Reef-friendly Sunscreens Protecting Our bodies & Our Planet

Why reef-friendly sunscreen is vital to our bodies and the planet

As we become more conscious of the damage to our earth, the importance of reef-friendly sunscreen is finally on the global radar. We all know that sunscreen is non-negotiable. Not only does it prevent skin cancer, but it also shields us from premature aging.

Disturbingly, the typical chemical ingredients found in sunscreen that filter UV rays to protect our skin are oxybenzone and octinoxate. These ingredients are not only toxic to our bodies, but they are also killing our coral reefs.

Up to 14,000 tons of sunscreen finds it’s way to coral reef areas of the ocean every year.

The world is waking up and stepping up for our planet and our well-being. Hawaii was the first state in the US to ban oxybenzone and octinoxate; Hawaiian Airlines has helped publicize efforts by providing reef-safe sunscreen samples to travelers on their airplanes.

How does Reef-friendly Sunscreen protect us from sun damage?

Also known as a physical or mineral sunscreen, the active ingredients are either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These minerals work to create a barrier between UVA and UVB rays and your skin.

They are the healthiest choice and have minimal if any amount of toxic effects on marine life. We all need a new tube of sunscreen every year anyway. Start fresh and treat yourself to one that doesn’t harm you or the environment.

7 of the best ocean and human-friendly reef sunscreens to add you your daily sunscreen ritual

feel good inc. reef-friendly sunscreen Spf 50+

This my go-to reef-friendly sunscreen. It’s Aussie made and preservative-free sunscreen with a three-year shelf life. It’s also completely free of other preservatives.

Made with the safest ingredients and free of Oxybenzone, Paba and Paraben.

It’s broad-spectrum SPF50+ that really protects your skin from UVA & UVB rays and the damaging effects of the sun.

Shop Feel Good Inc. Sunscreen here

ALL GOOD SPORT MINERAL SUNSCREEN SPF 30

Topical mineral sunscreen for face or body This SPF 30 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion covers the basics (broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and water-resistant) but goes the extra mile with a commitment to reef-friendly ingredients that are lightweight, non-greasy and actually hydrate and repair skin. All good, indeed.

Water resist for 80mins, made with reef friendly ingredients. ($15.99)

Shop All Good

Sun forgettable Total Protection Body Shield SPF 50

This gentle formula from Colorescience has been voted the best pure zinc oxide option and it’s not hard to see why. It spreads on effortlessly and doesn’t have the thickness of the traditional zinc oxide formulas.

It melts into skin and has a silky, powdery finish.

Shop Sun forgettable Total Protection Body Shield SPF 50

Supergoop! Zincscreen 100% Mineral lotion

This non-nano mineral face lotion is ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin.

It provides broad-spectrum protection while treating various skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne and blemishes.

Ingredients such as winter cherry and blueberry also aid in protecting skin from blue and infrared light.

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drunk elephant daily defence sunscreen

This lightly tinted sunscreen delivers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection while targeting dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles and dull skin.

Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defence is also formulated with astaxanthin-rich algae and sunflower sprout extracts, potent antioxidants that fight off free radicals.

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Badger

Badger keeps skincare basic, and that includes sun protection.

This unscented variant reef-friendly sunscreen contains zinc oxide and uses only five natural, organic ingredients: sunflower oil, beeswax, sea buckthorn and vitamin E.

Cruelty-free and reef friendly, this daily essential is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes and protects from both UVA and UVB rays.

Shop here for Badger Unscented sunscreen with zinc oxide SPF 30

stream2sea

A biodegradable mineral-based sport lotion sunscreen with UVA and UVB broad-spectrum sun protection for both body and face.

This reef-friendly sunscreen is fast absorbing formula is non greasy, paraben free, gluten free, oxybenzone free, eco-conscious, octinoxate free and non-nano.

This ocean safe sunscreen has been tested and proven safe for humans, freshwater and saltwater marine life.

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naturally serious mineral sun defense moisturizer

Ideal for all skin types, the Mineral Sun Defense Moisturizer from Naturally Serious heals dry skin while simultaneously protecting it from UVA and UVB rays.

This lotion contains zinc oxide as well as natural antioxidant boosters like Argan Oil, vitamin E, and bisabolol. Squalane leaves a soft and sheer finish.

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