Reef-Safe Sunscreen 101

Why are coral reefs so important?

First, let's look at why coral reefs are so important to us, to marine life, and to the well-being of the planet. Here are the top five reasons why coral reefs are essential to the marine ecosystem and why we need to protect them: 

1. Biodiversity: 25% of all marine species live in coral reefs. Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Reefs help sharks by providing prey, providing nursery habitat, and providing protection from predators.
   
   
2. Fisheries and Food Security: Many commercially important fish species rely on coral reefs for their habitats and breeding grounds. Coral reefs contribute significantly to global fisheries, providing a source of livelihood and sustenance for millions of people around the world. Healthy reefs contribute to the abundance of fish, supporting food security for coastal communities.
   
   
3. Carbon Cycling and Climate Regulation: Coral reefs play a role in the global carbon cycle by acting as carbon sinks. The calcium carbonate skeletons of corals contribute to the formation of reef structures and, over time, become part of the ocean floor. Additionally, healthy coral reefs can sequester carbon, helping mitigate the impacts of climate change.
4. Medicinal Resources: Coral reef organisms are used in are used in medical and pharmaceutical compounds. Many marine organisms found in coral reef ecosystems have bioactive compounds that may have applications in medicine, including the development of new drugs and treatments. 
5. Coastal Protection: Coral reefs serve as natural barriers to the coastline from waves, hurricanes, and tsunamis. This helps reduce the impact of storms and prevents damage to coastal communities.
6. Tourism and Recreation: Coral reefs provide jobs for local tour guides and attract ocean-loving tourists who want to see the beautiful underwater world. The tourism industry associated with coral reefs generates significant economic revenue for coastal regions, contributing to local economies.

What are reef-safe sunscreen ingredients? 

Reef-safe sunscreen products champion using mineral-based UV filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. However, it's important to note that nano-sized particles of these minerals can still be a potential threat to marine life. Therefore, when selecting the best reef-safe sunscreen, be sure to check that it's non-nano.

Recommendations of Brands that offer reef-safe sunscreens:

Now that we know how important coral reefs are to us and the planet, we can try to help them stay healthy by opting for reef-safe sunscreen. Here are our top 7 picks:

1. Sun-Bum

Key Features: This is a reef-safe sunscreen, it is available in SPF 30 and SPF 50, in lotion and spray. These sunscreens are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, and also don't contain retinyl, palmitate, parabens, phthalates, or formaldehyde, so you can be sure you're not putting the reef - or your skin - under stress. , to potentially unpleasant chemicals. BUY NOW

2. Project Reef

Key Features:  Project Reef is an SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Made in Hawaii. It is Reef Friendly, Ocean Safe, Nourishing Vegan Sunscreen Lotion for All Ages, No White Residue, Water-Resistant for up to 80 minutes. BUY NOW

3. BareRepublic

Key Features:   This reef-safe SPF 30 sun gel lotion was developed in the U.S. and contains no active chemical ingredients. Water-resistant and offering a sheer finish, this sunscreen is naturally scented and completely vegan. They also offer an SPF 50 sports sunscreen spray for those who need more protection. BUY NOW

4. SURFMUD

Key Features:   Australian company Surfmud offers natural, non-nano, mineral- and zinc-based sunscreens that are reef-safe, non-toxic, and water-resistant. Priding itself on “high protection whilst avoiding chemical UV filters”. This Surfmud comes in the form of a sunscreen stick for adults and children. BUY NOW

5. Drunk Elephant

Key Features:  Drunk Elephant's Umbra Sheer "helps prevent damage from free radicals and oxidation" while providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Loaded with powerful antioxidants for a more youthful appearance, Umbra Sheer is suitable for all skin types and is also friendly to our precious coral reefs. BUY NOW

6. Hawaiian Tropic®

Key Features: Hawaiian Tropic is a well-known brand found all over the world. This skin-nourishing mineral milk with SPF 30 is cruelty-free and reef-safe. Ultra spreadable, silky, and enriched with h-inspired plants such as kukui nut and coconut for lightweight hydration. The packaging is also made from 25% recycled materials. BUY NOW

7- Blue Lizard

Key Features:   This Blue Lizard sunscreen is specifically formulated for Sensitive skin. It is a Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant for up tp 80 minutes, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Bottle Technology - Fragrance-Free, BUY NOW

What is the regulation on the "reef-safe" sunscreen label? 

As of this writing, there's no regulated definition for 'reef safe,' making it essential to scrutinize the ingredients of any sunscreen claiming to be reef safe. The safest reef-friendly sunscreens are those free from not just oxybenzone and octinoxate, but also other potentially harmful ingredients like octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, and avobenzone.

Using sun protection when exposed to the sun’s harmful rays is vital, but you can do it with reef-safe sunscreen without harming our oceans. Combine the use of reef-safe sunscreen with practices like wearing sun-protective clothing and avoiding peak UV radiation hours to ensure your sun protection strategy is both skin-friendly and eco-conscious.

Several popular brands advertise their sun protection products as "reef safe." Some of these brands include:
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Several European brands advertise their sun protection products as "reef safe" or "non-toxic." Here are a few examples:

• Weleda: Based in Switzerland, Weleda is known for its holistic, natural skincare products, including sunscreens.
• Acorelle: A French brand that offers a range of organic skincare products, including sunscreens marketed as eco-friendly.
• BioSolis: This Belgian brand offers a range of organic sun protection products that are marketed as eco-friendly and reef-safe.
• Eco Cosmetics: A German brand that offers a line of natural and organic sunscreens that are advertised as reef-safe.
• Green People: This UK-based company offers a range of organic skincare products, including sunscreens that they claim are reef-safe and non-toxic.
  
  

Sources for more information on protection reefs:

https://coral.org/en/blog/sunscreen-101-protecting-your-skin-and-coral-reefs/?gclid=CjwKCAjw3dCnBhBCEiwAVvLcuyMxp3Lhsx1I73yRIuVmtJaKcmeVYEqcuI-nRoEcFpdGv5WKA9SmZhoCyhoQAvD_BwE