Reef Safe, Plastic-Free Sunscreen
In 2015, Craig Downs, the executive director of the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory (HEL), and his colleagues published a study that outlined how oxybenzone, a chemical commonly used in sunscreen, damages underwater coral colonies. According to NPR, up to 70 percent of all U.S. produced sunscreens contain oxybenzone.
Since then HEL has compiled a list of 13 sunscreen ingredients that can damage reefs that extend beyond oxybenzone on what is called the “HEL List.”
Ingredients on the HEL List:
Any nanoparticles like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Oxybenzone
Octinoxate
4-methylbenzylidene camphor
Octocrylene
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
Methyl Paraben
Ethyl Paraben
Propyl Paraben
Butyl Paraben
Benzyl Paraben
Triclosan
Any form of microplastic sphere or beads.
Though there are some certifications available, the terms “Reef Safe” and “Reef Friendly” are not regulated. Avoiding the above list of chemicals is a good way to ensure that your sunscreen will not damage the environments where you love to swim.
Why is Reef-Safe Sunscreen Important?
Coral reefs are extremely important to coastal ecosystems. It is estimated that 25 percent of fish species depend on coral reef systems for food and shelter. The reefs further protect coastal areas from storms and erosion. Because their degradation is so worrisome, coastal areas have begun taking measures to ban sunscreens that contain ingredients known to damage reefs. In 2018 Hawaii passed a bill banning the sale and distribution of sunscreen that contains oxybenzone or octinoxate. In 2021, the Maui County Council unanimously passed a bill that prohibits the sale, distribution, or use of non-mineral sunscreens.
According to Save the Reef, an organization dedicated to saving the world's oceans and marine life, the sunscreens listed below are free from HEL List chemicals and you can feel good about their impact on the ocean.
We’ve chosen to highlight reef safe sunscreens from their list that are also encased in plastic-free packaging, as plastic is problematic for the oceans in its own way.
Reef Safe and Plastic-Free Sunscreens
MANDA makes their sun care specifically for surfers, climbers, hikers and athletes who are exposed to harsh conditions. MANDA’s Organic Sun Paste is SPF 50 and fueled by non-nano zinc oxide and other organic ingredients.
The Sea & Summit face sunscreen stick comes in SPF 50 tan and SPF 36 clear. This sunscreen was made with both the everyday user and athletes in need of amplified protection in mind. The active sun protector in this sunscreen is non-nano zinc oxide and it also contains nourishing Brazilian berclay, amongst an array of other soothing organic ingredients.
Mama KULEANA was created in Maui with the mission to protect oceans, lakes and rivers around the world. Mama KULEANA sunscreen is SPF 30, water resistant and uses non-nano zinc oxide alongside other natural, organic and wild-harvested ingredients. This sunscreen comes in microplastic free, biodegradable and compostable packaging.
Raw Elements Sunscreen is SPF 30, water resistant and made from certified all-natural ingredients. The tin is made from aluminum and is fully recyclable.
Butterbean Organics sunscreen is SPF 30 and made from non-nano zinc oxide alongside unrefined, certified organic, and fair trade oils. Butterbean Organics sunscreen received a top rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
