If you’re looking for the best reef-safe sunscreen, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top rated reef-safe sunscreen brands that will keep you protected from the sun while also being gentle on the environment.
About Coral Reef Conservation
Why do we need to protect the reefs?
Reefs play a vital role in the marine ecosystem and provide a home for many different species of fish, coral, and other organisms. They also help to protect coastlines from storms and erosion. However, reefs are under threat from a number of human activities, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
It is important to protect reefs because they provide many benefits to both people and the environment. For example, reefs help to support local fisheries by providing a place for fish to breed and grow. They also provide income for people who rely on tourism and fishing for their livelihoods. In addition, reefs act as barriers against strong waves and storms, which can help to prevent coastal erosion.
What qualifies as “reef-safe?”
There is no definitive answer to this question as there is no governing body that sets standards for what qualifies a sunscreen as being reef-safe. However, many people believe that reef-safe sunscreens are those that do not contain any ingredients that are harmful to coral reefs or other marine life.
Which chemicals damage coral reefs?
Coral reefs are threatened by a variety of chemicals, including those that are used in agriculture, industry and households. Nutrient pollution from sewage and fertilizer runoff can promote the growth of harmful algae that smothers corals. Pesticides and other pollutants can also be transported to coral reefs through rivers and aquaculture operations, causing serious damage to these delicate ecosystems.
For sunscreen, this includes ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Which sunscreen ingredients are reef-safe?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different sunscreens contain different ingredients, and what may be safe for one reef may not be safe for another. However, there are a few reef-safe sunscreen ingredients that you can look for when shopping for sun protection. These include:
- zinc oxide
- titanium dioxide
- avobenzone
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are physical sunscreens that work by reflecting light away from the skin, while avobenzone is a chemical sunscreen that absorbs UV rays. All of these ingredients are considered safe for use on reefs, as they do not contain any harmful chemicals or pollutants.
Which Sunscreen Brands are Safe for Coral Reefs?
We’ve put together a list of our favorites:
Coola Sunscreen
Coola is a sunscreen brand that offers a variety of products containing natural and organic ingredients. Their sunscreens are free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been linked to health problems like hormone disruption and cancer. Coola sunscreens are also environmentally-friendly, reef-safe, and provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Badger Sunscreen
Badger sunscreen is a natural, mineral-based sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It is made with zinc oxide, which is a physical blocker that reflects and scatters harmful rays away from the skin. Badger sunscreen is also water-resistant and free of synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and other harsh chemicals.
Raw Elements Sunscreen
Raw Elements is a brand of sunscreen that is made with natural and organic ingredients. The company was founded in 2009 by former lifeguard, Michael Martinson, with the mission of creating a safe and effective sunscreen that would not harm the environment. Raw Elements sunscreens are free of synthetic chemicals, parabens, phthalates, and other harmful ingredients. They are also reef-safe and biodegradable.
Suntegrity Sunscreen
Suntegrity is a sunscreen brand that offers natural and mineral sunscreens. Their products are free of synthetic chemicals, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, and artificial fragrances. Suntegrity sunscreens are also non-comedogenic and gluten-free.
Kabana Sunscreen
Kabana is a popular sunscreen brand that offers a variety of sun protection products. Their sunscreens are made with natural ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals. Kabana sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. They offer a variety of formulas to suit different skin types, including sensitive skin. Kabana sunscreens are also water-resistant, making them ideal for activities like swimming and sweating.
Summary
These are just a few of the great reef-safe sunscreen brands out there. When choosing a sunscreen, always look for one that is free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. And be sure to choose a formula that is right for your skin type.
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