Did you know that chemicals in sunscreens can bleach coral reefs? These sunscreens are made to protect, not damage.
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As we hit the beaches this summer, it’s important to wear SPF that protects our skin and the coral reefs in our ocean. Did you know that the majority of sunscreens have harmful chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate that can seep into the water and lead to coral bleaching? Reefs have been suffering from climate change due to the global rise in ocean temperatures. The stress of warm waters causes corals to bleach – scientists now say that chemically-based sunscreens can induce the same bleaching response in corals. Moreover, the chemicals from traditional sunscreens can allow viruses to thrive in ocean water, putting corals at high risk of catching an infection that leads to bleaching and even death.
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But sunscreens made with zinc oxide and titanium oxide are mineral-based – therefore, in addition to protecting skin better, because it sits on top of the skin instead of being absorbed into the skin, these sunscreens are also less harmful to corals and are not linked to coral bleaching. Here are some of our favorite reef-safe sunscreens to consider before heading to the beach this summer.
Skinnies.Co: Skinnies Sungel (SPF30)
These environmentally friendly sunscreens are highly effective and perfect for daily use – they work with all skin types. Skinnies Sungel has 40 minutes of water resistance, and you only need a pea-size blob to work for the entire day. And it’s vegan!
Environmental Impact: This water-free formula allows the brand to save 100,000 liters of water yearly. Skinnies have also reduced their carbon thanks to sustainable initiatives like switching from plastic tubes to bioplastics made from sugar cane and sourcing ingredients to ensure that toxicity is minimized and that biodegradability is maximized.
Shop: $32.00 (3.4 oz.)
Manda: Organic Sun Creme (SPF50)
With its smooth and creamy lotion-like texture, applying Manda’s Sun Creme will feel soothing to the skin, unlike traditional pasty or heavy sunscreens. Made from high-quality, food-grade, all-natural, and organic ingredients, this SPF is made to not only protect the oceans but also protect your skin from any harmful toxins or chemicals.
Environmental Impact: Food-grade ingredients mean that this natural formula is safe for your skin and the environment. Manda also packages their sunscreen in bioplastics derived from sugar cane as a plastic alternative.
Shop: $32.00 (3.4 oz.)
Raw Love: All Natural Mineral Sunscreen (SPF35)
Raw Love’s reef-safe sunscreen comes in an eco-friendly container, and is very concentrated – meaning using a smaller amount will work very effectively to protect your skin from the sun.
Environmental Impact: The ingredients for Raw Love begins on organic farms. Each is hand-selected and blended with zinc oxide, an FDA-approved sunscreen ingredient. As a solid formula, it’s packaged in a recyclable metal tin.
Shop: $24.99 (4 oz.)
Thinksport Safe: Sunscreen (SPF50)
If you’re more of an adventurer, this sunscreen is perfect for you. Created for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and, most importantly, environmentally conscious consumers – this product is perfect for the more sporty summer activities.
Environmental Impact: Since 2010, this sunscreen has been rated 1 on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database. Instead of relying on chemicals to protect our skin from the sun, this sunscreen is made from minerals and natural ingredients like zinc oxide, aloe, jojoba, and vitamin E.
Shop: $12.99 (3 oz.)
All Good: Tinted Mineral Sunscreen (SPF30)
This tinted sunscreen is not only water resistant, but also lightweight, non-greasy, and great for hydrating and repairing skin. This sunscreen even protects from HEV – blue light from phones and any type of technological screen. All Good is an organic product, water resistant for 80 minutes, and biodegradable.
Environmental Impact: All Good is truly all good. Not only do they make environmentally friendly sunscreens that are reef friendly, but they’re also a B-Corp that takes responsibility for its environmental impact and they support organizations like 1% For The Planet, Pacific Whale, and Sustainable Coastlines.
Shop: $20.00 (3 oz.)
Stream2Sea: Mineral Sunscreen (SPF20)
This product is great for sensitive skin – it is a lighter, non-greasy formula perfect for a subtle layer of protection. In addition to being reef safe, it is water resistant for 80 minutes and also biodegradable.
Environmental Impact: These environmentally friendly sunscreens are USDA-certified biobased products and packaged in ecoconscious sustainable packaging.
Shop: $16.95 (3 oz.)
Hello Bello: Mineral Lotion Sunscreen (SPF50)
Hello Bello’s sunscreen is made from all organic materials, formulated into a non-greasy mineral moisturizing texture for the skin. The mineral sunscreen lotion is derived from organic cocoa seed butter, avocado, cucumber, and chamomile. It’s water-resistant for 80 minutes, and vegan!
Environmental Impact: Hello Bello is a company dedicated to natural products safe for the whole family and Mother Earth. Organic ingredients are sourced from sustainable farms and packaging is made from 50% sugarcane resin as a way to reduce plastic.
Shop: $9.78 (3 oz.)
Kokua Sun Care: Hawaiian Natural Zinc Sunscreen (SPF50)
Kokua’s sunscreen is luxurious and high-performing. The product deeply nourishes the skin with antioxidant Hawaiian-grown botanicals. It hydrates and protects the skin with no harsh preservatives and no artificial fragrances, and is also a biodegradable product.
Environmental Impact: Kokua focuses on local, Hawaii-grown natural ingredients that like noni and plumeria that are safe for your skin without harming the environment. Chemicals like phthalates and fragrances aren’t used. And, the packaging is recyclable.
Shop: $34.99 (Sale $29.99) (3 oz.)