10 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin and the Oceans
Dermatologists say these mineral sunscreens offer sun protection without harming our coral reefs.
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You already know sunscreen is important: Slathering yourself in SPF is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself from skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States.
The major downside? The sunscreen you’re using to protect your body might actually be harming our oceans. “The U.S. Geological Survey has called America’s coral reefs ‘imperiled national treasures,’ stating that the reefs are dying at alarming rates,” says Nneka Leiba, MPH, director of the Environmental Working Group’s healthy living science program. “Research shows that some of the sunscreen chemicals people should avoid to protect their health, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, may also endanger the health of coral reefs,” says Leiba.
Oxybenzone, in particular, has been proven to have some pretty detrimental effects on the reefs. “Oxybenzone can cause coral bleaching that would then likely reduce the ability of coral to recover,” says Leiba. In fact, even a tiny amount of oxybenzone can harm or kill corals by damaging the DNA of mature and larval coral, according to a study published in the Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology.
That’s why Hawaii governor David Ige signed a bill into law last July that banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate, making Hawaii the first state to take such action. “When you think about it, our island paradise, surrounded by coral reefs, is the perfect place to set the gold standard for the world to follow. This will make a huge difference in protecting our coral reefs, marine life, and human health,” Senator Mike Gabbard, who introduced the bill, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser last summer. It takes effect January 1, 2021.
The good news is, there are plenty of sunscreens out there that will both protect your skin and the oceans called reef-safe (or mineral) sunscreens. “‘Reef-safe’ sunscreens are typically products that do not contain active ingredients that are known or suspected of harming coral reefs,” says Leiba.
How to choose the best reef-safe sunscreen
Go for mineral sunscreens: Instead of harsh chemicals, reef-safe sunscreens typically only contain mineral or physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which work by absorbing UV rays, physical sunscreens physically block the sun’s rays to shield your skin from UV damage.
Double-check the ingredients: While no sunscreen is proven to be 100 percent reef-safe, mineral sunscreens have not yet been found to harm corals, according to the National Park Service
. To ensure your sunscreen is reef-safe, flip over the bottle and look to make sure it doesn’t contain any oxybenzone or octinoxate.
Don’t skimp on protection: You’re also going to want to make sure that the sunscreen you’re buying is doing a good job of protecting your skin. “Look for SPF of at least 30 and the wording ‘broad spectrum,’ which indicates UVA coverage, as SPF only measures UVB coverage,” says Emily Newsom, MD, a dermatologist at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
If you need a head start, here are the best reef-safe sunscreens to toss in your beach bag this summer. Your skin (and the oceans!) will thank you.
Neutrogena SheerZinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (Pack of 3)
Neutrogena SheerZinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (Pack of 3)
That word “zinc” is what gives this sunscreen its good name, both for you and the coral reefs. “This sunscreen uses only zinc oxide to protect the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Zinc is a natural element and is environmentally safe.” Free of fragrances, irritating chemicals, and parabens, this sun protective formula dries down to a sheer, non-greasy finish.
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive SPF 30+
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive SPF 30+
Named one of our best sunscreens of 2019, this reef-safe formula scored the highest safety rating from the EWG and has both zinc oxide and titanium oxide as its active ingredients. Plus, it's free of harsh chemicals, parabens, and fragrance, so it’s an especially great pick for those with sensitive skin. The bottle also turns blue in UV light, serving as a great reminder to reapply every two hours.
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50
This gentle reef-safe sunscreen contains zinc oxide and offers a stronger SPF for those especially sunny days. “This sunscreen is free of chemical blockers, and uses mineral technology to protect the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. The fragrance-free formula is lightweight, non-greasy, and dries matte. It’s also noncomedogenic, so you don’t have to worry about it clogging your pores if you prefer to use just one SPF for your face and body.
MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 30
MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Don’t want the shininess that can come with sunscreen application? Opting for a tinted mineral sunscreen like this one will “feel smoother and blend in better,” says Dr. Newsom. Plus, it has a matte finish, which makes it the perfect everyday makeup primer. Noncomedogenic, fragrance- and oil-free, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, this reef-safe choice is great for all skin types.
MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defence SPF 50 Sunscreen
Another great broad spectrum option from MDSolarSciences, this coral-safe SPF is an ideal fit if you have dry skin, since it contains moisturizing ceramides to hydrate and protect the skin barrier. Bonus: The noncomedogenic, oil- and fragrance-free formula won’t leave a white cast behind.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Named one of our best face sunscreens of 2019, this ultra-light option from La Roche-Posay won’t irritate your sensitive skin or the corals. A favorite of Dr. Zeichner, the noncomedogenic formula doesn’t contain irritating fragrances, absorbs quickly, and even contains skin-protective antioxidants. Even better, the non-greasy finish dries down matte while offering full UVA/UVB coverage.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
To really treat your skin, Dr. Zeichner likes this physical sunscreen from Drunk Elephant (also one of our favorite natural sunscreen picks!) It’s offers a blend of grape juice extract, raspberry seed and marula oils, and sunflower shoot extract to help protect your skin from environmental damage and minimize the look of fine lines. Formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, this lightweight formula will look and feel “virtually invisible.”
Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Naked Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Naked Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Aside from the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, this broad-spectrum, sun-protective lotion also comes equipped with vitamins A, C, and E, all of which have antioxidant benefits that nourish the skin. Use it over a daily moisturizer or under makeup for those extra-sunny days.
COOLA Mineral Sport Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Looking for a sunscreen that can keep up with your more active summer lifestyle? This zinc oxide-based sunscreen has 80 minutes of water resistance, which means you can do some laps in the ocean for over an hour before you’ll have to re-apply. The noncomedogenic, organic formula contains coconut and avocado oils, sea kelp extract, and vitamin E to keep the skin feeling smooth and nourished.
Burt's Bees 100% Natural All-Weather SPF 15 Moisturizing Lip Balm
Burt's Bees 100% Natural All-Weather SPF 15 Moisturizing Lip Balm
Yes, you need to be protecting your lips from sun damage, too, and this drugstore favorite makes it so easy to do. It not only protects and moisturizes (and comes EWG-approved!), but it’s also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, which means you should absolutely keep this as a staple in your beach bag. Plus, it won’t leave behind that sticky white residue like other lip balms have a tendency to do.
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