Reef Safe Sunscreens

You’re planning a packing list for a sunny stay on a tropical island.  Tanning lotion and sunscreen are a must, you need to head to your local Target to stock up. You read the fine print on your itinerary that says “Reef Safe Sunscreen Only”. What does that mean and where can you find it? Is your half full bottle in the medicine cabinet  included in the reef safe types and if so, why is it mandated at your place of stay? Let’s explore the specifics of reef safe sunscreen. 

I’ve been a Coppertone and Hawaiian Tropics girl my whole life. I know many who invest in better and those who throw caution to the wind and throw baby oil on and wing. To each their own, but many clients are now finding that many destinations are requesting “Reef Safe” sunscreens because of damage, and grave concerns to reefs in areas like The Great Barrier Reef, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, just to name a few. 

We are all being urged to do our part in many ways to aid in the reversal of damage to these reefs by refraining from overfishing or touching reefs, anchoring away from reefs when boating, and of course using sun protection products that are safe from harming precious coral animals, coral and other parts of the reef currently threatened by chemicals found in many products on the market. So what’s available in the “reef safe” category of sunscreens? 

Here are my top picks for reef safe sunscreen products:

1. CeraVe– Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Face Tint, smooth and great for sensitive skin, this glides on like butta! Practically unscented, leaves a nice glow and everyone knows that CeraVe is a no brainer when it comes to skin care, it’s a no brainer here!
2. SunBum– I absolutely have been a fan of all things SunBum! The packaging, the scent, the feels, all of it! Add on the fact that they’re reef safe and I am SOLD SOLD SOLD! They have a full array of products to choose from and even carry a shampoo and conditioner line! Gluten Free and Vegan! Full of Vitamin E and Water Resistant for up to 80 minutes with the SPF 50. SunBum is also free of parabens, oxybenzone, and retinyl palmitate which are no-no’s for us humans and reef kind alike! 
3. Beauty By Earth– Wanna smell like coconuts and vanilla?! The SPF 30 spray (non aerosol) is dreamy! Comes out like a liquidy lotion, and this zinc oxide based sunscreen is safe for adults and children and comes in a pretty bottle with a spray pump. It does contain organic ingredients but is not fully 100% organic. The slender bottle is easy to pack in a beach bag and does not leave a sticky residue. 
4. Commercial Brands: There are a few honorable mentions that are also budget friendly and won’t break the bank. Neutrogena Beach Defense, Banana Boat Sport, and Badger Sport are all reef safe as well but are not on my list of must tries, as I found them to be messy, sticky or leaving a residue that left me uncomfortable and wishing it would wash off. These alternatives do qualify as reef safe but I’m not one to rush out and buy them any time soon.

Doing our part to help preserve nature’s beautiful reefs is as simple as making a conscious choice to choose sun protection with quality ingredients and avoiding those that continue to harm our reef environment. Be sure to add reef safe sunscreen products to your packing list next time you travel! 

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