What to Consider: The label does not specify non-nano ingredients. Supergoop, as far as reef-safe SPF goes, offer one mineral sunscreen that the brand claim in their marketing is reef safe. Our Top Choice: After extensive testing, we have concluded that the Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen is the best reef-safe sunscreen. Pacifica Skincare Review. Since theres no added fragrance, its gentle enough to use on sensitive or irritation-prone skin. This All Good mineral sunscreen is both water- and sweat-resistant so you can enjoy your go-to beachside sport without worrying about your skin. Neutrogena SheerZinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (Pack of 3) Now 15% Off. As such, you should seek shade whenever you can to shield your skin from excessive exposure, and remember to reapply every two hours. But it was so non-specific that no one really paid attention. If youre just sweating a lot, though, you can probably get away with holding out for the duration of the products purposed resistance (which is typically in the 80 minute range). Avoid all sunscreen products made with nano particles and other possible reef-harming ingredients, including avobenzone, octocrylene and homosalate. "Their formula is ocean-friendly and Hawaii-compliant. Been using for a week on Oahu and Kauai with no burn. What to Consider: This sunscreen works best when exposed to water or heat. Reef safe sunscreen is sun protection that doesn't use chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate as its active protective ingredient. Currently, it is generally accepted that the products that make "Reef Safe" claims are free of the two biggest reef damaging chemicals: oxybenzone and octinoxate. It is also one of the best sunscreens for surfers; handmade by surfers for surfers. | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 30+ | Water-Resistant: Yes. .css-13y9o4w{display:block;font-family:GraphikBold,GraphikBold-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-13y9o4w:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.05rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.39461rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.5rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.3;}}15 Long Lasting Colognes, According to Experts, 8 Reliable Head Shavers, According to Experts, The 13 Best Trimmers to Get Rid of Nose Hair, The 18 Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin, 16 Best Shampoos for Men, According to Experts, The 15 Best Electric Shavers on the Market Now, Here's Where to Spend (And Save!) A reef-safe sunscreen is one free of chemicals and particles known to harm coral reefs. Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion at Walmart, Biossance Sheer Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon, California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion at Amazon, Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 30+ at Amazon, Maui Naturals Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon, Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion - SPF 50 at Target, MDSolarSciences Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40 at Amazon, Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion, Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, 8 Clean Sunscreens That Won't Leave a White Cast Behind, Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion, Maui Naturals Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion - SPF 50, MDSolarSciences Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40. It comes in medium/dark and light/medium shades for lightweight, reef-safe, ultramoisturizing sun protection that works for virtually any skin . [Just be sure to] go through the ingredient list to rule out octinoxate, oxybenzone, and octocrylene, Dr. Henry says. Made in Hawaii sunscreens are marked with an *asterisks. $14 at Walmart. Best Budget: Banana Boat Simply Protect Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon. Dear SB Community, There is still a lot of conversation and debate around the impact of sunscreen on coral reefs. The only thing that could make this SPF better, according to our tester, is if it had a more delightful scent. The only way to know if a sunscreen is reef safe is by checking the ingredients. A few things to consider when choosing the right type of sunscreen for your needs are method of application, SPF level, length of water-resistance, portability, and appearance after application. Free shipping for many products! It's also vegan. ", SPF: 30+| Size: 2.9 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two ingredients believed to contribute to coral bleaching. A Sunscreen Under $20: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36. on Skincare, The Best Safety Razors for a Close, Smooth Shave, 10 Very Best Hair Gels for Any Hair and Hairstyle, 8 Great Toothbrushes for a Brighter Smile, These Are the Best Beard Trimmers for Men. Men. The Pipette Mineral Sunscreen - SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Sunblock with Non-Nano Zinc outperformed the competition with its ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formula that quickly sinks into skin, doesnt leave a white cast, and doesnt transfer onto clothes. Extreme Screen Hydrating Body and Hand SPF 50+, $35.00 from Ultra Violette. Sunscreen is a product made to protect humans from the sun's ultraviolet rays, however, some ingredients found in sunscreen put our marine life in danger. If youre going swimming in the ocean, I would choose a product that is reef safe, he says. *Mama Kuleana Waterproof SPF 30 Reef-safe Sunscreen. Thats why Hawaii became the first state in the US to ban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2018. These are the best reef-friendly sunscreens for your outdoor adventures: Why We Love It: It's sweat-resistant enough to use for sports and comfortable enough to wear every day. The reefs will thank you. For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the top reef-safe sunscreens for men. Hawaii, Key West, parts of Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Aruba, and Bonaire also have bans or restrictions on sunscreens that aren't considered reef-safe. productslearn more about This sunscreen is formulated to increase the invisible barrier protection when exposed to external heat and water or sweat, making it ideal for very sunny days spent in the waves. What We Love: The formula is very smooth, which makes it spread easily. Best for Activity: Stream2Sea Sport Sunscreen. Not only does this sunscreen provide UVA and UVB protection, Supergoop! When coral bleaches (turns white), it's still alive, but it's under severe stress, which leaves it susceptible to . Pacifica Beauty offers all vegan makeup, body care, facial products and hair care. Why We Love It: It's gentle enough to use on top of makeup. Even the bottle is made from a corn-based . The other shortcoming of this SPF is its lack of water resistance, despite its claims. It's arguably the most well known and feels the most natural on the skin - it's super lightweight and not greasy at all. And if you can't find a mineral sunscreen you like, but still want to be reef safe, consider UPF clothing which still protects your skin from UV rays. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. $36 at Amazon $32 at Ulta Beauty $31 at Nordstrom. But just what "reef safe" means is unclear, and the science about the possible . This sunscreen has a strong, lemony scent. Pacifica Ultra CC Cream Radiant Foundation SPF 17. Here is a list of sunscreens considered to be reef safe. Why We Love It: It doubles as a daily moisturizer. Though, its citrusy, so it may not be for everyone. It sinks in quickly without feeling heavy on your skin. Pacifica After Sun Body Spray Coconut Vanilla Person & Covey, Inc. SolBar PF Sunscreen Cream SPF 50 Person & Covey, Inc. Solbar Zinc Oxide SPF 38 Unscented Transparent Sunscreen Cream But if you want the best reef-safe spray, stick, or sensitive skin formula, we found expert-approved options for those too. Without nano-zinc particles and meant to last in the water, this a great all-around cream. 01.24.23 | DISCLAIMER. Once the data was collected, we were able to narrow down the original pool of products to the 10 best reef-safe sunscreens. Ultimately it comes down to what kind of sunscreen it is. Courtesy Image. And if you cant find a mineral sunscreen you like, but still want to be reef safe, consider UPF clothing which still protects your skin from UV rays. The formula sits well under makeup, giving your skin a gorgeous glow. Unsun Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 Medium/Dark. "I love using the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion," says surfer Kirra Seale. What We Love: This tropical-scented sunscreen will transport you to an island with every application. Why We Love It: The vegan formula is hypoallergenic and not tested on animals. It costs less than the competition, plus it rubs in fairly easily and feels nice on skin . 5. Mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are broad spectrum protectors, which means they protect from UVA and UVB rays (not all chemical sunscreens protect you from both). Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion uses a vegan, cruelty-free formula that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. *Little Hands Hawaii SPF 35+ All-natural . By shielding the epidermis from UV absorption, mineral sunscreens are also effective forms of sun protection. Best overall reef-safe sunscreen. This fragrance-free zinc sunscreen lotion is top rated by the EWG because of the 70% organic formula and . Nope. Reef Safe Sunscreens To Shop In Australia. 5 min read. After consulting a dermatologist and a professional surfer, Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen is our first pick for sun protection. We know reapplying sunscreen after less than an hour on your little one doesn't seem practical, but hear us out. 4. 2.3 Reef Safe Sunscreen Market Share by Company Type (Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3) 2.4 Global Reef Safe Sunscreen Average Price by Manufacturers (2016-2021) 2.5 Manufacturers Reef Safe Sunscreen . Following the growing amount of evidence that what sunscreens we put on our bodies can have a devastating effect on the environment around us, Hawaii became the first state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2018, two known endocrine disrupting chemical ingredients that have been shown to drastically affect ocean life. That isn't in the tiniest bottle ever. According to our tester, the formula, which is infused with organic and sustainably-grown ingredients, blends in easily despite feeling a bit sticky fresh out of the tube. Namely, MDSolarSciences Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40. As manufacturers began to micronize particles smaller and smaller, they went too far, says Robinson. This sunscreen seems to repel the water, making it roll off of my skin, our tester adds, noting that spritzing her SPF-covered skin didnt cause the product to run or drip. Buy for 46 at Net-a-Porter or Harrods. It doesnt feel greasy or overly thick and doesn't leave a white cast on my skin, shares our tester. When first applying the product, I was worried because it looked like it would leave a white cast, but once I rubbed it in, it absorbed completely and actually left my skin with a nice glowy look, our tester reveals, noting that most mineral SPFs, in contrast, give off a ghostly look on her darker skin. For this article, Katherine Alex Beaven researched and tested dozens of reef-friendly sunscreens, consulted with a dermatologist, and spoke to a professional surfer to see which products make the cut to keep you and the ocean protected on sunny days. What We Dont Love: The stick is quite small and may not last very long. #3 Cover up! View our list of vegan and reef safe sunscreens that are good for you, the planet, and the animals. Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen is another product formulated for children that adults can most definitely benefit from. $37. Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen checks every box on our reef-friendly checklist, and it's perfect for numerous outdoor activities and occasions. Read more: Best Zinc-Oxide Sunscreens for Men. Why We Love It: It has a dual wetforce and heatforce shield. While the pump top is a lovely addition, we found that it is prone to leaks, filling the cap with product. RRP $25.00 Available online & select stockists nationwide. Where is it illegal to use sunscreen that isn't reef-safe? The only thing thats non-negotiable, he says, is that you have to wear something because extended UV damage over time can lead to skin cancers. And if youre still unconvinced, consider this: physical sunscreens can actually protect you better from the suns rays. Im very impressed with its ability to absorb into my skin, she admits. 3. $16 at Amazon. TSA-Friendly: Reef Repair Reef-Safe Sunscreen SPF 30. What We Love: A little bit of this soothing sunscreen goes a long way. If you actually prefer a scented sunscreen, youll swoon over Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50. Terms like "reef-safe" or "reef-friendly" are typically used to identify sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two common UV-blocking chemicals, that studies have shown can cause coral bleaching. What to Consider: Active ingredients include octocrylene, a chemical that is banned in the U.S. Virgin islands. Minimize your need for sunscreen by covering up with a hat and rash guard. I was impressed with how water resistant it is, our tester marvels. This absorbs quite quickly and doesnt require much rubbing to get it to lose its white cast., Best of all, this water-resistant, reef-safe sunscreen, which smells like an orange creamsicle, lives up to its claims. Put simply: InStyle Picks are products we love, and we've put them to the test to be sure you will too. . Here is a list of sunscreens considered to be reef safe. Best refillable sunscreen - UpCircle SPF25 mineral sunscreen: 24.99, Upcirclebeauty.com 1 / 1 11 best eco-friendly sunscreens that help to protect our oceans 11 best eco-friendly sunscreens . | Scented: No | SPF Level: 50+ | Water-Resistant: Yes. Not even close . Plus, we have different options to fit your daily (or seasonal) sunscreen needs. Supergoop . It would be nice if the manufacturer forewarned shoppers on the tube that its scented., Size: 3 oz. Resistant, Reef Safe, SPF 50 . Discover safe and non-toxic sunscreen options for 2022. What to Consider: It may leave a slight white cast on darker skin. In this article, we'll be sharing the 14 best reef-safe sunscreen brands to consider for your next beach trip. The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens. We also considered top-reviewed sunscreens that had at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust. Reef-harming chemicals found in sunscreen are introduced into the environment when people wear sunscreen while swimming. Products that work by fully absorbing into the skin often contain nanoparticles that are harmful to ocean life. They reflect light and do not convert it to heat like chemical sunscreens, thus making them ideal for sensitive skin.. I imagine if I really lathered my whole body the scent might be slightly stronger and could potentially be unpleasant, but that's just a conjecture.. In addition to being super comfortable, we found that this SPF, while not marketed as water-resistant, does maintain its coverage in the presence of water. Baby Sunscreen; Baby Toothpaste. In fact, mineral sunscreen is often thought to be synonymous with reef-safe SPF. Its best suited when youre being especially active, because of the 80-water resistant factor which applies to sweat, too. Purchased at Target on the mainland. Plus, this compact stick is small and convenient, so you can stick it in your bag to use on every vacation, not just those spent on the beach. Thats why chemical sunscreens were developedthey sink into skin easier and dont usually leave a white, chalky cast. Maui Naturals Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen first caught our attention due to its retro packaging, but it retained interest when we realized just how well it works. Reef-safe sunscreen (AKA mineral SPF) operates differently than traditional chemical sunscreen. Read Now! It also contains a few other chemicals some beach-goers try to avoid, namely homosalate and octocrylene. With so many reef-friendly sunscreens on the market, it can be hard to know which ones work the best. Best Organic Sunscreen: Badger Clear Zinc SPF 40 Sunscreen. These now banned chemicals are believed to be one of the contributing factors to the coral reef destruction. They do a better job of protecting us, but the biggest issue is that people dont always like them because they leave a barrier, he says. To save you from sifting through thousands of reviews, we went ahead and tested the 24 most popular reef-safe sunscreens. It also glides on smoothly and is safe for children as well. These days, however, formulations of mineral sunscreens are getting better and grind the minerals down to a microscopic size called nanoparticles to ensure they disappear on skin quicker and more easily without leaving a film or chalky look. Wear hats and sunglasses, find shade and limit the amount of time in the sun. Best Sunscreen for Kids Comes From Thinkbaby. What to Consider: Moisturize before applying if you have dry skin so it doesn't become streaky. SPF: 50+ | Size: 5 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. Best Reef Safe Sunscreen Without a White Cast. Best Natural: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen at Amazon. With a stunning mixture of power and beauty, action an As an island chain, Hawaii is home to hundreds of beaches, each possessing its own Hawaii is the first state in the US toban the sale of sunscreen containing t Hawaii is the first state in the US toban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. Luckily, we found multiple options that are, including Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen, BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 50+, and Maui Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen. Nanoparticles are often found in sunscreens that absorb into the skin versus creating a UV barrier or filter that rests on top of the skin. List of Cruelty free Reef-Safe Sunscreens: With that said, here are 11 best Cruelty free Reef-Safe Sunscreens to pick from: 1. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration is working on outlining official cut-and-dry rules on what qualifies as reef-safe. The easiest way to ensure youre using reef-safe sunscreen is to choose a formula thats clearly marketed as such. It offers SPF 17 broad spectrum . (Reef-safety goes beyond your days on the shore skincare products go down the drain after you wash them off.) Nothing abut 'reef safe' though. Surfer approved, whatever that means? Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. It absorbs very quickly with minimal rubbing on my end, our tester says. What to Consider: It is not considered reef-safe in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Best Overall: ThinkSport SPF 50+ at Amazon. Highlights The global Reef Safe Sunscreen market is projected to reach USD million by 2028 from an estimated USD million in 2023, at a CAGR of Percent during 2023 and 2028. It's that zinc oxide, a staple of mineral-based sunscreens, that the Environmental Working Group (EWG . If you Google "Is Neutrogena sunscreen reef safe?" you'll get results that make it sound like it is. Theres a high concentration of zinc to protect from UV rays, but somehow still applies smoothly and doesnt leave your limbs sticky. . (Though it should be noted that the FDA is more concerned with these chemicals effects on humans, rather than the environment). Check out the 12 best reef-safe sunscreens. | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 30 | Water-Resistant: No, though it passed our splash test. At the top of the list, youll find the Pipette Mineral Sunscreen - Broad Spectrum SPF 50. What to Consider: Tint can transfer to clothing, bedding, or towels. Size: 1.69 oz. Oxybenzone and octinoxate, the two chemicals recently banned in Hawaii and are believed to cause coral bleaching. Wearing mineral sunscreen on your body is one thing, but how it feels on your face is another. Many common ingredients in sunscreen can damage coral reefs the two main ingredients of concern are oxybenzone and octinoxate. The oil-free formula functions as a primer, pore-minimizer, and sunscreen all-in-one. I found this list of reef safe sunscreens on one of our Hawaii blogs. Does your idea of the perfect vacation center around days spent at the beach, sprawled out on an extra-large towel with a good book, only to get up and take a dip every few hours to cool off? Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, it meets basic non-regulated guidelines for being reef-friendly. Instead, it makes skin feel shielded. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Not trying to toss a bottle of reef-safe SPF into your bag only for it to leak all over the place? Mineral Sunscreen & SPF. Fortunately, there are reef-safe sunscreen options available that protect both our skin and our beautiful oceans. And if youre really prone to burning, select a formula with a higher spf level, like Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50. Researchers have developed a prototype for coral-reef-friendly sunscreens by using polymerization to create large molecules that still block UV radiation but are too big to . We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Highly Rated: Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Mineral Lotion SPF 50. Almost as close to pure zinc as you can get (while still sinking into skin quickly and without a greasy film), this mineral-based sunscreen is approved by the EWG and Whole Foods. What We Dont Love: It comes out of the tube a bit chalky. The North Shore is sublime. This pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested sunscreen is said to be extra sensitive on even the most gentle of skin types. There are many different varieties of sunscreen, and choosing the right one for your UV protection is an important part of the selection process. This sunscreen applies very smoothly because of the consistency, and its easy to blend into the skin, our tester shares. Waxhead Vanilla Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick. Costco's reef-safe or reef-friendly sunscreen is Alba Botanica (spray). The company does state that it lab tests each of its face and body sunscreens to ensure they are marine safe. One of the biggest reasons people stay away from mineral sunscreens is how they look (chalky) and feel (filmy) on their skin. Below, we've collated 10 of the best reef safe sunscreens to buy in Australia. Made in Hawaii sunscreens are marked with an *asterisk. Size: 4 oz. Now 10% off. This vegan, marine-friendly sunscreen is made without common allergens, including dairy, gluten, soy, and oats, making it our top pick for adults, kids, and babies with sensitive skin. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it's the perfect beach companion whether you'll be sipping pia coladas in a cabana or sweating through a hardcore wave-riding session. Coola Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. Unlike the term "SPF", which requires dozens of tests on human volunteers to earn, there are no formal requirements for the phrase . Even if an SPF claims to be water-resistant, dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen after swimming. This Alba Botanica mineral sunscreen spray is a favorite for its tropical scent and easy spray-on application. I would recommend this to someone looking for [high-quality] daily facial sunscreen, but I wouldn't recommend this as your go-to sun protection on long summer days at the beach, our tester concludes. In addition to being mineral-based and reef-safe, it contains Senna alata, an antioxidant that helps shield the skin from free radicals . According to the American Academy of Dermatology, wearing sunscreen is the best protection you can get against sun damage that can lead to skin cancer. We had all of our testers try the sunscreens so that they could analyze the performance of each and write down their insights during the process. Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 100% Mineral Sunscreen, California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion, Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+, All Good Makes Everything Better Sport Face & Body Sunscreen Lotion, Earth Mama Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40, Choose a type of sunscreen that fits your needs. While it doesnt drip and run, our tester found that, once wet, it does feel more slippery and transfer more. SPF: 50+ | Size: 0.7 ounces per stick | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. Consumers are purchasing these items for their perceived lower environmental impact when that is possibly inaccurate or misleading. Tinted Sunscreens Available too; 7. Avoid sunscreens with high content of Titanium Dioxide. Did you notice the InStyle Picks seal of approval at the top of this story? What We Dont Love: The very wet consistency could be a recipe for a mess. But what exactly does that mean and should you make the switch? The lightweight formula goes on smoothly, and it disappears quickly with zero-to-minimum white cast and greasy residue. "I bring loads of it in my luggage on vacation to be prepared to slather it on my three kids," says Dr. Yun. What to Consider: This sunscreen is only water resistant up to 40 minutes, so you should reapply frequently. In the simplest terms, mineral [also called physical] sunscreens deflect UV rays and chemical sunscreens actually absorb them and use heat to break them apart, says dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD. Best for Dry Skin: Coola Classic Face Sunscreen at Amazon. It feels very lightweight on my skin, and theres absolutely no white cast upon application, nor any pilling. In addition to sinking seamlessly into skin, we find that this reef-safe sunscreen leaves skin looking semi-matte without making it feel dry. Its lightweight enough for your face, but protective enough to use on your body, too. Minerals sink to the bottom. According to Downs, coral bleaching is the most visible effect of damage but it goes way beyond that. While it initially glides onto skin, we found that it does become a bit sticky when wet, but that feeling subsides pretty quickly. Sunscreens with the Protect Land + Sea Certification Seal are considered safe, Dr. Jamal says. Thinkbaby Is the Best Sunscreen for Bodies and Water Bodies. Over the past decade or so, many researchers have studied the possible impact of sunscreen ingredients on coral reefs, aquatic plants, fish, and other marine life. 2022-06-30; This Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36 ($15) is a great, affordable pick. My two requirements were reef safe and non toxic. Here's everything you need to know about these eco-friendly SPF formulas. When you see the words reef safe on a bottle, it usually just means its free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, which is a start but not the be-all-end-all. *Mama Kuleana Waterproof SPF 30 Reef-safe Sunscreen. coverage in exchange. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Equate Sunscreen's active ingredients include: avobenzone 3%, homosalate 15%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%, oxybenzone 6%. "I put it on first thing in the morning before I leave the house," she says. What We Dont Love: It smells a bit like rubber. Best Overall: ThinkSport SPF 50+ at Amazon. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 40 | Water-Resistant: Yes. Reef-safe sunscreen, also known as reef-friendly sunscreen, are basically sunscreen products that do not contain octinoxate and oxybenzone, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry, of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan. While technically developed for children, the formula far exceeded our adult expectations, cementing it as the best overall reef-safe sunscreen we tried. Its complicated. In addition to protecting against UVA and UVB rates, it contains organic shea butter and organic calendula, and is completely cruelty-free. Most popular sunscreen brands are known to contain these dangerous chemicals. This EWG-approved, non-nano mineral sunscreen formula also comes in a lotion, but we especially like the stick because it makes sunscreen easy to apply on areas most prone to sunburn like ears, noses, and even lips. It rubs on so silky and smooth and the water-resistant veil means less product washes off when you enter the ocean." These chemicals can affect all aspects of an ocean ecosystemfrom fertility issues in sea urchins and fish to killing off seaweed and other marine plant life.