Sunscreens that are Less Rude to Coral Reefs
The Great Barrier Reef is dead inside, and so am I.
No, but really — sunscreens destroying our reef systems is something I had heard about before but hadn’t researched to death until recently, and while I always advocate doing your own research, I thought I would share what I’ve learned to help you come up with some safe options for all your summer adventures!
Did you know that an estimated 14,000 TONS of sunscreen end up in the ocean each year? And approximately 90% of sunscreens contain harmful ingredients that cause the bleaching and decline of our reefs (source).
But how does sunscreen get to the reefs? There are two main ways:
1. Directly from our bodies
2. Waste water run off
Factor that in with global warming, and these terrifying starfish I’m learning about, and our reefs (or is it reeves? LOL) are getting kind of a raw deal.
ALSO, a quick note about doing your own research — when you google something and get a search result for it, don’t take it at face value. One of the first results that popped up was for a very trendy brand’s sunscreen which, after researching, I discovered is not reef friendly!
I know it seems weird to be so concerned with such things when you’re landlocked, but as this is the season of sunscreen, I thought I’d drum up a few reef-friendlier sunscreen options to get you through the summer because every little bit we can do for our environment helps! Also, it’s easier to be green than ever because some of these options are extremely budget-friendly and can be purchased at a nearby drugstore, grocery store, or Target!
The two main ingredients which contribute to reef decline are oxybenzone and octinoxate. Hawaii is actually the first US state to ban the use of these chemicals in an effort to slow the damage to our underwater ecosystems. All of these options below follow those guidelines and are reef-friendlier sunscreens. I hope you consider these options for your next purchase!
Let’s do it for the reefs!
Bare Republic Golden Daze Sunscreen SPF 30 | Bare Republic Neon Sunscreen Sticks SPF 50
Bare Republic is a brand that I keep seeing around because it is literally everywhere. Target, Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Ulta, etc. All of their formulas are reef-friendly and super affordable! They have traditional sunscreen options, but they also have some other pretty cool products. I currently have my eye on this gold shimmer sunscreen. Shimmer? In a sunscreen? SIGN ME UP. They also have neon sunscreen sticks (which are obviously pretty popular because most options are sold out) that provide sun protection with a colorful flair. How fun would these be for sporting events, music festivals, or all the outdoor events we dream of attending one day? Or maybe you have to turn your child into a superhero to get him to wear sunscreen. You now have a much easier way to do that! Bare Republic products are vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic, synthetic fragrance free, paraben free, and antioxidant-rich (I like the sound of that!).
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
One of my best friends swears by Biossance products because their products are super clean and effective. Judging by the reviews on their website, this sunscreen is a slam dunk (look at me making sports references!). They guarantee no white cast which is verified in many reviews. And it reads more like a skincare product than thick sunscreen. Other reviews state it absorbs easily, has a cooling effect, and cocktails well with serums and other face products. This product is vegan, paraben free, cruelty free, non-toxic, and synthetic fragrance free.
Supergoop! Jet Set SPF Travel Kit
While not all Supergoop! products are reef safe, they’re making the transition to reef safe formulas. You can read more about that here. This cute trio has the clean at Sephora stamp and all products are travel friendly and reef safe! I have a sample of the setting spray and really like it. Supergoop! is great about coming up with unique, high quality suncare products, and more of their range will be available in the new reef safe formula, so stay tuned! This product is vegan, cruelty free, and gluten free.
Coola Scalp and Hair Mist SPF 30
Don’t forget about your scalp! I’ve been a big fan of Coola for a bit. You already know how I feel about their Sun Silk Drops 😍 A selection of their sunscreens are reef-friendly, including this Scalp and Hair Mist. If you have thinner hair, colored hair, or a weird mole on our scalp like I do (why god??), I highly recommend a good scalp and hair protectant. I typically put my hair up or wear a hat if I’m in the sun, but if I’m wearing my hair down, I always use sunscreen on my scalp. When I was a redhead, thermal protectant was a must to prevent fading! This product is cruelty free, paraben free, and antioxidant enriched.
Pacifica Sea & C Set & Protect Setting Mist SPF 45 | Pacifica Sea & C Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30
This is a recent purchase that I’m already obsessed with. It’s a setting spray infused with vitamin C and marine extracts, and it is so easy to use. You apply 15 minutes before sun exposure to set makeup, but you can also wear it on bare skin. It has a kind of strong alcohol smell that quickly goes away. And even though it’s matte finish, I feel like it’s non-drying. This product absorbs into your skin and protects you for up to 2 hours, but be sure to reapply more often if you’re swimming or sweating. They actually have a great little range of suncare products. I have this sunscreen, and if it’s out of my bag at my friend’s pool, someone is always grabbing it (which I don’t mind because I’m like PROTECT YOSELF PLS). Also, the bottle is non-aerosol but you’d never know it! These products are vegan, cruelty free, and the mist bottle is made of Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic!
Mychelle Sun Shield Liquid SPF 50 (Non-Tinted)
I found out about this product in an Ulta email and purchased it directly from the brand with a few other products. I was looking for a cheaper alternative to the Sun Silk Drops, and I actually snagged it for half off the original price because I ordered an old packaging style (the formulation is still the same). The product is very clean, has a true sunscreen scent that eventually goes away, has a stronger SPF (50!!), and comes in a few tint options. I purchased the non-tinted because I’m super fair, and my makeup applies beautifully over the top! Wearing it on its own, it definitely has a white cast, so I think it would take a good bit of rubbing into the skin to absorb fully. Regardless, I’m still really happy with my purchase! This product is paraben, petroleum, phthalate, silicone, sulfate, ureas, artificial fragrance, and artificial color free. Bonus! Use code SAVE15 for 15% off your order!
