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The harsh weather condition is enough reason to always have sunscreen at hand and it’s even more beneficial when you choose one that is safe for the environment. Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet however your sunscreen is killing these reefs which is why switching to a reef-safe sunscreen will be a much-preferred option.
Sunscreen pollution is really something to worry about. It poses a threat not only to coral reefs but the aquatic life as well.
WebMD reports that harsh chemical sunscreen is not only damaging the environment but it’s a major cause of the decrease in water quality.
It is important to choose the quality of your sunscreen carefully. While sunscreens are highly beneficial to the skin, using the wrong ones can also be harmful to the skin. Sunscreens that are formulated with chemical ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate are considered to lead to bleaching or deaths of coral reefs.
Our Top Picks (More On These Sunscreens Below 👇)
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Reef Safe SPF 50 All Natural Sunscreen | 9.8 | Check On Amazon |
Best Chemical Free Sunscreen  | Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen | 9.7 | Check On Amazon |
Best Organic Sunscreen  | Badger - SPF 35 Clear Zinc Sport Sunscreen | 9.7 | Check On Amazon |
Best For Activities  | Stream2Sea Reef Safe Sport Mineral Sunscreen | 9.7 | Check On Amazon |
Best For Face And Body  | Raw Elements Organic SPF 30 Zinc Sunscreen | 9.7 | Check On Amazon |
Best For Summer  | BLUE LIZARD Active Mineral Sunscreen | 9.7 | Check On Amazon |
Best For Sensitive Skin  | Banana Boat Simply Protect Sensitive Reef-Safe Sunscreen | 9.6 | Check On Amazon |
Top Runner Up  | Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Sunscreen | 9.7 | Check On Amazon |
Benefits Of Using Reef-Safe Biodegradable Sunscreens
Coral reefs around the world are dying at a really rapid rate and they are quite important for a healthy environment.
Coral reefs play a small part in saving the ecosystem and we need to consider the ingredients that go into our sunscreens it happens to be highly hazardous to the environment. Purchasing reef-safe biodegradable sunscreens are one way to keep the environment safe so here are some of the benefits that make it worthwhile.
1. Environmentally Friendly
Reef safe biodegradable sunscreens are not just regular sunscreens but they help the environment out by keeping it safe. Reef-safe sunscreens are made with ingredients that break down easily and are not harmful to ocean life either. This sunscreen lessens the impact of harsh chemicals on the ecosystem.
2. Reduce The Risk Of Cancer
The ingredients used in the formulation of reef-safe biodegradable sunscreens are healthier for the skin and it also offers all-day protection from the sun. It is recommended to also use a broad spectrum reef-safe sunscreen as this is even safer.
3. Reduces Signs Of Ageing
Sunscreen is perfect if you need to reduce signs of aging and choosing a reef-safe one is even more beneficial. Using reef-safe sunscreen before going out into the sun seals in moisture and prevents wrinkles from forming on your skin.
4. Limit The Appearance of Sunspots And Sunburns
Exposing your skin to the sun at all times is sure to cause sunspots and skin damage over time. Sunspots are caused by hyperpigmentation of the skin sunburns happen as a result of constant exposure to the sun without protection. Sunscreens are formulated to hydrate your skin and prevent skin conditions. It is essential to wear sunscreen at all times even on cloudy days.
8 Best Reef-Safe Biodegradable Sunscreens
Reef safe biodegradable sunscreens are not just going to keep the coral reefs safe but they are formulated with essential skincare ingredients as well. Your skin is an important part of your body and it needs all the care it can get.
Without sunscreen, your skin tends to be vulnerable to lots of skin conditions, and if you are worried about your sunscreen being damaging to the ecosystem. Not to worry, we have compiled some of the best reef-safe biodegradable sunscreens.
1. Reef Safe Repair Sunscreen SPF 50– Best Overall
It is important to find a sunscreen that will not only protect your skin from the sun but has moisturizing properties as well.
Reef Safe Repair sunscreen is designed with a strong broad-spectrum mineral that is based on the protection from UVA / UVB lights that is sure to protect you from sunspots and sunburns. This reef-safe sunscreen is ideal for everyday use and does not cause excess sweating.
Reef Safe Repair Sunscreen formula is ultra-clear hence it won’t leave any sticky residue on your skin. It is not just safe for the environment but it is also paraben and silicone-free. Gives your skin up to 80 minutes in the sun before you need to reapply.
What We Like About This Sunscreen:
- Completely free of chemicals harmmful to the skin and envirroment
- Strong broad spectrum that offers protection from sun
- Its an all natural sunscreen that is oil free
- Potects the skin fromprematureageing
- Upto 80% of water proof protection.
What We’d Change:
- None that we can find.
2. Thinkspot SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen– Best Chemical Free Sunscreen
ThinkSpot is another reef-safe sunscreen to try. This sunscreen is one of the best mineral sunscreens with zero chemical products you can get.
It is formulated to hydrate your skin and provide you with hours of sun protection. It is safe for the children and the earth and you need to ensure it is used as directed. Think spot contains no unpleasant odor and formula is highly biodegradable.
This sunscreen has been rated as one of the best reef-safe sunscreens to buy. It is quite affordable too considering the benefits it offers. This eco-friendly sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and absorbs into the skin easily.
What We Like About This Sunscreen:
- Fast absorbing and won’t leave your skin feeling oily or sticky
- Contains no biologically chemicals and no UV chemical absorbers either
- Contains hydrating fomular that makes it ideal for kids
- Has no unpleasant chemical odour
What We’d Change:
- Using a thick layer leaves a white film on your skin
- Likely to cause irritation on senstie skin.
3. Badger Unscented Sunscreen– Best Organic Sunscreen
Badger Clear Zinc Sports Sunscreen is one of the best organic sunscreens to go for. If you are on the lookout for reef-safe sunscreens that is less expensive and keep sunburn away during summer on the beach then this one has you covered. This reef-safe sunscreen is ideal for all skin types including sensitive ones.
This organic sunscreen contains only five simple ingredients which include mineral zinc oxide that stays on top of your skin, sunflower oil, organic beeswax, jojoba oil, and sunflower vitamin E. No toxic ingredients that might irritate your skin in it either.
What We Like About This Sunscreen:
- Made without any harmful chemical to harm your skin or enviroment
- Ultra moisturizing for sensitive skin and all skin types
- Doesn’t use any fragrance, dyes, paraben or any articial ingredients
- Affordable
- It is water resistance for up to 80 minutes.
What We’d Change:
- Too thick and a bit difficult to get out of its tube.
4. Stream2Sea Reef Safe Sport Mineral Sunscreen– Best For Activities
Stream2Sea Reef Safe Sport Mineral sunscreen is another amazing sunscreen to add to your skincare routine. This sunscreen is ideal for all skin types and is suitable for sensitive skin as well. If you are on the lookout for a sunscreen that stays within budget and is quality then this is one reef-safe sunscreen to consider.
The active ingredients in Stream2Sea Safe Mineral sunscreen make it lightweight and absorb into the skin easily. It helps fight free radicals that can damage the skin or cause dark spots.
What We Like About This Sunscreen:
- Contains natural ingredients that keep the skin hydrated
- Safe for the face and body
- Its a non greasy fomula and only small potion is needed for the whole skin
- Tested reef safe
- Travel friendly
- Water resistance up to 80 minutes.
What We’d Change:
- None that we could find.
5. Raw Elements Organic SPF Sunscreen– Best For Face And Body
Raw Elements Organic SPF sunscreen does not sting your eyes or irritate your skin as it is formulated with natural ingredients. This sunscreen is gentle enough to be used every day as a moisturizer. This 100% natural sunblock is also safe for the environment and children as well. It is packed with antioxidants and it is paraben-free as well.
This is one of the highly-rated sunscreens as it is biodegradable and the hydrating ingredients in it make it not just a great sunscreen but an organic moisturizer as well. Very little of this is needed for everyday use.
What We Like About This Primer:
- Packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that nourishes the skin
- Eco friendly ingredients that are safe for the enviroment
- Gentle enough for the kids
What We’d Change:
- Takes a while to absorb into the skin
6. Blue Lizard Active Mineral Sunscreen– Best For Summer
While looking for sunscreens that are safe for the environment, it is important to also put your skin type into consideration.
Sensitive skin types get easily irritated however this can be limited with this sunscreen. It is formulated with no skin-irritating chemicals and it is paraben-free as well. This sunscreen is mineral-based with no fragrances either.
You can be sure of the long-lasting effect of this sunscreen and it is biodegradable as well. This is also one of the highly-rated sunscreens.
What We Like About This Primer:
- Contains no paraben or fragrances which makes it safe for sensistive skin types
- Absorbs into the skin longer and faster
- Offers protection from 97% of the sun’s burning ray
- Water and sweat resistance for up to 40 minutes.
What We’d Change
- Some skin types might be allergic to the ingredients in it.
7. Banana Boat Simply Protect Sunscreen– Best For Sensitive Skin
This is another sunscreen that can be added to your skincare routine for sunburn-free skin and also to keep the environment safe. Banana Boat Simply Protect Sunscreen is mineral-based and also contains very few ingredients that won’t cause any harm to the coral reefs.
This even comes with a reef safe designation and it’s highly rated. This comes in at a drug store price but is considered very effective.
What We Like About This Primer:
- A strong broad spectrum with fewer ingredients that are effective
- It doesn’t feel tacky or greasy on the skin
- It provides great UVB and UVA protection
- Travel friendly packaging.
What We’d Change:
- Not ideal for sensitive skin types.
8. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen– Runner Up
Checking out the ingredient is very important before choosing any sunscreen. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc sunscreen is made with ingredients that are safe for the coral reefs and your skin. It is a naturally-sourced lotion with broad-spectrum SPF 30 and it is lightweight as well.
This sunscreen is a non-greasy formula and it goes on smoothly as it should without irritating your skin. It is suitable for daily use so your kin can be protected all summer. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc sunscreen is free from paraben and any chemical ingredient that cause skin reactions.
What We Like About This Primer:
- It is lightweight, oil free and water resistance up to 80 minutes
- Suitable for daily use
- Made with 100% naturally sourced zinc oxide that won’t clog pores
What We’d Change:
- Takes too long to absorb into the skin.
Factors To Consider When Buying Reef Safe Sunscreens
When shopping for reef-safe sunscreens, there are some important factors you need to put into consideration.
A reef-safe sunscreen is not just safe for the environment but the ingredient in making this are less harsh on the skin as well. So here are things you should look out for before choosing a reef-safe biodegradable sunscreen.
1. Skin Types
First, you need to put your skin type into consideration. If your skin is very sensitive then you need to look out for sunscreens that contain ingredients your skin won’t react to. There are sunscreens specifically designed for sensitive skin types or dry skin.
2. Ingredients
Sunscreens with chemical ingredients are not reef safe and might damage your skin as well. When shopping for reef-safe sunscreens, look for the absence of oxybenzone and octinoxate in the chemical list. These two ingredients can lead to coral bleaching or death. The absence of these ingredients means the sunscreen is safe for not just coral reefs but your kids as well.
3. Formulation And Method Of Application
If the review doesn’t claim it is easy to apply on the skin then might be worth reconsidering. Look for a sunscreen that is formulated to target your specific needs.
FAQs
How can sunscreens harm the ocean?
When you swim or shower, the sunscreen previously used washes off and enters the water wave. Sunscreens that contain chemicals can kill the coral waves and affect marine life generally.
What chemicals are not reef-safe?
To make sure the products you use are reef safe, the ingredients to make sure your products do not contain include; Oxybenzone, Parabens, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, 4-methyl benzylidene camphor, PABA, Triclosan.
Is Neutrogena reef-safe?
Neutrogena is a popular skincare brand and there are definitely sunscreens that are reef safe. One of the best reef-safe Neutrogena sunscreens is Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen. This does not contain any oxybenzone or octanoate so that means it is reef safe.
Is Reef friendly the same as reef-safe?
Reef friendly and reef safe are considered not to mean the same thing. The terms reef safe and ree friendly are not regulated so you can trust products with either of the descriptions. It is best to watch out for ingredients on your sunscreen and ensure no coral reef harming ingredient is on it.
Is SPF 50 or 70 sunscreens better?
Sunscreen with high SPF is considered to be more effective but the truth is high SPF doesn’t offer you more protection. SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB radiation as SPF 50 blocks 98%. SPF 70 will block more UVB radiation but this doesn’t mean it offers more protection. However, choosing a sunscreen with lower SPF concentration like SPF 30 and 50 instead of SPF 70 is better for your skin.
How do I know if my sunscreen is healthy?
To know your sunscreen is healthy, you need to check the label and make sure it is labeled as broad-spectrum and contains at least SPF 30. It should also contain ingredients that have moisturizing effects.
Can I use coconut oil as sunscreen?
Coconut oil can effectively block 20% of the sun’s damaging rays hence it can be used as a sunscreen but not in harsh or longer weather. Coconut oil can’t provide you with all the sun protection you need.
Final Thoughts
Coral Reefs are very valuable ecosystems on earth hence they need to be protected which means making your products are safe for them.
Reefs tend to work as a natural barrier by absorbing over 95% of the energy caused by waves and a healthy coral reef is also what protect the shores and communities from storms, floods, and waves. Using a reef-safe sunscreen is not for the coral reefs alone but is safer for your kids and even while pregnant as well.
