4. This body of researchwhile . Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide | Save the Reef 1. This EWG-approved formula from Coppertone is made of zinc oxide and natural botanicals, like tea leaf and sea kelp extracts. What to Consider: It may leave a slight white cast on darker skin. My two requirements were reef safe and non toxic. As a professional surfer in the World Surf League, Kirra Seale says applying Mattescreen is part of her daily reef-safe sun protection routine. Discover safe and non-toxic sunscreen options for 2022. What We Love: This tropical-scented sunscreen will transport you to an island with every application. Her pick for daily use is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Mineral Sunscreen. It sinks in quickly without feeling heavy on your skin. The Sun Bum Mineral line of sunscreens is our top pick for the best reef friendly sunscreen in Hawaii. Still, buyers should be aware that, while free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, this product does contain avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. It's that zinc oxide, a staple of mineral-based sunscreens, that the Environmental Working Group (EWG . Read more: Best Natural Sunscreens for Men. What to Consider: Moisturize before applying if you have dry skin so it doesn't become streaky. But as you slather yourself in SPF (and reapply every two hours as directed, right? The easiest way to think about it is to picture the old-school lifeguards or surfers with pure white zinc on their noses. It rubs on so silky and smooth and the water-resistant veil means less product washes off when you enter the ocean." Source: Project Reef. 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. The consistency, while a potential leaking/mess hazard, is what makes this sunscreen absorb so well into skin. The reason? Unlike the term "SPF", which requires dozens of tests on human volunteers to earn, there are no formal requirements for the phrase . Best Overall: Kkua Sun Care Reef Safe Natural Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50. Neutrogena makes a lot of good zinc sunscreens and has good science behind it, says Dr. Bhanusali. The best reef-friendly sunscreen. Plus, we have different options to fit your daily (or seasonal) sunscreen needs. 8 Safest Suncreens in 2023 - Non-Toxic, Clean Sunscreen - goop And, with each purchase, the company removes 1 pound of plastic from the world's . Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. After consulting a dermatologist and a professional surfer, Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen is our first pick for sun protection. What to Consider: It contains avobenzone, which may react harmfully to chlorine. Mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are broad spectrum protectors, which means they protect from UVA and UVB rays (not all chemical sunscreens protect you from both). There are no chemical sunscreens in this formula, only a powerful combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. What is Reef-Safe Sunscreen? | REI Co-op The 10 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens of 2023 | Tested by InStyle This innovative clear gel completely does away with the white, chalky look of some other mineral sunscreens, but still has non-nano zinc oxide particles to give broad spectrum protection. This clean reef safe sunscreen is the brands Supergoop mineral sheerscreen. Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 All Natural, Water Resistant, Organic Does reef-safe sunscreen affect skin differently? Nope. That was the heading on my search results page. That said, Dr. Jamal says it depends on the exact formulation. Beyond its refreshing coconut scent, which our tester says smells like a pina colada, this SPF has a very thin consistency, which makes it easy to apply. 01.24.23 | DISCLAIMER. This EWG-approved, non-nano mineral sunscreen formula also comes in a lotion, but we especially like the stick because it makes sunscreen easy to apply on areas most prone to sunburn like ears, noses, and even lips. 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). EWG VERIFIED PRODUCT TYPE. Below is a list of the best chemical free sunscreens. It's an ideal choice for anyone looking for a vegan sunscreen that offers the highest possible approved SPF protection and longest water-resistancy. Researchers have developed a prototype for coral-reef-friendly sunscreens by using polymerization to create large molecules that still block UV radiation but are too big to penetrate our skin . Size: 2.9 oz. 11 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen Brands to Use in 2022 - Best Products | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 30+ | Water-Resistant: Yes. Consumers are purchasing these items for their perceived lower environmental impact when that is possibly inaccurate or misleading. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 40 | Water-Resistant: Yes. Garrett Munce writes about men's style and grooming. 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. 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. Pacifica Beauty is a 100% vegan and cruelty free brand that was founded in 1996 by Brook Harvey-Taylor. 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"I bring loads of it in my luggage on vacation to be prepared to slather it on my three kids," says Dr. Yun. Since theres no added fragrance, its gentle enough to use on sensitive or irritation-prone skin. There are some independent agencies who have set up their own certification and testing processes to help identify sunscreens that dont contain harmful ingredients. Reef Safe Sunscreen: Our Guide to Ocean-Friendly Sun Protection When I rubbed the water around on my arm, it did not seem to dissolve the sunscreen and rather just made the water bead on top of it., Size: 3 oz. To help focus your search, here are our picks for the best reef-safe sunscreens available. #3 Cover up! Sunbutter SPF50 Water Resistant Reef Safe Sunscreen, $29.95 from Sun Butter. Thinksport SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 50+ | Water-Resistant: Yes. And if you can't find a mineral sunscreen you like, but still want to be reef safe, consider UPF clothing which still protects your skin from UV rays. But, you want to make sure you choose: Broad spectrum: Protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. What We Dont Love: The very wet consistency could be a recipe for a mess. Here is a list of sunscreens considered to be reef safe. It honestly took less time than some of my regular lotions.. 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. What to Consider: This sunscreen moisturizes skin, so can feel greasy after multiple reapplications. To save you from sifting through thousands of reviews, we went ahead and tested the 24 most popular reef-safe sunscreens. Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion at Walmart, Biossance Sheer Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon, California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion at Amazon, Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 30+ at Amazon, Maui Naturals Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon, Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion - SPF 50 at Target, MDSolarSciences Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40 at Amazon, Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion, Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, 8 Clean Sunscreens That Won't Leave a White Cast Behind, Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion, Maui Naturals Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion - SPF 50, MDSolarSciences Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40. Following the growing amount of evidence that what sunscreens we put on our bodies can have a devastating effect on the environment around us, Hawaii became the first state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2018, two known endocrine disrupting chemical ingredients that have been shown to drastically affect ocean life. Best Tinted Sunscreen: Olita Tinted Mineral Sunstick. Look for their logos on packages to help easily identify products that they deem safe. It's also fragrance free, and provides Broad Spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. SPF 50 only filters 1% more: 98%. While it doesnt drip and run, our tester found that, once wet, it does feel more slippery and transfer more. Surf Mud is a natural zinc-based cream suitable for all skin types. Unsun Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 Medium/Dark. Sunscreens are incredible herbicides, worse than commercial herbicides, says Downs. Mattescreen 100% Mineral Sunscreen also works to block blue light emitted from electronics. Read more: Best Zinc-Oxide Sunscreens for Men. 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 . So switching to a reef safe sunscreen could do your body good as well as the ocean. Is Neutrogena sunscreen reef safe. Best eco-friendly sunscreen 2022 | The Independent Coral-friendly sunscreen shown to provide better UV protection than . 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. How do I know if my sunscreen is reef-safe? Comparison Table of the Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens. 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. 14 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen Brands | XiBiz Now 10% off. 7 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin and the Ocean Badger Sunscreen Ingredients Won't Hurt the Environment. After all, over the past few years, people everywhere are finally beginning to understand that sunscreen is essential. The oil-free formula functions as a primer, pore-minimizer, and sunscreen all-in-one. Best spray: Blue . Photo: Napua Heen / Hawaii.com. What We Dont Love: Its not water resistant despite claiming to be. Why We Love It: It doesn't contain any chemicals or artificial scents, perfect for delicate baby skin. 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. Diapers; Fragrance. There is no official FDA definition or criteria as to what makes a sunscreen 'reef-safe'. surfmud. Why We Love It: It minimizes pores for a more flawless look. 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. They tend to accumulate god knows where, says Dr. Bhanusali. 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. But just what "reef safe" means is unclear, and the science about the possible . Best for Dark Skin: Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 30+ at Amazon. 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. The broad spectrum cream uses non-nano zinc oxide to create a protective layer against UVA and UVA rays. These physical blockers actually sit on top of skin, which is why dermatologists like Dr. Bhanusali actually prefer them. The first step to buying reef-safe sunscreen is to check which active ingredients are in the bottle. 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. While the pump top is a lovely addition, we found that it is prone to leaks, filling the cap with product. It's an ideal buy for beach-goers who like to take dips in the ocean and don't want to fuss with sandy applications (or reapplications) of sunscreen throughout the day. The 11 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens Of 2022 | Sea Paradise SPF: 40 | Size: 3 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 40 minutes. 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. coverage in exchange. Reef-Safe Suncreens: what does it mean? - Juliet Sailing and Diving What to Consider: This sunscreen works best when exposed to water or heat. I like this stuff! If you're one of those people who hates the feeling of being slathered in gooey sunblock, Thinksport could be a game-changer. In doing so, we were able to narrow down the top 10 reef safe-sunscreens. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 All Natural, Water Resistant, Organic Sunscreen at the best online prices at eBay! Coola Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. Reef Safe Sunscreen - What You and Your Customers Need to Know Extreme Screen Hydrating Body and Hand SPF 50+, $35.00 from Ultra Violette. All Good Brand SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion [VEGAN] . The water didn't seem to make the sunscreen run at all, she assures us. This sunscreen is vegan and cruelty-free and contains natural moisturizers such as jojoba, avocado, and sunflower oils. However, this sunscreen is not compliant with the U.S. Virgin Islands reef-safe policy since it contains octocrylene. Badger Active Mineral Sunscreen has an SPF 30 rating and protects against broad spectrum UV exposure. The oil-free formula uses 100 percent mineral UV blockers of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and uses silica powder to combat shiny residue. "Having sunscreens that are reliable in different parts of the world where the UV rays can be more intense is crucial." Courtesy of Amazon, Sephora, Black Girl Sunscreen, Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon, Alba Botanica Hawaiian Coconut Clear Spray SPF 50 at Amazon, Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, Supergoop! According to the National Park Service, 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter coral reefs every year. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 30 | Water-Resistant: No. Which sunscreen ingredients are not reef-safe? On the downside, this SPF smells different. Just because a sunscreen is reef-safe doesnt make it inherently water-resistant. Size: 1.69 oz. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Protect Land & Sea, which Downs oversees, tests sunscreens for 11 potentially harmful chemicals as well as a slew of other things like parabens and other preservatives. 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. Best for Activity: Stream2Sea Sport Sunscreen. Many of these reef safe sunscreens are available at your favorite retailer. 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. They contain olive oil, beeswax, and coconut extract and have an SPF15 rating. our process. The most common minerals used as active . EWG Skin Deep | Ratings for All Pacifica Products Choose a physical sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. $14 at Walmart. Tinted Sunscreens Available too; 7. Theres a high concentration of zinc to protect from UV rays, but somehow still applies smoothly and doesnt leave your limbs sticky. Sunscreen 101: Protecting Your Skin and Coral Reefs Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion. Is your sun line reef safe? - Pacifica Beauty Support Whats more, we found that the lightweight lotion stands its ground as advertised against water. It also glides on smoothly and is safe for children as well. (Reef-safety goes beyond your days on the shore skincare products go down the drain after you wash them off.) When she's not writing, she can be found out and about with her Jack-Chi, Cash, sweating her way through an Orangetheory class, or taking it easy with family and friends. It also contains a few other chemicals some beach-goers try to avoid, namely homosalate and octocrylene. Best Budget: Banana Boat Simply Protect Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon. What We Dont Love: It comes out of the tube a bit chalky. It would be nice if the manufacturer forewarned shoppers on the tube that its scented., Size: 3 oz. Not trying to toss a bottle of reef-safe SPF into your bag only for it to leak all over the place? In addition to being mineral-based and reef-safe, it contains Senna alata, an antioxidant that helps shield the skin from free radicals . 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. As manufacturers began to micronize particles smaller and smaller, they went too far, says Robinson. Rebecca Norris has covered beauty for nearly 10 years. What We Love: It absorbs quickly and dries down for a smooth, silky, hydrated finish. In this article, we'll be sharing the 14 best reef-safe sunscreen brands to consider for your next beach trip. Another option, as mentioned before, is to look for mineral sunscreens. Made in Hawaii sunscreens are marked with an *asterisks. our process. The Truth About 'Reef Safe' Sunscreen - Consumer Reports While technically developed for children, the formula far exceeded our adult expectations, cementing it as the best overall reef-safe sunscreen we tried. Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, it meets basic non-regulated guidelines for being reef-friendly. What We Love: A little bit of this soothing sunscreen goes a long way. Fortunately, there are reef-safe sunscreen options available that protect both our skin and our beautiful oceans. Best for Face: Sun Bum Face Lotion at Amazon. The ultra-sheer formula dries clear with no residual white cast and is ideal for wearing under makeup. Minerals sink to the bottom. According to Downs, coral bleaching is the most visible effect of damage but it goes way beyond that. Sun + Skincare Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 - Pacifica - Ulta Beauty