Sunscreen Literacy: How to Tell if a Sunscreen is Reef-Safe

We all want to protect our skin from the sun, but we also want to protect the environment. Here is a roundup of the ten best reef-safe sunscreen brands for this summer!

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How Can I Tell if a Sunscreen is Reef-Safe?

To get us started off on the right foot, how can we tell if a sunscreen is reef safe?

Well, it’s actually pretty straight forward.

The main components of sunscreen that have been linked to coral bleaching are the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxtate. Instead, look for sunscreens that are mineral based — most of these contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are better for the environment. Just make sure that the brand specifies that the mineral particles are non-nano. This means that the particles must be larger than 100 nanometers, a size that corals can’t ingest. Corals are in fact animals and are made up of many tiny polyps (soft, squishy, anemone-like creatures) joined by the calcium carbonate skeleton that they produce. Let’s protect our little friends!

Something else to keep in mind is the packaging of the sunscreen. It’s great if the formula is reef-safe, but if it’s packed in plastic that will likely end up back in the ocean it sort of defeats the purpose. In this roundup of reef safe sunscreens, I’ve done my best to find options that are low-waste. There are a few plastic-packaged options here however, simply based on the fact that not everyone will necessarily be able to access the same products and to offer some variety. Just make sure you are recycling your plastics responsibly!

The 10 Best Reef Safe Sunscreen Brands

Now let’s get into the good stuff… and go soak up some sun.

1. Raw Elements Reef Safe Sunscreen

This sustainable sunscreen ticks all of the boxes. It is low-waste, safe to use for both face and body, cruelty-free, and, of course, reef safe. Raw Elements sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, and provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, so you can soak up the sun worry-free. It’s full of ingredients that you will recognize, and most of them are organic as an extra bonus!

Features of this Sunscreen:

Reef-safe

Natural

Organic ingredients

Cruelty free

Low waste

Kid-safe

Face and body

Water resistant up to 80 minutes

2. Manda Organic Sun Paste

This is another amazing option when it comes to sustainable sunscreen. Manda’s sun paste is made using only the best natural and organic ingredients, and on top of that it is kid-safe, wind and water resistant. Plus, they come in beautiful and low waste wooden containers! Manda’s sun paste is the first of its kind to use Thanaka in its formulation — the bark of a tree native to Myanmar which has been used for its skin-benefitting properties (including sun protection, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties) for thousands of years. Manda is cruelty free, and you’ll recognize all of the ingredients. This being said, it does contain beeswax and so is not vegan.

Features of this Sunscreen:

Reef-safe

Natural

Organic ingredients

Cruelty free

Low waste

Face and body

Kid-safe

Water and wind resistant

3. Love, Sun, Body Reef Safe Sunscreen

This sunscreen is a great option for soaking up some rays while taking care of the environment. This sun lotion is moisturizing, vegan, cruelty-free and packed with ingredients that are just lovely for the skin. These include things like raspberry seed oil, sunflower oil and coconut fruit extract which protect the skin barrier and provide antioxidants for long-term skin protection. This baby is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, and is safe for face, body, and with kids.

Features of this Sunscreen:

Reef-safe

Natural

Organic ingredients

Vegan

Cruelty free

Face and body

Kid safe

Water resistant up to 80 minutes

4. All Good Non-Nano Zinc Sunscreen Butter

With only six ingredients and incredible sun protection, the All Good sunscreen butter is a winner. It comes in a low waste, stainless steel tin, contains only non-nano zinc oxide, and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Taking care of ourselves while taking care of the environment really can be this easy.

Features of this Sunscreen:

Reef-safe

Natural

Organic ingredients

Cruelty free

Low waste

Kid-safe

Water resistant up to 80 minutes

5. Coola Unscented Baby Sunscreen

This super gentle and nourishing sunscreen stick is great for babies and adults alike. It’s packed with feel-good ingredients like shea butter, tamanu oil, castor oil and more. It is, of course, a reef-safe sunscreen, and contains non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient. It also does not contain any perfumes, just the lovely scent of chamomile flower extract and the other beautiful, natural ingredients in the formula.

Features of this Sunscreen:

Reef-safe

Natural

Organic ingredients

Cruelty free

Kid-safe

Water resistant up to 80 minutes

6. Bum Bum Sol Body Oil

For a luscious body oil that also functions as a sunscreen, look no further. This body oil from Sol de Janeiro, a woman owned and Brazil based company, is packed full of oils that will have you absolutely glowing. With acai oil, coconut oil and sweet almond oil, your skin will thank you for slathering up. The ingredients are reef safe and sustainably sourced, and will leave you feeling good inside and out!

Features of this Sunscreen:

Reef-safe

Natural

Cruelty free

Vegan

Water resistant up to 80 minutes

Sustainably sourced

7. Koa Reef Safe Sunscreen

Koa’s reef safe sunscreen is another fantastic option. This one is a lightweight lotion that provides powerful sun protection as well as a treat for your skin. It contains niacinimide (that sounds scary, but it’s just a form of vitamin B), an ingredient that is renowned for its anti-aging properties, ability to minimize pores and even skin tone. It also contains a variety of other natural extracts to protect and nourish skin, and it is amazing to use on both face and body. As a bonus, it is water and sweat resistant for 40 minutes, vegan and cruelty free!

Features of this Sunscreen:

Reef-safe

Cruelty free

Vegan

Face and body

Kid-safe

Tinted option

Water resistant for 40 minutes

8. Surf Mud Sustainable Sunscreen Stick

This sunscreen stick is a formidable foe. Formulated to be super water, wind and sweat resistant, it’s the perfect choice for use in the ocean, a long day of hiking or in sports. With non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient and only a handful of others, it’s an amazing sustainable and reef safe choice. One thing to note is that it does leave a white cast and needs to be rubbed in, which is side effect of the ultra-water-resistant formulation.

Features of this Sunscreen:

Reef-safe

Natural

Cruelty free

Low waste

Super water resistant

Kid-safe

Face and body

9. Radiant Translucent Sunscreen Powder

For a face powder that doubles as sunscreen, Ilia radiant translucent powder is the perfect choice. It provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and is formulated with talc-free natural, organic ingredients. Ann extra plus is that all of the ingredients are plant-based and recognizable! With aloe vera and hibiscus extracts, this shimmery and lightweight sunscreen powder is a great addition to any makeup bag.

Features of this Sunscreen:

Reef-safe

Natural

Organic ingredients

Cruelty free

Vegan

Face

Powdered

10. Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream

If you’re looking for a higher end, all-in-one option, this day cream is the one. Formulated with plant-based and organic ingredients, it packs a punch with anti-aging, acne-fighting, anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties. It is perfect for normal, dry and combination skin types, and goes on as light as air. It is, of course, a reef safe sunscreen, and provides broad spectrum coverage in addition to all of the other benefits it offers. It’s essentially a serum, moisturizer and sunscreen all rolled into one chic package. Treat yourself while protecting your skin at the same time — you deserve it!

Features of this Sunscreen:

Reef-safe

Natural

Organic ingredients

Cruelty free

Vegan

Face

All-in-one cream

If you found value in this post or have any recommendations for the best reef-safe sunscreen brands, I’d love to hear from you! Be sure to connect with me on my blog so that we can hang out! In the meantime, have a beautiful day.

Wishing you so much joy and light,

Emma