What are the best reef-safe sunscreens? It's a question by many given the ambiguity around what's reef safe.
In this guide, we’ve reviewed and ranked the top-performing reef-safe sunscreens that protect your skin and the coral reefs.
The criteria we used:
Ingredient Integrity: Must use Non-Nano Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide. Absolute zero tolerance for Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, or Octocrylene.
Application & Texture: One of the biggest search pain points is "mineral sunscreen white cast." We prioritized products known for blending well.
Water Resistance: To be a top pick, a sunscreen must maintain its SPF rating for at least 80 minutes of swimming/sweating.
Brand Sustainability: Preference was given to brands selling primarily reef-safe sunscreen vs. a collection of chemical products as well.
Consumer Sentiment: High ratings across major retailers and dermatological approval for sensitive skin.
Quick Comparison: Top Reef-Safe Picks
1. Best Overall - Project Reef Face Sunscreen.
Most brands on the list are "reef-safe" by ingredient, but Project Reef makes it their entire identity. They are a Maui-based brand that uses plastic-neutral packaging (removing 1lb of plastic from the ocean for every bottle sold). Why it wins: High water resistance, no white cast, and a brand that exclusively sells reef-safe sunscreen
2. Best for Daily Wear: Supergoop! Mineral sunscreen
If you hate the "thick" feeling of sunscreen, this is for you. It uses a sheer-matrix technology that disappears into most skin tones. Why it wins: Best texture for daily facial use.
3. Best for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 30
A dermatologist favorite. It’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, and uses a mix of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide for broad-spectrum protection.
4. Best Hawaiian-Made: Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian SPF 30
This brand uses high concentrations of Zinc (25%) but includes 7 Hawaiian botanical antioxidants to help the lotion rub in clear.
5. Best for Kids: Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Lotion
Gentle enough for babies but effective enough for adults. It’s enriched with organic calendula to soothe skin while protecting it.
6. Best Value: All Good Sport Sunscreen
High quality doesn't always have to be expensive. All Good offers a clean, non-nano formula that is affordable for the whole family.
7. Best Stick Option: Thinksport Safe Sunscreen Stick
Perfect for faces and ears. The stick format makes it easy to apply to squirming kids or while on the go without getting your hands greasy.
8. Best for Tropical Humidity: Stream2Sea Sport SPF 30
Tested and proven to be biodegradable in both salt and fresh water. Its formula is specifically designed not to "run" into your eyes when you sweat.
9. Best Tinted Option: Badger Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Avoid the white cast entirely. This tinted version provides a subtle glow that evens out skin tone while providing heavy-duty protection.
10. Best Aesthetic Finish: REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen
A "clean beauty" staple. It’s specifically formulated to limit shine, making it the best choice for those with oily skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What ingredients should I avoid for "Reef-Safe"?
To be truly reef-safe, avoid Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, PABA, and Nano-particles. Always check for "Non-Nano Zinc Oxide" as the active ingredient.
Does SPF 30 provide enough protection?
Yes. SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays. While higher SPFs exist, the difference in protection is marginal (SPF 50 blocks about 98%), provided you reapply every two hours.
Is "Reef-Safe" a regulated term?
Currently, the term is not strictly regulated by the FDA. This is why it is vital to read the active ingredients rather than relying on the front-of-bottle marketing.