It's Time To Invest In A Reef-Safe Sunscreen

SPF 30. Broad-spectrum. Water-resistant. These are all the words you probably know to look for when you're shopping for sunscreens for your beach vacation. But thanks to recent studies and new legislation, there's another necessary detail to add to your checklist: reef-safe.

Yes, you heard it right: reef-safe sunscreen is the new sunscreen that everyone should be investing in! If you're wondering what it is, why it matters and where you can find one, then read on...

Why does it matter that sunscreens are reef-safe?

A 2015 study in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology found that the popular sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone is directly linked to coral bleaching, the top cause of coral death worldwide.

Here’s the thing: Oxybenzone and octinoxate are super-common ingredients found in more than 3,500 sun protection products, according to NPR. They also pop up in many moisturizers, primers, and foundations that contain SPF. So it's crucial to look for a reef-friendly option. 

What makes a sunscreen reef-free?

If you're looking for a chemical sunscreen (sunscreens that sink into skin and work by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat), any version that does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate are considered safe for ocean use. 

As for mineral (aka physical) sunblocks, which are powered by the minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and sit on top of your skin to deflect UV rays, look for key words like "non-nano" or "reef friendly" on the label, which means the particles aren't small enough to be absorbed by, and harm, marine life.

Here are 6 of the best reef-friendly sunscreens you should try this summer:

1. Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Suntegrity’s SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen for the body offers broad-spectrum protection and is free of harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic dyes, sulfates, nanoparticles and chemical UV absorbers. It's non-greasy and contains 20% non-nano, uncoated zinc-oxide. This sunscreen formula is easy to apply, loaded with antioxidants for healthy protection all year round and has a light uplifting citrus scent.

2. Badger Organics Sunscreen SPF 30

Badger Organics' natural and organic sunscreens contain simple, safe, USDA Certified Organic ingredients. Their only active ingredient, zinc oxide, is also the main ingredient for commonly used products such as diaper rash cream and calamine lotion, and it is approved for use even on sensitive skin.

3. Babo Botanicals, Clear Zinc, SPF 30 Sunscreen

Oxybenzone or Octinoxate free, this clear zinc sunscreen is non-nano and contains high UVB/UVA protection. Formulated with 19.0% Zinc Oxide, this is a very effective and non-chemical sunscreen ingredient while moisturising with skin-soothing certified organic oils. It's safe enough for babies or kids and fragrance free for sensitive skin. You can see how this is bound to be a family favourite! 

4. COOLA Classic Body SPF 30 Sunscreen

Designed for those long active days in the sun but light enough for everyday use, this hypoallergenic, paraben-free and non-nano sunscreen is perfect for the summer. Their advanced plant-based oleosome technology optimizes the performance of the formula, for fortified protection that's unbelievably light, gentle, and sheer on skin.

5. ThinkSport Sunscreen SPF 50

6. Manda Organic Sun Paste SPF 50

MANDA Organic Sun Paste is proud to be the first sun care product of its kind to introduce and implement the timeless curative: Thanaka. Exceptionally high in antioxidants and ideal for sensitive skin, this ground tree bark from Myanmar has been used for over 2,000 years as a natural alternative to sunblock.