The safest sunscreen for the beach. Oxybenzone and octinoxate, the two chemicals recently banned in Hawaii and are believed to cause coral bleaching. | Scented: Yes (but not artificially) | SPF Level: 50+ | Water-Resistant: Yes. . It's an ideal choice for anyone looking for a vegan sunscreen that offers the highest possible approved SPF protection and longest water-resistancy. These physical blockers actually sit on top of skin, which is why dermatologists like Dr. Bhanusali actually prefer them. Research says that 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen enters reef . That means our team of testers has reviewed every product on this list using a unique methodology to ensure it's really worth your time, money, and attention. However, this sunscreen is not compliant with the U.S. Virgin Islands reef-safe policy since it contains octocrylene. If you're one of those people who hates the feeling of being slathered in gooey sunblock, Thinksport could be a game-changer. While it doesnt dry down for an unnoticeable feel, she says that the creamy paste feels similar to applying a heavy moisturizer, so its not distracting or uncomfortable. Choose a Reef Safe Sunscreen. He's written for Esquire, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light and held staff positions at GQ and W. Follow his skincare obsession on Instagram at @garrettmunce. Made in Hawaii sunscreens are marked with an *asterisks. Costco's Reef-Safe Sunscreen. Why We Love It: It contains antioxidants to combat free radicals. It also glides on smoothly and is safe for children as well. The only way to know if a sunscreen is reef safe is by checking the ingredients. "Their formula is ocean-friendly and Hawaii-compliant. 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. In fact, Brook told Well + Good that she would sell . A naturally sourced lotion that is lightweight, oil-free, and water-resistant up to 80 minutes. Source: Project Reef. Garrett Munce writes about men's style and grooming. Even if an SPF claims to be water-resistant, dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen after swimming. 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. 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. Selecting a sunscreen that is both effective and reef safe can be overwhelming. Consumers are purchasing these items for their perceived lower environmental impact when that is possibly inaccurate or misleading. All Terrain AquaSport Reef Friendly Sunscreen. That said, Dr. Jamal says it depends on the exact formulation. The reef-safe sunscreen contains non-nano transparent zinc oxide that is easily blendable and soaks into your skin without leaving a white residue, including on dark skin tones. 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. When coral bleaches (turns white), it's still alive, but it's under severe stress, which leaves it susceptible to . Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. This vegan, marine-friendly sunscreen is made without common allergens, including dairy, gluten, soy, and oats, making it our top pick for adults, kids, and babies with sensitive skin. #3 Cover up! It all began in Brook's kitchen, where she would create perfumes out of essential oils, eventually selling them locally in Eugene, Oregon. Neutrogena SheerZinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (Pack of 3) Now 15% Off. Plus, it makes reapplying every two hours less of chore. And therefore, we would fall into this generally accepted terminology. Best Natural: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen at Amazon. The water didn't seem to make the sunscreen run at all, she assures us. Pacifica After Sun Body Spray Coconut Vanilla Person & Covey, Inc. SolBar PF Sunscreen Cream SPF 50 Person & Covey, Inc. Solbar Zinc Oxide SPF 38 Unscented Transparent Sunscreen Cream 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. The reefs will thank you. ), 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. There are some independent agencies who have set up their own certification and testing processes to help identify sunscreens that dont contain harmful ingredients. The North Shore is sublime. They tend to accumulate god knows where, says Dr. Bhanusali. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 30+ | Water-Resistant: No. For travelers who plan their vacation around water sports, a reef-safe and long-lasting sunscreen is a crucial buy. Coola Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. SPF: 30 | Size: 3 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 50 | Water-Resistant: No. Generally speaking, scented skincare products are more likely to cause irritation than their fragrance-free counterparts. California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion is a fan favorite for children and adults alike. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best It costs less than the competition, plus it rubs in fairly easily and feels nice on skin . [Chemicals] get absorbed by some of the marine life and cause damage and even death. Brands are beginning to replace "reef-safe" with "reef-friendly" in order to offer a more accurate description of their products. We know reapplying sunscreen after less than an hour on your little one doesn't seem practical, but hear us out. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. $16 at Amazon. What We Love: It absorbs quickly into skin without leaving a white cast. What We Love: It absorbs quickly and dries down for a smooth, silky, hydrated finish. Read Now! RRP $25.00 Available online & select stockists nationwide. Filter by. It is also one of the best sunscreens for surfers; handmade by surfers for surfers. 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. Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, it meets basic non-regulated guidelines for being reef-friendly. The consistency, while a potential leaking/mess hazard, is what makes this sunscreen absorb so well into skin. EWG VERIFIED PRODUCT TYPE. It's not terribly overwhelming, but it is fairly strong, our tester admits. We'd be willing to bet you'll find one you like so much, you won't even miss your old chemical screen. Check out the 12 best reef-safe sunscreens. What to Consider: It is not considered reef-safe in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Note that La Roche-Posay does not use "reef-safe" marketing terms, nor does it specify whether its main ingredients are non-nano. Even when our tester used a tablespoon of the SPF (instead of the recommended teaspoon), she found that there was no white cast. Pacifica Ultra CC Cream Radiant Foundation SPF 17. Reef safe sunscreen is sun protection that doesn't use chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate as its active protective ingredient. 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. Let's start with what we know. 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? Theres a high concentration of zinc to protect from UV rays, but somehow still applies smoothly and doesnt leave your limbs sticky. In the simplest terms, mineral [also called physical] sunscreens deflect UV rays and chemical sunscreens actually absorb them and use heat to break them apart, says dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD. In our testing, we found Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen to work best for full-body protection because of its mineral-based formula that spreads like a dream, and the convenient, travel-friendly packaging. Likewise, if your sunscreen claims to do double-duty as an exfoliant or create a shimmer effect, it may contain nanoplastics, which are harmful to the marine environment. $36 at Amazon $32 at Ulta Beauty $31 at Nordstrom. These brands include Coppertone, Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat, to name a few. Although these ingredients act by blocking UV absorption, octinoxate and oxybenzone have been shown to be toxic and damaging to coral reefs. Keep in mind that reef safe is not a standardized term - its something come up by marketers. Its lightweight enough for your face, but protective enough to use on your body, too. Without nano-zinc particles and meant to last in the water, this a great all-around cream. Without the plastic safety cap, you would have quite a mess, our tester admits. What to Consider: Active ingredients include octocrylene, a chemical that is banned in the U.S. Virgin islands. It's also vegan. Mineral Sunscreen & SPF. ", SPF: 40 | Size: 1.5 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. If you Google "Is Neutrogena sunscreen reef safe?" you'll get results that make it sound like it is. The other shortcoming of this SPF is its lack of water resistance, despite its claims. It quickly absorbs into my skin without need for frequent rubbing, our tester says. Hotels, flights, car rentals, experiences and more! Best Sunscreen for Infants Comes From Baby Bum. Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer. SPF: 40 | Size: 3 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 40 minutes. Wed be willing to bet youll find one you like so much, you wont even miss your old chemical screen. Pacifica Mineral Face Shade Coconut Probiotic SPF 30 ($13) [VEGAN] Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 4.8%, . "It has a light sheen and leaves my face looking smooth. This Black-owned sunscreen isn't just reef-safe . With a stunning mixture of power and beauty, action an As an island chain, Hawaii is home to hundreds of beaches, each possessing its own Hawaii is the first state in the US toban the sale of sunscreen containing t Hawaii is the first state in the US toban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. It's also fragrance free, and provides Broad Spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. What to Consider: This sunscreen moisturizes skin, so can feel greasy after multiple reapplications. That has led to more research, bans on certain sunscreen ingredients in some locations (such as Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and a proliferation of sun-care products on store shelves that manufacturers claim are "reef safe" or "reef friendly.". Despite saying this has an hour or more of water resistance, adding water did make the sunscreen run slightly, and I can imagine if I went swimming for a while, a lot of the sunscreen would run off, our tester admits. What We Love: This tropical-scented sunscreen will transport you to an island with every application. We've looked at factors like effectiveness, ingredients, and price to create a comprehensive list that covers a range . One way to ensure that youre buying a reef-safe sunscreen? 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. Basically, says Robinson, you have to make the decision for yourself. Fortunately, there are reef-safe sunscreen options available that protect both our skin and our beautiful oceans. Best Budget: Banana Boat Simply Protect Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon. Luckily, we found multiple options that are, including Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen, BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 50+, and Maui Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen. What We Dont Love: The very wet consistency could be a recipe for a mess. Even the bottle is made from a corn-based . Experts including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce have tried over 100 reef-safe sunscreens and evaluated them for their protection, texture, and finish, and if their ingredients lined up with the Protect Land & Sea's requirements for a reef-safe sunscreen. $14 at Walmart. is pacifica sunscreen reef safe. There is no official FDA definition or criteria as to what makes a sunscreen 'reef-safe'. In this article, we'll be sharing the 14 best reef-safe sunscreen brands to consider for your next beach trip. After ruling out the usual suspects like sewage, fuel, pesticides, and road runoff, says Downs, they realized that there were high concentrations of chemicals found in sunscreens in the water of the highly popular tourist beaches. Best Organic Sunscreen: Badger Clear Zinc SPF 40 Sunscreen. 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. What We Dont Love: It comes out of the tube a bit chalky. It sinks in quickly without feeling heavy on your skin. Im impressed with how easily this sunscreen spreads, she adds. Not even close . Although it's not listed on the label, the company claims this product is "coral reef-safe. From the beach, to the pool, to tropical vacations in far off dreamy . 4. 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. The Sun Bum Mineral line of sunscreens is our top pick for the best reef friendly sunscreen in Hawaii. Products that work by fully absorbing into the skin often contain nanoparticles that are harmful to ocean life. 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. This absorbs quite quickly and doesnt require much rubbing to get it to lose its white cast., Best of all, this water-resistant, reef-safe sunscreen, which smells like an orange creamsicle, lives up to its claims. Read more: Best Mineral Sunscreen for Men. The dermatologist-tested stick keeps you safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays and also includes soy and licorice extract (said to help prevent wrinkles, dark spots, and dullness). The broad spectrum cream uses non-nano zinc oxide to create a protective layer against UVA and UVA rays. Price at time of publish: $17 (for two tubes), Size: 1.7 oz. It contains zinc to help protect your mug from UVA and UVB rays, as well as ingredients like soothing aloe and jojoba oil to keep it moisturized. However, this sunscreen is not compliant with the U.S. Virgin Islands reef-safe policy since . Not only is it reef-safe, it also comes in . If youre just sweating a lot, though, you can probably get away with holding out for the duration of the products purposed resistance (which is typically in the 80 minute range). Best Water . To really hedge your bets, you should look at the ingredients list and see if its a purely mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide (sometimes formulas will include other chemicals, like avobenzone) and whether it says the ingredients are nano or non-nano. 3. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. On the luxe end of the spectrum, this Drunk Elephant mineral sunscreen costs a bit more than others, but is ideally suited for everyday wear on your face. We paid attention to everything from texture and residual cast to water resistance and fragrance. Remember that being labeled "organic" does not mean a product is reef-friendly. Hawaii, Key West, parts of Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Aruba, and Bonaire also have bans or restrictions on sunscreens that aren't considered reef-safe. Just because a sunscreen is reef-safe doesnt make it inherently water-resistant. . Avoid sunscreens with high content of Titanium Dioxide. While oxybenzone and octinoxate are popular chemical sunscreen ingredients, theyve been shown to cause coral bleaching which can obliterate reefs. MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Clear Spray. She also spoke with NYC-based board-certified dermatologists Dr. Sumayah Jamal and Dr. Michelle Henry to uncover what makes a sunscreen reef-safe, as well as how such formulas affect the skin. What We Dont Love: The bottle design is prone to leaks. What We Dont Love: It smells a bit like rubber. That word "zinc" is what gives this sunscreen its good name, both for you . That was the heading on my search results page. Ahead, check out the 12 best reef-safe sunscreens. Physical sunscreens also tend to be natural, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, whereas chemical sunscreens are synthetic. A 2 pack of reef-friendly Alba Botanica is $16.99, as of March-2020, at Costcos in Hawaii. Many of these reef safe sunscreens are available at your favorite retailer. Its also chock-full of botanical oils to help moisturize skin as well as protect it. surfmud. This clean-ingredient formula contains zinc to help protect your face from UV rays but is non-greasy and contains rice starch to help soak up excess oil. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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! 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.. The company does state that it lab tests each of its face and body sunscreens to ensure they are marine safe. 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. #1 Read the label. 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. "Having sunscreens that are reliable in different parts of the world where the UV rays can be more intense is crucial." Nothing abut 'reef safe' though. Neutrogena makes a lot of good zinc sunscreens and has good science behind it, says Dr. Bhanusali. Highly Rated: Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Mineral Lotion SPF 50. Sunscreens ingredients widely believed to be harmful to coral reef systems include oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, para-aminobenzoic acid, parabens, and triclosan. 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. The absorbability and lack of white cast arent the only reasons this sunscreen stands out: Made with water lily and sugarcane-derived squalane, it also deeply hydrates skin and provides a cooling effect, so it can double as post-sun care if you spend too much time soaking up the rays or forget to reapply. And if youre really prone to burning, select a formula with a higher spf level, like Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50. If you actually prefer a scented sunscreen, youll swoon over Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50. While traditional sunscreens contain ocean-damaging chemicals, reef-friendly products allow us to soak up rays without harming the precious marine environments we're out to enjoy. Best Overall: Kkua Sun Care Reef Safe Natural Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50. Most popular sunscreen brands are known to contain these dangerous chemicals. Does reef-safe sunscreen affect skin differently? When coral bleaches, it is not dead, but under significant stress and subject to increased mortality levels. Thats why Hawaii became the first state in the US to ban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2018. One more thing: While the SPF isnt marketed as being water resistant, we found that when splashed with water, it doesnt run. What to Consider: Moisturize before applying if you have dry skin so it doesn't become streaky. Here is a list of sunscreens considered to be reef safe. Mineral Face Shade Coconut Probiotic SPF 30 - this natural sunscreen for your face is water resistant and goes on relatively transparent, helping you enjoy a day at the beach or the pool without suffering from sun damage. <. Rebecca R. Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the DC metro area. This fragrance-free zinc sunscreen lotion is top rated by the EWG because of the 70% organic formula and . Costco's reef-safe or reef-friendly sunscreen is Alba Botanica (spray). Purchased at Target on the mainland. Unfortunately, you can't rely on brands that make "reef-safe" or "reef-friendly" claims, as there is no government regulation for this and manufacturers are not required to test if the product is impacting reefs. Ward off harmful UV rays with Pacifica's collection of sunscreen for all skin types. Originally produced as fragrance-free, this product is now scented with gardenia and lemongrass essential oils. The Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 50+ is beloved for its fast-absorbing formula that leaves skin feeling hydrated and smooth. BUT WAIT, there is more. . Her pick for daily use is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Mineral Sunscreen. The Rundown. Though, its citrusy, so it may not be for everyone. Personal Care. 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. It still leaves a slight white cast at first, but is useful to see if youve missed a spot before it disappears. As such, you should seek shade whenever you can to shield your skin from excessive exposure, and remember to reapply every two hours. Baby Wipes. $26 AT DERMSTORE. It's made with a blend of coconut oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter, so your skin will stay hydrated no matter how much you sweat without making you feel sticky or greasy. Costco also sells a 3-pack of Coppertone Sport that is allowed in Hawaii as it is oxybenzone and octinoxate free. But it was so non-specific that no one really paid attention. Pacifica Beauty is a 100% vegan and cruelty free brand that was founded in 1996 by Brook Harvey-Taylor. Badger Sunscreen Ingredients Won't Hurt the Environment. This body of researchwhile . What We Dont Love: Its not water resistant despite claiming to be. This EWG-approved formula from Coppertone is made of zinc oxide and natural botanicals, like tea leaf and sea kelp extracts. As a professional surfer in the World Surf League, Kirra Seale says applying Mattescreen is part of her daily reef-safe sun protection routine. But did you know that, if youre someone who likes to spend a lot of time in and near the water, the type of sunscreen you use is important, too. Sunscreens are incredible herbicides, worse than commercial herbicides, says Downs. Sunbutter SPF50 Water Resistant Reef Safe Sunscreen, $29.95 from Sun Butter. It's that zinc oxide, a staple of mineral-based sunscreens, that the Environmental Working Group (EWG . Why We Love It: The tropical scent smells like a dream vacation. As mineral sunscreens climb higher in SPF, some can start feeling heavier and stickier with greater sun protection. | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 30+ | Water-Resistant: Yes. What We Love: A little bit of this soothing sunscreen goes a long way. Reef-safe labeling is primarily used by brands as a marketing term. To help focus your search, here are our picks for the best reef-safe sunscreens available. There are many different varieties of sunscreen, and choosing the right one for your UV protection is an important part of the selection process.