Here is a check list to take along when shopping for sunscreen that will protect both your skin and the reefs, as well as a list of sun protection considered reef safe. A reef-safe sunscreen is a sunscreen free of chemical ingredients and small particles known to damage and . #1 Apply at least 10 - 15 minutes before entering the water. But if you want the best reef-safe spray, stick, or sensitive skin formula, we found expert-approved options for those too. From the beach, to the pool, to tropical vacations in far off dreamy . 01.24.23 | DISCLAIMER. Reef-safe labeling is primarily used by brands as a marketing term. This EWG-approved formula from Coppertone is made of zinc oxide and natural botanicals, like tea leaf and sea kelp extracts. Best for Activity: Stream2Sea Sport Sunscreen. With only five ingredients in this Protect Land + Sea certified formula, Badger sunscreen is as natural is you can find, but doesnt sacrifice any sun protection. Even if an SPF claims to be water-resistant, dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen after swimming. #1 Read the label. Los Angeles-based dermatologist Dr. Jasmine Yun wears reef-safe sunscreen every day and recommends getting into the habit of always applying a thin layer of sun protection on any exposed areas, especially the face. Avoid all sunscreen products made with nano particles and other possible reef-harming ingredients, including avobenzone, octocrylene and homosalate. Following the growing amount of evidence that what sunscreens we put on our bodies can have a devastating effect on the environment around us, Hawaii became the first state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2018, two known endocrine disrupting chemical ingredients that have been shown to drastically affect ocean life. "It has a light sheen and leaves my face looking smooth. Ahead, check out the 12 best reef-safe sunscreens. We've looked at factors like effectiveness, ingredients, and price to create a comprehensive list that covers a range . In addition to being mineral-based and reef-safe, it contains Senna alata, an antioxidant that helps shield the skin from free radicals . Avoid sunscreens with high content of Titanium Dioxide. Coola Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. Buy for 46 at Net-a-Porter or Harrods. Pacifica Skincare Review. The consistency is really smooth it spreads easily compared to other reef-safe sunscreens I've tried and absorbs almost immediately without a white cast [anywhere in sight], our tester says. While the pump top is a lovely addition, we found that it is prone to leaks, filling the cap with product. | Scented: Yes (but not artificially) | SPF Level: 50+ | Water-Resistant: Yes. What We Love: This body SPF is easy to travel with given its TSA-friendly size. If youre just sweating a lot, though, you can probably get away with holding out for the duration of the products purposed resistance (which is typically in the 80 minute range). According to the National Park Service, 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter coral reefs every year. We rounded up nine of the best reef-safe sunscreens on the market to ensure you're protecting your skin and keeping the oceans oxybenzone-free. Truthfully, the only downside of this SPF is the bottle design. Even the bottle is made from a corn-based . Put simply: InStyle Picks are products we love, and we've put them to the test to be sure you will too. All Good Brand SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion [VEGAN] . Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two ingredients believed to contribute to coral bleaching. This sunscreen uses ingredients that are thought to be safest for reefs. Mineral Face Shade Coconut Probiotic SPF 30 - this natural sunscreen for your face is water resistant and goes on relatively transparent, helping you enjoy a day at the beach or the pool without suffering from sun damage. This sunscreen is formulated to increase the invisible barrier protection when exposed to external heat and water or sweat, making it ideal for very sunny days spent in the waves. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Since theres no added fragrance, its gentle enough to use on sensitive or irritation-prone skin. Be wary of any product that doesnt list an SPF rating, since those are substantiated and regulated by the FDA, even if some of the ingredients are not. Even when our tester used a tablespoon of the SPF (instead of the recommended teaspoon), she found that there was no white cast. This vegan, marine-friendly sunscreen is made without common allergens, including dairy, gluten, soy, and oats, making it our top pick for adults, kids, and babies with sensitive skin. A totally vegan brand that is firmly opposed to animal testing, Pacifica has done it again with a facial sunscreen and CC cream you'll obsess over! According to our tester, the formula, which is infused with organic and sustainably-grown ingredients, blends in easily despite feeling a bit sticky fresh out of the tube. Consistently a top pick for best sunscreen, thinksport's SPF 50+ sunscreen is waterproof for up to 80 minutes, doesn't feel oily, andmost importantprovides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection thanks to a 20 percent dose of non-nano zinc oxide. To help focus your search, here are our picks for the best reef-safe sunscreens available. While traditional sunscreens contain ocean-damaging chemicals, reef-friendly products allow us to soak up rays without harming the precious marine environments we're out to enjoy. Beyond its refreshing coconut scent, which our tester says smells like a pina colada, this SPF has a very thin consistency, which makes it easy to apply. 12 Packable Sun Hats That Are Stylish and Loved by Dermatologists, The Ultimate Caribbean Cruise Packing List, The 14 Best Packable Sun Hats for Travel of 2023, The 13 Best Products to Clean a Suitcase in 2023, People Are Replacing Their Makeup With This Glowy, Anti-aging Tinted Sunscreen, The 12 Best Travel-friendly Makeup Products of 2023, The 12 Best Travel-sized Skincare Sets of 2023, The 14 Best Sustainable Backpacks of 2023, Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter. Micronized or non-nanoparticle mineral screens are best for reef safety.. These now banned chemicals are believed to be one of the contributing factors to the coral reef destruction. Its lightweight enough for your face, but protective enough to use on your body, too. Most popular sunscreen brands are known to contain these dangerous chemicals. "I bring loads of it in my luggage on vacation to be prepared to slather it on my three kids," says Dr. Yun. Mineral sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are generally not toxic to coral, however, when they are formulated as nanoparticles they can still damage coral, she explains. In addition to being super comfortable, we found that this SPF, while not marketed as water-resistant, does maintain its coverage in the presence of water. Our Top Choice: After extensive testing, we have concluded that the Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen is the best reef-safe sunscreen. SPF: 30 | Size: 3 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. Once the data was collected, we were able to narrow down the original pool of products to the 10 best reef-safe sunscreens. Neutrogena makes a lot of good zinc sunscreens and has good science behind it, says Dr. Bhanusali. Now 10% off. SPF: 50 | Size: 6 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. The Environmental Working Group also has rigorous standards in what they consider safe to use. This body of researchwhile . Best Budget: Banana Boat Simply Protect Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon. Cynics among us may wonder if saving marine life could be as simple as switching their sunscreen. The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens. Report inappropriate content. SPF: 50 | Size: 3 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. Some shoppers may choose to skip this biodegradable sunscreen if they plan to head to the pool, however, as it contains avobenzone, an ingredient that had a concerning reaction to chlorine in one study. Filter by. This All Good mineral sunscreen is both water- and sweat-resistant so you can enjoy your go-to beachside sport without worrying about your skin. This sunscreen seems to repel the water, making it roll off of my skin, our tester adds, noting that spritzing her SPF-covered skin didnt cause the product to run or drip. The product's translucent tint helps hide the dreaded white cast created by some mineral-based sunscreens and works on a wide range of light to medium skin tones. Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 100% Mineral Sunscreen, California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion, Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+, All Good Makes Everything Better Sport Face & Body Sunscreen Lotion, Earth Mama Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40, Choose a type of sunscreen that fits your needs. $37. Badger Sunscreen Ingredients Won't Hurt the Environment. Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen checks every box on our reef-friendly checklist, and it's perfect for numerous outdoor activities and occasions. Physical sunscreens also tend to be natural, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, whereas chemical sunscreens are synthetic. Rubber Ducky Is Amazing for Safe Sun and Reef Protection. In fact, Brook told Well + Good that she would sell . It would be nice if the manufacturer forewarned shoppers on the tube that its scented., Size: 3 oz. Swim tights or athletic tights (like you would wear to the gym) also provide effective sun protection. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Although it's not listed on the label, the company claims this product is "coral reef-safe. It's super lightweight perfect if you're putting it on before you apply makeup and it's cruelty-free and sustainable. Avoid sunscreens containing: avobenzone, butylparaben, ecamsule octinoxate, oxybenzone or 4-methylbenzylidine camphor. When it comes to reef-safe SPF, its important to remember that just because a product might say that its made without synthetic fragrances doesnt mean that it wont have a scent. Theres a high concentration of zinc to protect from UV rays, but somehow still applies smoothly and doesnt leave your limbs sticky. Be careful of labels claiming formulas are reef safe as it is not . Why We Love It: This mineral sunscreen is made from just five ingredients. What We Love: It absorbs quickly and dries down for a smooth, silky, hydrated finish. On the luxe end of the spectrum, this Drunk Elephant mineral sunscreen costs a bit more than others, but is ideally suited for everyday wear on your face. But it was so non-specific that no one really paid attention. Without nano-zinc particles and meant to last in the water, this a great all-around cream. Palau was the first country to ban the use of sunscreens that can cause harms to reefs. Hotels, flights, car rentals, experiences and more! What to Consider: It is not considered reef-safe in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its complicated. What to Consider: Moisturize before applying if you have dry skin so it doesn't become streaky. After honing in on online ratings, we spent 48 hours putting the 24 most popular sunscreens to the test. We paid attention to everything from texture and residual cast to water resistance and fragrance. Products that work by fully absorbing into the skin often contain nanoparticles that are harmful to ocean life. Thinkbaby Is the Best Sunscreen for Bodies and Water Bodies. Not trying to toss a bottle of reef-safe SPF into your bag only for it to leak all over the place? Inactive ingredients look pretty benign? Which sunscreen ingredients are not reef-safe? Best overall: ThinkSport SPF 50. The first step to buying reef-safe sunscreen is to check which active ingredients are in the bottle. As you may know, Hawaii State Legislature approved Bill 2571, which bans the sale of (non-prescription) sunscreens containing Oxybenzone and Octinoxate as of January 1, 2021.This legislation is a big step in moving the industry towards more "Reef Compliant" sunscreen products . There are no chemical sunscreens in this formula, only a powerful combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Size: 2.9 oz. You may want to find another sunscreen if youll be engaging in water activities though, because its not water-resistant. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 50 | Water-Resistant: No, though it passed our splash test. Im very impressed with its ability to absorb into my skin, she admits. *Mama Kuleana Waterproof SPF 30 Reef-safe Sunscreen. Equate Sunscreen's active ingredients include: avobenzone 3%, homosalate 15%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%, oxybenzone 6%. It feels very lightweight on my skin, and theres absolutely no white cast upon application, nor any pilling. In addition to sinking seamlessly into skin, we find that this reef-safe sunscreen leaves skin looking semi-matte without making it feel dry. It's not terribly overwhelming, but it is fairly strong, our tester admits. Look for their logos on packages to help easily identify products that they deem safe. This sunscreen has a strong, lemony scent. Reef Safe Sunscreens To Shop In Australia. YOU PROBABLY know by now that you need to be wearing .css-16acfp5{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#d2232e;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-16acfp5:hover{color:#000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;background-color:yellow;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}sunscreen; your mother told you, your doctor has told you, hell, even we at Mens Health have told you (many times). Read more: Best Zinc-Oxide Sunscreens for Men. Costco's Reef-Safe Sunscreen. A bonus? Purchased at Target on the mainland. She also spoke with NYC-based board-certified dermatologists Dr. Sumayah Jamal and Dr. Michelle Henry to uncover what makes a sunscreen reef-safe, as well as how such formulas affect the skin. $26 AT DERMSTORE. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. It's made with a blend of coconut oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter, so your skin will stay hydrated no matter how much you sweat without making you feel sticky or greasy. Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen has a very thin texture so much so that its quite runny and takes pretty much zero effort to squeeze out of the tube. The gentle, non-irritating formula makes it a good choice for wearing everyday (yes, you should be wearing sunscreen every single day) on your face or body as well, even for sensitive skin types. That isn't in the tiniest bottle ever. These brands include Coppertone, Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat, to name a few. Discover safe and non-toxic sunscreen options for 2022. . coverage in exchange. Or perhaps you like to take a more active approach, spending the majority of your time on a board, in the surf, or snorkeling below the surface. Note that La Roche-Posay does not use "reef-safe" marketing terms, nor does it specify whether its main ingredients are non-nano. For this article, Katherine Alex Beaven researched and tested dozens of reef-friendly sunscreens, consulted with a dermatologist, and spoke to a professional surfer to see which products make the cut to keep you and the ocean protected on sunny days. Made in Hawaii sunscreens are marked with an *asterisks. Maui Naturals Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen first caught our attention due to its retro packaging, but it retained interest when we realized just how well it works. While it doesnt drip and run, our tester found that, once wet, it does feel more slippery and transfer more. It's also fragrance free, and provides Broad Spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Unsun Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 Medium/Dark. If you're looking for a cheatsheet, we've rounded up the best reef-safe sunscreens for protecting your skin and the marine environment, whether you're on the beach or at home.