Which Sunscreen Brands are Reef Safe?
At Project Reef, we only sell reef-safe sunscreens. At trade shows and in retail stores, customers regularly ask us what “reef safe” actually means — and how to tell which sunscreen brands are truly reef safe versus those that are not.
In this guide, we will define what “reef safe” means and share the brands that are considered reef safe.
What Does a ‘Reef Safe’ Sunscreen Mean?
Generally speaking, a “reef safe” sunscreen is one that does not contain two chemical UV filters, which are oxybenzone or octinoxate, based on the Hawaii Act 104. However, it’s important to note that there isn’t a set standard that regulates which sunscreens are reef-safe and which aren’t. Therefore, sunscreens that are truly “reef safe” must be determined by the consumer.
A good rule of thumb is that most mineral-based sunscreens are reef-safe. You can find them by looking for “mineral-based” on the bottle; they will contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients.
For the purpose of this article, a "reef-safe" sunscreen is one that is Hawaii-compliant, meaning it does NOT contain oxybenzone or octinoxate as active ingredients.
Is Your Sunscreen Brand Reef Safe? A Complete List
Below is a brand-by-brand list of sunscreen companies and whether they offer chemical-based and/or reef-safe sunscreens.
Again, for this exercise, given that a vast majority of mineral sunscreens are Hawaii Compliant as defined above, we will assume sunscreens are reef-safe if they are mineral-based and contain non-nano zinc oxide ingredients.
Quick tip for identifying brands with reef-safe products
When a brand has multiple SPF products, do not assume the whole brand is compliant. Always check the specific product's active ingredients panel.
Common "Gotchas" When People Shop for Reef-Safe Sunscreen
“Reef safe”: on the front does not guarantee Hawaii compliance. The only reliable method is checking active ingredients for oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Same brand, different formulas: Brands often have mineral and chemical lines. One may be compliant, another may not.
Sprays, sticks, face vs body: Even within a brand, sprays can differ from lotions; face products can differ from body products.
How to be Ultra Reef Safe (Beyond Sunscreen)
“Reef safe”: on the front does not guarantee Hawaii compliance. The only reliable method is checking active ingredients for oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Same brand, different formulas: Brands often have mineral and chemical lines. One may be compliant, another may not.
Sprays, sticks, face vs body: Even within a brand, sprays can differ from lotions; face products can differ from body products.
Regardless of what’s in a sunscreen, a man-made product isn’t the best for sensitive ecosystems for coral reefs. If your goal is to minimize reef impact, consider the following approaches.
UPF clothing: Wear UPF shirt/rashguard for swimming days
Hats: Use hats and shade during peak UV hours
Limited use: Apply sunscreen only on exposed skin
Avoiding coral reefs: The easiest thing to do is avoid sunscreens when you’re around coral reefs.
Where Project Reef fits
Project Reef is a sunscreen made for people who want to feel confident that they are getting a reef-safe sunscreen product, no matter what. No need to check labels. No need to second-guess. We only sell reef-safe sun products.
If you want a sunscreen that aligns with Hawaii's reef-compliant standard, check out Project Reef suncare products
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is "reef safe sunscreen" a regulated term?
Not in a universal way. The clearest enforceable baseline is Hawaii's ingredient restriction (oxybenzone and octinoxate), which is why many consumers use Hawaii compliance as a practical definition. Justia+1
What ingredients are banned in Hawaii sunscreen?
Hawaii law restricts the sale/distribution of sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate (without a prescription), effective January 1, 2021. Justia+1
Do I have to use mineral sunscreen to be reef safe?
Not necessarily under Hawaii's legal definition. The Hawaii-compliant baseline is avoiding oxybenzone and octinoxate. Mineral sunscreens commonly avoid those ingredients, which is why they are often chosen.
What is the easiest way to tell if my sunscreen is Hawaii-compliant?
Check the Drug Facts "Active Ingredients" list. If you see oxybenzone or octinoxate, it is not compliant.