Reef safe sunscreen is formulated without harmful chemical UV filters, most critically oxybenzone and octinoxate, that are scientifically documented to damage coral reefs, cause DNA deformities in marine life, and disrupt endocrine systems.
The best reef safe sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. Hawaii, Key West, Palau, the Maldives, and over a dozen other locations have legally banned sunscreens containing these harmful chemicals.
At Project Reef, we’re often asked how to tell whether a sunscreen is truly reef safe. The simplest approach is to check the active ingredients and look for non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide.
It’s also important to read the full ingredient list, as some products marketed as “reef safe” may still contain chemical UV filters that are restricted in certain destinations.
Why Do Brands Use Non-Reef-Safe Ingredients?
Traditional sunscreens like Coppertone, Neutrogena, and La Roche typically use chemical UV filters because they offer several practical advantages:
Cost and Availability: Chemical ingredients are often cheaper, making them an attractive option for large-scale production and lower-cost products.
Cosmetic Appeal: Chemical sunscreens are typically transparent on the skin, avoiding the white cast that some mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can leave.
Formulation Flexibility: Chemical filters allow for lighter, more spreadable formulas, including gels, sprays, and lotions that are easier to apply and blend into the skin.
Higher SPF Ratings: Chemical sunscreens can more easily achieve high SPF values compared to mineral sunscreens.
Why do reef safe sunscreens matter for coral reefs?
The chemicals in mass-market sunscreens are highly toxic and kill marine ecosystems - full stop. Many studies such as the Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology detail how these chemicals damage and kill not only coral reefs, but many marine ecosystems in the following ways:
Deformities: Abnormal growth due to DNA damage.
Abnormal growth: Abnormal growth due to endocrine disruption.
Death: Coral, mangroves, and other underwater plants metabolize these chemicals in a way that creates toxic compounds, killing them in the process.
What makes a sunscreen reef safe?
A sunscreen is reef safe when it contains no oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, PABA, parabens, triclosan, microplastics, or nano-sized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles.
Reef safe sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide as mineral UV filters that do not harm coral reefs or marine ecosystems.
When choosing a reef-safe sunscreen, check the ingredient list carefully and avoid products containing the ingredients below. Instead, look for mineral sunscreens that use non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide as their active UV filters.
- Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3) (Most Common)
- Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) (Second most common)
- Octocrylene
- Homosalate
- 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC)
- PABA (Aminobenzoic Acid)
- Parabens (e.g., Methylparaben, Butylparaben)
- Triclosan
- Nano Zinc Oxide (Non-nano is reef-safe)
- Nano Titanium Dioxide (Non-nano is reef-safe)
Microplastics or Plastic Beads
Example of a Non-Reef-Safe Sunscreen
As an example, Vacation sells non-reef-safe sunscreens. Their 'classic' product contains 4 non-reef-safe ingredients, which are banned in Hawaii.
The image below shows that their ingredient list contains the 3 of the most common non-reef-safe sunscreen ingredients: Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene.
What Are the Best Reef Safe Sunscreen Brands?
The best reef safe sunscreen brands that exclusively sell reef-safe formulas include Project Reef, All Good, Kokua Sun Care, Goddess Garden, and Stream2Sea. These brands use mineral-based, non-nano zinc oxide formulations and do not sell products containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other reef-damaging ingredients.
To make your search easier, below is a list of the best sunscreen brands that only sell reef-safe sunscreens and are safe for coral reefs. These brands use a mineral-based foundation to block UV rays, which is safe for reefs.
- Project Reef
- All good
- Kokua Sun Care
- Goddess Garden
- Stream2Sea
Which popular sunscreen brands are NOT reef safe?
Major sunscreen brands that sell products containing non-reef-safe ingredients include Neutrogena, Coppertone, La Roche-Posay, Banana Boat, Sun Bum, Supergoop!, Aveeno, Vacation, Hawaiian Tropic, and Banana Boat, among others.
These products often contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, or octocrylene.
List of companies:
- Alba
- Australian Gold
- Aveeno
- Banana Boat
- BullFrog
Coppertone
- CVS Health
- Equate
- Hawaiian Tropic
- La Roche-Posay
Neutrogena
- Panama Jack
- Sun Bum
- Supergoop!
- Vacation
- Walgreens
Conclusion
In conclusion, keep these companies honest in selling non-reef-safe sunscreen. You cannot be on both sides of the fence when selling sunscreen.
Not only are non-reef-safe sunscreens illegal to bring into many countries, they are killing our marine ecosystems, coral reefs, and causing hormonal imbalances in women all over the world.
Join me at Project Reef and buy only Reef Safe Sunscreen.
FAQs About Reef Safe Sunscreen
What sunscreen ingredients are considered reef safe?
The most widely recommended reef safer sunscreen ingredients are non-nano zinc oxide and, in some formulations, non-nano titanium dioxide.
These mineral UV filters provide broad spectrum protection without using oxybenzone or octinoxate, two ingredients that have been restricted in places like Hawaii because of concerns about coral reef health. Since "reef safe" is not a regulated term, always read the ingredient list instead of relying solely on product labels.
Why isn't the term "reef safe sunscreen" regulated?
There is currently no government or FDA definition for "reef safe" or "reef friendly" sunscreen. Different brands may use these claims even though their ingredient lists differ.
Experts recommend evaluating the active ingredients rather than marketing language, choosing mineral sunscreens made with non-nano zinc oxide whenever possible.
What is the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 reef safe sunscreen?
SPF 30 reef safe sunscreen blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks approximately 98%. Both provide strong protection when applied correctly and reapplied every two hours; the mineral formula and proper application matter more than the SPF number difference alone.
Can I wear reef safe sunscreen every day?
Yes. Reef safe mineral sunscreen is suitable for daily use, not just beach vacations. UV exposure happens year-round, whether you're walking outside, driving, hiking, or spending time near windows.
Daily broad spectrum sun protection helps reduce the risk of sunburn, premature skin aging, and long-term UV damage while supporting more environmentally conscious choices.
How do I choose the best reef safe sunscreen?
Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that uses non-nano zinc oxide as its primary active ingredient. Water resistance, skin type compatibility, and ease of application also matter.
Instead of relying on "reef safe" claims alone, check the ingredient list to avoid UV filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate and choose mineral-based formulas whenever possible.
Is reef safe sunscreen safe for kids?
Yes. Reef safe sunscreens made with non-nano zinc oxide are widely recommended for children because they provide broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection while being gentle on sensitive skin. Apply generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming.
Is reef safe sunscreen required in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii has legally banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it illegal to sell or use non-reef-safe sunscreens there. Brands such as Supergoop!, Vacation, and Sun Bum sell products with banned ingredients, meaning those specific formulas cannot legally be used in Hawaii.
