At Project Reef, we get asked what makes a sunscreen “reef safe” and how to identify one?
For starters, reef-safe sunscreens are formulated without harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are known to damage coral reefs and marine ecosystems and even cause hormonal imbalances in women.
In fact, locations such as Hawaii have banned non-reef-safe sunscreen companies like Supergoop!, Vacation, and Sun Bum. The ingredients are harmful enough to reefs that they are banned and illegal in the following locations: Hawaii, Key West, Virgin Islands, Bonaire, Palau, Aruba, French Polynesia, Tulum, Cozumel, Thailand, The Maldives, and the list goes on.
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?
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 qualifies a sunscreen as reef safe?
To qualify as reef-safe, a product must not contain any of the below ingredients and should be avoided. They are not safe for reefs and can kill them:
- 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?
To make your search easier, below is a list of the best reef safe sunscreens 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
Sunscreen Companies That are Not Reef Safe
Below is a list of companies that sell products containing non-reef-safe ingredients such as Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, and Homosalate.
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.
Is SPF 50 reef safe sunscreen better than SPF 30?
Both SPF 30 and SPF 50 reef safe sunscreens can provide excellent protection when applied correctly. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. The most important factors are choosing a broad spectrum mineral sunscreen, applying enough product, and reapplying every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
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.
Can reef safe sunscreen be used on children?
Yes. Many reef safe sunscreens are gentle on sensitive skin and are a great choice for kids. Look for formulas made with non-nano zinc oxide, which provide broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection while being less likely to irritate delicate skin. Apply generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
