7 BEST ECO-FRIENDLY, REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN BRANDS THAT PROTECT YOUR SKIN & THE OCEAN

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This blog post is all about the best eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen brands! 

We all know how important it is to wear sunscreen when spending time in the sunshine.

This skincare product protects our skin from harmful sun rays and helps prevent skin cancer. 

Unfortunately, most sunscreens on the market are filled with chemicals that are not only harmful to us but also to coral reefs and marine life. 

This is a huge issue because these ecosystems are incredibly valuable to the planet!

They provide countless environmental and economic services to the environment and humans. 

If you’re wondering “What are the best reef-safe sunscreens?”, read on!

In this article, I’ve rounded up the 7 best eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen brands that effectively protect both your skin and the planet.

I’ve also made sure to only include brands that use safe, non-toxic ingredients in their formulas. 

This post is specifically about reef-safe sunscreens, and while the products I include here are all healthy to use, I also have an entire article about the 10 best non-toxic & natural sunscreen brands! 

This blog post contains affiliate links which means that if you buy something through such links, I will get a small commission without any extra cost for you. Please read my Disclosure for more details.

Why choose eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen? 

We might not think about this when buying sunscreen, but when we’re swimming in the sea or showering, the sunscreen that was on our skin washes off and enters waterways.

This is problematic as most sunscreens on the market are formulated with chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs and aquatic life.

(Check out the following section to learn what chemicals are problematic)

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, these substances can have a variety of negative impacts on marine ecosystems! 

For instance, they can damage the reproductive and immune systems in animals and induce defects in young.

They can also accumulate in tissues and impair growth. 

In corals, these toxic chemicals can lead to bleaching, damaged DNA, and even death. 

Mineral-based sunscreens are usually seen as a great alternative to conventional, chemical-based sunscreens. 

And for a good reason!

These tend to be healthier for humans as the UV blockers, either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, do not penetrate beyond the level of the skin.

As a result, they’re unlikely to enter the bloodstream, unlike chemical UV filters!

However, if the brand uses nano-sized zinc oxide or titanium oxide, these ingredients can cause issues in marine ecosystems too. 

Finally, some sunscreens contain microbeads, which are basically microplastics.

When those end up in the oceans, they stay there for hundreds of years, polluting and probably getting eaten by marine animals.  

Because of all those environmental issues, some states and countries have started banning chemical sunscreens. 

For instance, in 2018, Hawaii passed a statewide ban on sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate.

The US Virgin Islands, Key West (Florida), Palau, Bonaire, and several Mexican vacation spots also banned the use of conventional sunscreens. 

What makes sunscreen reef-safe? What to look for when shopping for ocean-friendly sunscreen? 

If you want to buy reef-safe sunscreen, make sure to always read the ingredient list before buying sunblock.

The term “reef-safe” isn’t regulated so you need to check the ingredients by yourself. 

In general, stay away from chemical sunscreens as they’re bad for human health. 

For a more ocean-friendly choice, try to avoid products that contain any of the following ingredients:

• Oxybenzone 
• Octocrylene 
• Octinoxate
• Homosalate 
• PABA
• Benzophenone-1
• Benzophenone-8
• 3-Benzylidene camphor
• 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor
• Triclosan
• Parabens

Instead, buy mineral-based sunscreen, but make sure the active ingredient (either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is non-nano. 

Nanoparticles can be toxic in high concentrations so we want to choose larger, non-nano particles. 

Also, avoid sunscreens that contain microbeads, and prefer those that come in reusable and/or eco-friendly packaging. 

I also highly recommend you buy natural sunscreen with a cruelty-free, non-toxic formula made with biodegradable ingredients. 

If possible, buy from brands that received third-party certifications like EWG-Verified, MADE SAFE, or USDA Organic. 

Plus, if the brand has implemented sustainable practices, that’s a win-win! 

7 best reef-safe sunscreen brands that protect your skin & the ocean 

1. Babo Botanicals

Types: Sunscreen Lotions, Sticks, Sprays, Balms, Fluids, After-Sun Products

SPF: 30, 40, 50 

Babo Botanicals is a family-owned brand selling non-toxic sunscreens, hair care products, and baby skincare products. 

It has everything from sunscreen lotions (including tinted ones) and sticks for adults and babies to sunscreen balms and after-sun products.

No matter which you choose, they’re all mineral-based and are formulated with non-nano zinc oxide. 

They also do not contain any ingredients that may threaten coral reefs and aquatic life, like oxybenzone or octinoxate. 

Their formula protects from UVA and UVB rays all while hydrating and nourishing your skin thanks to its botanical ingredients. 

Babo Botanicals’ sunscreens are EWG-verified and some even carry the MADE SAFE certification, so we know they’re safe and healthy to use.

They’re also cruelty-free and vegan, and the brand received the B Corp certification!

2. Indie Lee

Types: Sunscreen Lotion/Cream, Primer

SPF: 30, 50

Non-toxic skincare brand Indie Lee offers this SPF 30 mineral sunscreen that is great for all skin types and tones. 

It’s formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, providing broad-spectrum protection, squalane to improve moisture retention, as well as hydrating aloe vera and shea butter.

It doesn’t contain any chemicals that are harmful to humans and coral reefs. 

This product is also unscented, safe for children, and dries down clean. 

Besides its sunscreen, Indie Lee has a reef-safe SPF 50 primer, which is made to smooth uneven skin and reduce the appearance of large pores, all while protecting you from harmful sun rays. 

This one is also packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients, like vitamin E oil and rosemary leaf extract. 

3. Activist Skincare

Types: Sunscreen Sticks, Creams

SPF: 30

Activist Skincare has this SPF 30 non-toxic tinted sunscreen available in a cream or stick form.

You also get to choose from four different shades (from light to deep). 

Whether you prefer the cream or stick version, both are reef-safe and made with non-nano zinc oxide as well as natural, organic ingredients. 

They’re also free of harmful chemicals such as parabens, silicones, phthalates, phenoxyethanol, and synthetic fragrances. 

Activist Skincare’s sunscreens provide broad-spectrum sun protection with 80 minutes of water resistance, and they do not feel greasy. 

Plus, they come in compostable and eco-friendly packaging, and the brand is certified cruelty-free and a member of 1% For The Planet!

4. Thinksport

Types: Sunscreen Lotion

SPF: 50

Do you have an active lifestyle and love sports?

Or are you simply looking for a great non-toxic sunscreen providing broad-spectrum sun protection and high water resistance? 

Check out Thinksport! 

This brand offers an SPF 50 sunscreen that is ideal for sports and other activities that make you sweat.

It protects your skin whether you’re swimming in the sea or the pool for up to 80 minutes. 

It is made with a clean mineral formula that contains 23.4% non-nano zinc oxide and is reef-friendly.

The brand doesn’t use any toxic chemicals like BPA, phthalates, parabens, petroleum, benzene, avobenzone, oxybenzone, or PABA. 

This sunscreen is also suitable for sensitive skin, doesn’t have any unpleasant scent, and won’t leave your skin feeling sticky or oily. 

Not to mention it’s EWG-verified and cruelty-free!

5. California Baby

Types: Sunscreen Lotions, Sticks

SPF: 30

California Baby sells dermatologist- and pediatrician-recommended hair and skin care products for everyone in the family (adults, babies, and children). 

Its mineral-based sunscreen lotions and sticks are designed with sensitive skin in mind and effectively protect your skin from UVA and UVB thanks to their main active ingredient: non-nano titanium dioxide. 

These vegan, cruelty-free sunscreens are water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and come either unscented or naturally scented with essential oils.

They also do not contain any hormone-disrupting or allergy-triggering chemicals and are safe for marine life and coral reefs. 

There is no oxybenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, avobenzone, homosalate, or octisalate! 

I also love that California Baby has implemented many sustainable practices.

For instance, it produces all its products in its own organic, solar-powered facility in Los Angeles.

The brand even bought a local organic farm to start growing calendula, one of its key ingredients, themselves. 

6. 100% PURE

Types: Sunscreen Spray/Mist

SPF: 30

Looking for a reef-safe sunscreen spray or mist that is also natural and safe to use?

100% PURE has you covered! 

Its SPF 30 Yerba Mate Mist is a spray that provides full UVA and UVB protection and water resistance. 

Its formula is safe for coral reefs and is made with mineral zinc oxide and key ingredients like yerba mate, safflower oil, and jojoba oil.

It’s designed to not only protect your skin from harmful sun rays but also to fortify it with antioxidants and protect it against environmental pollutants and free radicals. 

This ultra-light sunscreen is also vegan and cruelty-free and suitable for all skin types. 

7. Stream2Sea

Types: Sunscreen Lotions, Balms, SPF Lip Balms, BB Creams, Sunscreen Refills

SPF: 20, 30, 40, 45

Stream2Sea specializes in reef-safe sunscreens, after-sun products, and UPF clothing.

Its mineral sunscreens come in different forms, including lotions and balms, and offer up to 45 SPF broad-spectrum sun protection. 

They’re all made with natural ingredients and non-nano zinc oxide, and they do not contain any chemicals that are harmful to humans or aquatic life.

For instance, you won’t find any oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, parabens, or SLS in them. 

You can safely travel to destinations with sunscreen bans (like Hawaii or the US Virgin Islands) with Stream2Sea sunscreens! 

Their formula is also hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and gentle on sensitive skin, and some are EWG-verified. 

The brand even has a sunscreen (the Coral Care SPF 30) that not only has passed aquatic safety testing but also contains natural minerals and nutrients that help support coral growth! 

Final thoughts on the best reef-safe sunscreen brands

I hope you’ve found this article about the best reef-safe sunscreen brands helpful and that you could find a product you love using!

Not only are these sunblocks safe for coral reefs and aquatic life, but they’re also made with our health in mind.

Their non-toxic formulas do not contain any harmful chemicals! 

If you like this article, you may also be interested in: 

• 10 best sustainable & clean skincare brands for a healthy glow
• 12 best sustainable swimwear brands for a fun, eco-friendly summer
• 9 sustainable & organic beach towels for an eco-friendly beach trip
• 12 sustainable summer essentials to have fun under the sun
• 9 organic cotton dresses for women cherishing comfort & sustainable fashion
• 9 best sustainable linen dresses for breezy style
• 8 best non-toxic, natural deodorant brands for healthy, fresh-smelling armpits
• 12 best natural & non-toxic hand soap brands for clean, nourished skin
• 9 eco-friendly loofah alternatives for a sustainable scrub
• 11 zero-waste floss brands & eco-friendly floss alternatives for sustainable dental care
• 19 essentials for a zero-waste bathroom
• 7 easy steps to declutter makeup and skincare products

Which reef-safe sunscreen brand have you decided to try? 

Please leave a comment! 

Don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends so that they can find eco-friendly sunscreen too.  

Looking for more non-toxic & sustainable brands? Check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory!

It features conscious brands in various categories, from home goods and furniture to fashion and clean beauty!

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