growth.
- Prevent Coral Reproduction: Interfere with the reproductive processes of coral, reducing their ability to propagate.
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Benefits of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide
- Broad Spectrum Protection: Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide broad-spectrum UV protection, shielding the skin from UVA and UVB rays.
- Non-Toxic to Marine Life: These minerals are non-toxic to marine life, ensuring that they do not contribute to coral bleaching or other environmental damage.
- Natural Occurrence: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are naturally occurring minerals found in the ocean, making them a safer choice for sunscreens.
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Choosing and Using Reef-Safe Sunscreens
When selecting a reef-safe sunscreen, look for terms like "reef-friendly" or "reef-safe" on product labels. Ensure the sunscreen does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. Even small traces of these chemicals from a few users can accumulate and damage corals over time.
It's best to use reef-safe sunscreens year-round, not just during beach or water activities. Chemicals from sunscreens can wash into oceans through wastewater systems, so using reef-safe products consistently helps protect fragile coral reef ecosystems that are crucial for biodiversity and coastal protection.
Final Thoughts
Reef-safe sunscreens are an essential step in protecting our oceans' coral reefs from the harmful effects of oxybenzone and octinoxate. By choosing products that use safe, effective ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, we can enjoy sun protection without compromising the health of marine ecosystems.
The seven products reviewed in this blog offer a range of options to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a daily sunscreen, a high-SPF option for extended water activities, or a product formulated for sensitive or darker skin tones, there's a reef-safe sunscreen for you.
Protecting our skin and the planet should go hand in hand. By making the switch to reef-safe sunscreens, we can help ensure the preservation of coral reefs for future generations while keeping our skin healthy and protected from the sun.
