15 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens To Protect Yourself & The Reefs

We’ve all been there, standing in the sunscreen aisle, overwhelmed by choices. The labels shout “SPF 50!” or “Water Resistant!” at us. But have you ever seen a label that says “Reef-Safe” or “Reef-Friendly” and wondered what it means? Well, you’re not alone.

Reef-safe sunscreens are exactly what they sound like – sunscreens that are safe for our beautiful coral reefs. They lack harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can cause coral bleaching.

Yep, your regular sunscreen might be harming those vibrant underwater ecosystems you love to explore while snorkeling on your vacation.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of reef-safe sunscreens, how they work, and what the best reef-safe sunscreens are. It’s time to protect your skin and our oceans!

What Is Reef Safe Sunscreen?

Reef-safe sunscreen is free of chemical ingredients and small particles that are known to damage and potentially kill coral reefs in the oceans. The biggest offenders are oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene.

However, there’s a so-called “HEL”-list (Haereticus Environmental Laboratory) with even more ingredients. HEL is a non-profit scientific organization aiming to conserve wildlife and ecosystems.

The HEL LIST includes:

• Any form of microplastic sphere or beads.
• Any nanoparticles
• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
• Octocrylene
• Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
• Methyl Paraben
• Ethyl Paraben
• Propyl Paraben
• Butyl Paraben
• Benzyl Paraben
• Triclosan
• Homosalate
• Octisalate
• Butyloctyl salicylic acid
• Propylparaben
• “Any of the nylon powders used in cosmetics and personal care products, such as Nylon-6 (polyamide 6), Nylon-10 (polyamide 10), Nylon-11 (polyamide 11), Nylon-12 (polyamide-12), all of the Orgasol polyamide product lines, any of the polyester plastic powders such as polyester-8, polyester-25, nylon glitters, polyester glitters, HDI/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymers, any of the polycarolactones, and any of the polyethylene powders or fibers.”

Our article explains everything if you want to learn more about what makes sunscreen reef-safe.

The 15 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens

Brands And Their Reef Safe Sunscreen Policies

There are several popular sunscreen brands on the market nowadays, and we understand that you may wonder if these brands are fully reef-friendly, partially reef-friendly, or not at all. We’re answering these questions per brand below.

Is Supergoop Reef Safe?

While Supergoop products are formulated without oxybenzone and parabens (plus all are cruelty-free, non-irritating, and vegan), Supergoop is not 100% reef-safe. For example, their most popular sunscreen (Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen) contains Avobenzone, Homosalate, Ocisalate, and Ocrylene. The Supergoop Play line is also not fully reef-safe.

However, Supergoop does offer reef-friendly sunscreen. Look for their mineral sunscreens, and you’ll find reef-safe sunscreens.

Is Neutrogena Sunscreen Reef Safe?

Neutrogena is not 100% reef-safe. However, it offers three sunscreens that don’t contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or octocrylene.

However, they may contain nanoparticles. Nowadays, you can assume your sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide are nano-sized particles unless specified otherwise — and since there’s nothing specified, there is a big chance it contains nanoparticles, which makes the sunscreens not fully reef-safe. But, it is already better than other options, so depending on your preferences, this is a good (first) step.

Keep in mind that Neutrogena isn’t cruelty-free.

Is Banana Boat Reef Safe?

Banana Boat is not 100% reef-safe. However, it offers sunscreens that don’t contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or octocrylene, nor parabens, oils, or fragrances. Please avoid their aerosol sprays, as these aren’t environmentally friendly. Also, keep in mind that Banana Boat is not cruelty-free.

Is Hawaiian Tropic Reef Safe?

Hawaiian Tropic is not 100% reef-safe, but is reef-friendly. All Hawaiian Tropic products are free from oxybenzone and octinoxate. Their mineral sunscreens are fully reef-safe, though, as they don’t contain any chemical products (also not chemicals on the HEL list).

Why Would Hawaii Ban Chemical Ingredients?

Let’s start with why this became a thing. I think Hawaii was an important placeholder that pushed the idea of reef-safe sunscreens.

Starting in 2021, Hawaii decided to prohibit the sale of sunscreen with oxybenzone and octinoxate. Other places where certain chemical sunscreens are banned include:

• The US Virgin Islands (oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene)
• Bonaire Island in the Caribbean (oxybenzone)
• The Pacific island nation of Palau (11 ingredients [PDF, p. 26])
• Aruba (oxybenzone)

But why are oxybenzone and octinoxate (and a few more ingredients we’re talking about in a bit) such a problem?

Well, it turns out that many common sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. When these substances wash off our skin while we swim or snorkel, they can cause significant damage to coral reefs by promoting viral infections among corals and even causing bleaching!

What Are Coral Reefs & Why Are They Important?

Imagine an underwater world full of colors and life, where fish of all shapes and sizes dart among vibrant corals. Coral reefs are incredibly important for several reasons:

• Biodiversity Hotspots: Coral reefs are like bustling cities for marine life, providing a home to a dazzling array of creatures, from tiny shrimp to majestic sea turtles. They are one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, even though they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor.

• Fisheries and Food: Many fish that we eat, like snapper and grouper, rely on coral reefs as nurseries. These reefs offer safe spots for fish to grow and reproduce, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fishing.

• Coastal Protection: Coral reefs act as natural barriers, reducing the impact of waves and storms on coastlines. They help protect coastal communities from erosion and damage caused by hurricanes and other extreme weather events.

• Tourism and Recreation: Coral reefs attract snorkelers and divers, providing stunning scenery and adventure opportunities that boost local economies. Who wouldn’t want to swim among colorful fish and vibrant corals?

• Medicinal Potential: Coral reefs hold incredible potential for medicine. Some creatures living there produce compounds used to treat diseases like cancer, arthritis, and bacterial infections.

• Carbon Sink: Coral reefs capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping reduce the effects of greenhouse gas emissions.

How Do I Know If A Sunscreen Is Reef Safe?

The best sunscreens for the ocean contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients protect your skin by reflecting sunlight, staying on the surface, and being less likely to cause skin problems.

• Avoid Harmful Ingredients: Ensure that oxybenzone and octinoxate are not listed on the ingredients. Also, avoid other harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrances. Sunscreens without these compounds are safer for the ocean and kinder to your skin.

• Mineral-Based Sunscreens: The Best Option for Coral Reefs? Mineral-based sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block UV rays instead of absorbing them. The benefits:
  • Immediate protection upon application.
  • Less risk of skin irritation.
  • Minimal impact on marine ecosystems.

However, mineral-based sunscreens can leave a white cast on the skin because the protective minerals are not fully absorbed.