To help focus your search, here are our picks for the best reef-safe sunscreens available. I would recommend this to someone looking for [high-quality] daily facial sunscreen, but I wouldn't recommend this as your go-to sun protection on long summer days at the beach, our tester concludes. Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 100% Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon, California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion at Amazon, Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion at Amazon, All Good Makes Everything Better Face & Body Sunscreen Lotion at Amazon, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Mineral Sunscreen, Alba Botanica Hawaiian Coconut Clear Spray SPF 50, The 11 Best Travel-size Sunscreens of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 8 Most Comfortable Women's Sandals of 2022, Tested and Reviewed, Supergoop! Whatever the case may be, we assume that sunscreen is part of your beachside beauty routine. Be wary of any product that doesnt list an SPF rating, since those are substantiated and regulated by the FDA, even if some of the ingredients are not. Here is a list of sunscreens considered to be reef safe. Does reef-safe sunscreen affect skin differently? Best Overall: Kkua Sun Care Reef Safe Natural Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50. Price at time of publish: $17 (for two tubes), Size: 1.7 oz. SPF: 50+ | Size: 5 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. As you may know, Hawaii State Legislature approved Bill 2571, which bans the sale of (non-prescription) sunscreens containing Oxybenzone and Octinoxate as of January 1, 2021.This legislation is a big step in moving the industry towards more "Reef Compliant" sunscreen products . The consistency, while a potential leaking/mess hazard, is what makes this sunscreen absorb so well into skin. While it initially glides onto skin, we found that it does become a bit sticky when wet, but that feeling subsides pretty quickly. Read more: Best Natural Sunscreens for Men. Once the data was collected, we were able to narrow down the original pool of products to the 10 best reef-safe sunscreens. Sunscreen creams and sticks that are ideal for snorkeling trips or watersports aren't going to give the same lightweight feeling or barely-there look you'll want to seek out in an everyday sunscreen for your face. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two ingredients believed to contribute to coral bleaching. This sunscreen applies very smoothly because of the consistency, and its easy to blend into the skin, our tester shares. The reason? ", SPF: 30+| Size: 2.9 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. The ultra-sheer formula dries clear with no residual white cast and is ideal for wearing under makeup. Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen is another product formulated for children that adults can most definitely benefit from. Why We Love It: It contains antioxidants to combat free radicals. Love a great deal? This sunscreen is formulated to increase the invisible barrier protection when exposed to external heat and water or sweat, making it ideal for very sunny days spent in the waves. After honing in on online ratings, we spent 48 hours putting the 24 most popular sunscreens to the test. There are no chemical sunscreens in this formula, only a powerful combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. And if you cant find a mineral sunscreen you like, but still want to be reef safe, consider UPF clothing which still protects your skin from UV rays. Not trying to toss a bottle of reef-safe SPF into your bag only for it to leak all over the place? Why We Love It: This mineral sunscreen is made from just five ingredients. What We Dont Love: The stick is quite small and may not last very long. Even when our tester used a tablespoon of the SPF (instead of the recommended teaspoon), she found that there was no white cast. When we apply sunscreens containing these ingredients and then swim in waters where there is coral, the sunscreen gets into the water and poisons the coral, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sumayah Jamal, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. The London-based producers of what they call 'Ecocompstible Sunscreens' say they are the first marine safe certified sunscreens and contain no petrol-based chemicals, no alcohol, no titanium dioxide and no zinc oxide. Without nano-zinc particles and meant to last in the water . is pacifica sunscreen reef safe. Pacifica Beauty offers all vegan makeup, body care, facial products and hair care. Hawaii is the first state in the US toban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, ushering in a new era of reef safe sunscreen. Best overall: ThinkSport SPF 50. According to the National Park Service, 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter coral reefs every year. (Though it should be noted that the FDA is more concerned with these chemicals effects on humans, rather than the environment). Since then, reef-safe sunscreens have become more and more popular, with seemingly endless brands entering the space. Fortunately, there are reef-safe sunscreen options available that protect both our skin and our beautiful oceans. As there are no official reef-safe designations (more on that below), you'll want to check the label's active and in-active ingredients to make sure they are free from known chemicals and particles that harm the environment. One of the biggest reasons people stay away from mineral sunscreens is how they look (chalky) and feel (filmy) on their skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, wearing sunscreen is the best protection you can get against sun damage that can lead to skin cancer. Best Overall: ThinkSport SPF 50+ at Amazon. | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 50 | Water-Resistant: No. This sunscreen has a strong, lemony scent. Project Reef's Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is vegan, reef-friendly, and its non-nano zinc formula leaves zero residue. They contain olive oil, beeswax, and coconut extract and have an SPF15 rating. When first applying the product, I was worried because it looked like it would leave a white cast, but once I rubbed it in, it absorbed completely and actually left my skin with a nice glowy look, our tester reveals, noting that most mineral SPFs, in contrast, give off a ghostly look on her darker skin. They do a better job of protecting us, but the biggest issue is that people dont always like them because they leave a barrier, he says. Pacifica Ultra CC Cream Radiant Foundation SPF 17. When you see the words reef safe on a bottle, it usually just means its free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, which is a start but not the be-all-end-all. As a non-official baseline, products that are claimed to be ocean-friendly tend to be free from oxybenzone and octinoxate. "I bring loads of it in my luggage on vacation to be prepared to slather it on my three kids," says Dr. Yun. The product is also vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO, made with solar power, and packaged in 50 percent recyclable materials. And if youre really prone to burning, select a formula with a higher spf level, like Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50. Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer. What to Consider: It contains avobenzone, which may react harmfully to chlorine. Choosing the right sunscreen is important not only to protect skin from burns and cancer, but also to preserve our oceans and marine life. We had all of our testers try the sunscreens so that they could analyze the performance of each and write down their insights during the process. The Sun Bum Mineral line of sunscreens is our top pick for the best reef friendly sunscreen in Hawaii. There are some independent agencies who have set up their own certification and testing processes to help identify sunscreens that dont contain harmful ingredients. Size: 4 oz. What We Dont Love: The light orange scent may not be for everyone. And, with each purchase, the company removes 1 pound of plastic from the world's . In 2015, a group of scientists including Dr. Craig Downs, PhD, Executive Director of the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, was tasked by the Federal Government to figure out why coral reefs in the U.S. Virgin Islands were dying. $16 at Amazon. 10. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 40 | Water-Resistant: Yes. Avoid sunscreens with high content of Titanium Dioxide. When coral bleaches (turns white), it's still alive, but it's under severe stress, which leaves it susceptible to . Without the plastic safety cap, you would have quite a mess, our tester admits. However the brand don't appear to use ingredients that aren't reef safe until you look at their non-mineral based sun creams and lotions.. What to Consider: This sunscreen moisturizes skin, so can feel greasy after multiple reapplications. Plus, this compact stick is small and convenient, so you can stick it in your bag to use on every vacation, not just those spent on the beach. We've looked at factors like effectiveness, ingredients, and price to create a comprehensive list that covers a range . The Pipette Mineral Sunscreen - SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Sunblock with Non-Nano Zinc outperformed the competition with its ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formula that quickly sinks into skin, doesnt leave a white cast, and doesnt transfer onto clothes. Currently, it is generally accepted that the products that make "Reef Safe" claims are free of the two biggest reef damaging chemicals: oxybenzone and octinoxate. There are multiple factors to consider, according to Dr. Bhanusali, like climate change and pollution, which also contribute to the deterioration of coral reefs and nothing is black and white. Nanominerals make the product easier to apply, but ecotoxicology . What to Consider: It is not considered reef-safe in the U.S. Virgin Islands. productslearn more about Even the bottle is made from a corn-based . We paid attention to everything from texture and residual cast to water resistance and fragrance. Its also hypoallergenic and suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Re: Pacifica Mineral Sunscreen. #1 Apply at least 10 - 15 minutes before entering the water. Best Overall: ThinkSport SPF 50+ at Amazon. Buyers should also be on the lookout for sunscreens that contain nanoparticles or do not specify the use of "non-nano" or "micro-sized" zinc or titanium. [Chemicals] get absorbed by some of the marine life and cause damage and even death. With so many reef-friendly sunscreens on the market, it can be hard to know which ones work the best. It is also one of the best sunscreens for surfers; handmade by surfers for surfers. Size: 2.9 oz. Avoid all sunscreen products made with nano particles and other possible reef-harming ingredients, including avobenzone, octocrylene and homosalate. Thats because some products use essential oils, which in and of themselves have a fragrance. Almost as close to pure zinc as you can get (while still sinking into skin quickly and without a greasy film), this mineral-based sunscreen is approved by the EWG and Whole Foods. The Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 50+ is beloved for its fast-absorbing formula that leaves skin feeling hydrated and smooth. Diaper Cream. Size: 3 oz. Generally speaking, scented skincare products are more likely to cause irritation than their fragrance-free counterparts. In doing so, our testers rated every sunscreen on a scale of 1 to 5 in four key categories: Feel, transfer, opacity, and water resistance. What We Love: It blends in effortlessly, absorbs quickly, and feels comfortable on the skin. Highly Rated: Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Mineral Lotion SPF 50. Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen has a very thin texture so much so that its quite runny and takes pretty much zero effort to squeeze out of the tube. Want more product recommendations? Wearing sunscreens without either oxybenzone or octinoxate can help mitigate the problem and help coral reefs thrive. North American market . In doing so, we were able to narrow down the top 10 reef safe-sunscreens. Lastly, as far as full-body SPFs go, this one has a more subtle scent. The broad spectrum cream uses non-nano zinc oxide to create a protective layer against UVA and UVA rays. This 100 percent mineral-based sunscreen from Anthelios is a fan favorite for its non-whitening and fast-absorbing formula. The water didn't seem to make the sunscreen run at all, she assures us. In addition to absorbing quickly, this sunscreen, which is infused with castor oil and vitamin E, doesnt leave a white cast behind. What We Dont Love: The bottle design is prone to leaks. Generally speaking, reef-safe sunscreens are considered to be free from chemicals and nanoparticles that are known as harmful to ocean and coral reef environments. Size: 0.6 oz. Over the past decade or so, many researchers have studied the possible impact of sunscreen ingredients on coral reefs, aquatic plants, fish, and other marine life. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it's the perfect beach companion whether you'll be sipping pia coladas in a cabana or sweating through a hardcore wave-riding session. To save you from sifting through thousands of reviews, we went ahead and tested the 24 most popular reef-safe sunscreens. Read more: Best Zinc-Oxide Sunscreens for Men. Credit: Zeng et al. Not only does this sunscreen provide UVA and UVB protection, Supergoop! But nanoparticles arent perfect, even those of natural substances like zinc or titanium dioxide. If you Google "Is Neutrogena sunscreen reef safe?" you'll get results that make it sound like it is. $37. ), you may not have thought about how what you choose to protect your body from the sun could also have a role in protecting, or deteriorating, the environment around you. They tend to accumulate god knows where, says Dr. Bhanusali. Why We Love It: This non-greasy sunscreen won't become runny as you sweat. With only five ingredients in this Protect Land + Sea certified formula, Badger sunscreen is as natural is you can find, but doesnt sacrifice any sun protection. This EWG-approved formula from Coppertone is made of zinc oxide and natural botanicals, like tea leaf and sea kelp extracts. The only thing thats non-negotiable, he says, is that you have to wear something because extended UV damage over time can lead to skin cancers. And if youre still unconvinced, consider this: physical sunscreens can actually protect you better from the suns rays. Seriously I need more than that. Wearing mineral sunscreen on your body is one thing, but how it feels on your face is another. The oil-free formula uses 100 percent mineral UV blockers of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and uses silica powder to combat shiny residue. Rubber Ducky Is Amazing for Safe Sun and Reef Protection. Here is a check list to take along when shopping for sunscreen that will protect both your skin and the reefs, as well as a list of sun protection considered reef safe. Jump to Review. Instead of using oxybenzone or octinoxate, these sunscreens use minerals to protect your skin from sunburns and skin cancer, as well as prevent aging due to sun exposure. Is Neutrogena sunscreen reef safe. Mineral sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are generally not toxic to coral, however, when they are formulated as nanoparticles they can still damage coral, she explains. Mattescreen 100% Mineral Sunscreen also works to block blue light emitted from electronics. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. SPF 15: Blocks ~93% of sun's rays, ideal for every day, occasional exposure, like walking your dog, or driving to work. There were six products listed. Does your idea of the perfect vacation center around days spent at the beach, sprawled out on an extra-large towel with a good book, only to get up and take a dip every few hours to cool off? Mineral sunscreens work by staying on top of the skin and blocking UV rays by reflecting them to keep from entering the surface, Dr. Henry says. Waxhead Vanilla Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick. Where is it illegal to use sunscreen that isn't reef-safe? Nope. Best for Sensitive Skin: California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion at Amazon. Or perhaps you like to take a more active approach, spending the majority of your time on a board, in the surf, or snorkeling below the surface. It feels very lightweight on my skin, and theres absolutely no white cast upon application, nor any pilling. In addition to sinking seamlessly into skin, we find that this reef-safe sunscreen leaves skin looking semi-matte without making it feel dry. The only way to know if a sunscreen is reef safe is by checking the ingredients. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen checks every box on our reef-friendly checklist, and it's perfect for numerous outdoor activities and occasions. Showing 405 Pacifica Products FILTERS. Supergoop, as far as reef-safe SPF goes, offer one mineral sunscreen that the brand claim in their marketing is reef safe. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Though, she notes that it seems to get darker as it fully dries down, so while it doesnt initially have a white cast, after 15 minutes, she noticed a slight residue but not enough to make her not recommend it. Physical sunscreens also tend to be natural, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, whereas chemical sunscreens are synthetic. Be careful of labels claiming formulas are reef safe as it is not . Minerals sink to the bottom. According to Downs, coral bleaching is the most visible effect of damage but it goes way beyond that. Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion uses a vegan, cruelty-free formula that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. However, we are starting to see a trend of these big brands creating new, less toxic sunscreen lines such as Banana Boats Simply Protect which is made without oxybenzone & parabens. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, using an SPF of level 30 or higher is key to adequately protecting skin against the harmful effects of the suns rays. This mineral does not biodegrade and is found to react in warm seawater to form hydrogen peroxide which is harmful to all sea life. When it comes to reef-safe SPF, its important to remember that just because a product might say that its made without synthetic fragrances doesnt mean that it wont have a scent. The chemicals in your SPF can rinse off and affect the ecosystems where you swim. 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This All Good mineral sunscreen is both water- and sweat-resistant so you can enjoy your go-to beachside sport without worrying about your skin. Terms like "reef-safe" or "reef-friendly" are typically used to identify sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two common UV-blocking chemicals, that studies have shown can cause coral bleaching. This sunscreen seems to repel the water, making it roll off of my skin, our tester adds, noting that spritzing her SPF-covered skin didnt cause the product to run or drip. As we learn more about the effects of some chemicals on marine life, many popular destinations, including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii, have even banned specific ingredients that harm coral reefs and other ocean species. Been using for a week on Oahu and Kauai with no burn. Pacifica Skincare Review. In fact, mineral sunscreen is often thought to be synonymous with reef-safe SPF. What We Love: It absorbs quickly into skin without leaving a white cast. Reef-harming chemicals found in sunscreen are introduced into the environment when people wear sunscreen while swimming. It contains ingredients like squalane and red algae to help moisturize and protect skin, while also allowing it to spread easily and quickly. It reminds me of something synthetic that I can't exactly put my finger on, perhaps paint or something rubbery, but it's not overwhelming., Size: 5 oz. While oxybenzone and octinoxate are popular chemical sunscreen ingredients, theyve been shown to cause coral bleaching which can obliterate reefs. The issue is more with chemical sunscreens because those are the ones that have been shown to accumulate [in the water], says cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, whereas mineral-based sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide dont, at least not in the same way. California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion is a fan favorite for children and adults alike. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 30 | Water-Resistant: No. after sun product (5) antiperspirant/deodorant (9) around-eye cream (6) . So switching to a reef safe sunscreen could do your body good as well as the ocean. Nanoparticles are often found in sunscreens that absorb into the skin versus creating a UV barrier or filter that rests on top of the skin. Costco's reef-safe or reef-friendly sunscreen is Alba Botanica (spray). Inactive ingredients look pretty benign? There are potentially harmful effects as they seep into the skin, which can be bad news for humans as well as marine life. Key West followed in 2019 and around the same time the Food and Drug Administration proposed a new rule to regulate common chemicals found in sunscreens, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, pending updated testing. I imagine if I really lathered my whole body the scent might be slightly stronger and could potentially be unpleasant, but that's just a conjecture.. *Mama Kuleana Waterproof SPF 30 Reef-safe Sunscreen. Highlights The global Reef Safe Sunscreen market is projected to reach USD million by 2028 from an estimated USD million in 2023, at a CAGR of Percent during 2023 and 2028. All Good Brand SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion [VEGAN] . In addition to protecting against UVA and UVB rates, it contains organic shea butter and organic calendula, and is completely cruelty-free. Tinted Sunscreens Available too; 7. Best for Sensitive Skin: Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion.