A reef-safe sunscreen is free of chemical substances and small particles that could damage or potentially kill coral reefs in the oceans. Sunscreen is useful in protecting your skin, but it’s just a matter of choosing one that protects you and the environment simultaneously.

There is a handful of harmful ingredients (as they relate to the ocean), including Ben Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor, nano-Titanium dioxide, nano-Zinc oxide, and octocrylene. The major focus is preventing oxybenzone and octinoxate, thanks to Hawaii’s ban on them, proposed in 2018 and went into effect on January 1, 2021.

Why it is Important to Protect Coral Reefs?

Coral reefs are large underwater structures, which gradually grow to form large features of the marine environment. They are a crucial part of the Earth’s ecosystem and are relied upon for food of many marine species for food, shelter, and breeding. Therefore, it is vital to protect coral reefs because they maintain healthy oceans, which are a source of life on our planet.

One way we can protect coral reefs in oceans is by using the best reef-safe sunscreen. They are free from oxybenzone and octinoxate – meaning all are reef-friendly and don’t harm the surrounding environment.

What Does Reef-Safe Sunscreen Mean?

A sunscreen is said to be reef-safe if it doesn’t contain potentially harmful ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate. These two common UV-blocking chemicals can cause coral bleaching. When a coral bleaches, it is still alive, but it is under stress, which leaves it vulnerable to disease.

A reef-friendly sunscreen is made of all-natural minerals, zinc oxide, and titanium. It is 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly, offering a physical barrier against UVA and UVB rays. They have non-nano-sized particles, a mineral-based formula that isn’t associated with coral bleaching and thereby, less impactful to reefs.

What can you do to Protect Coral Reefs from Further Damage?

• Use reef-safe sunscreen by Stream2Sea that does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate.
• Look for water-resistant sunscreen – This will reduce the amount of sunscreen that gets left in the ocean. Not to mention, this is good for the environment and protects your skin against sun exposure while out in the ocean.
• Go for mineral-based, biodegradable sunscreen – This will break down materials within a short period of time, so they don’t harm the environment. It minimizes impact on our precious coral reefs and provides long-lasting moisture.
• Avoid parabens – These preservatives are found in skincare products, including sunscreen. Parabens can cause coral reef bleaching, so many brands don’t use them, and you should opt for paraben-free sunscreen.
• Wear sun protection clothing – Cover your skin with clothing that’s UPF-rated to reduce the amount of sunscreen you need to wear.
• Use rub-on lotion – Use a lotion that rubs onto your skin rather than a spray that can easily land on the sand and wash into the ocean.

The Takeaway

It is important to use sunscreen because UVA sun rays can make your skin darker when exposed to the sun and penetrates deep layers of the skin. However, always buy ocean-safe sunscreen that gives you adequate protection from the sun and doesn’t cause any potential harm to coral reefs.

Stream2Sea sunscreen range is 100% biodegradable and reef-friendly and has a non-greasy, lightweight, and fast-absorbing formula. They employ natural ingredients to protect from sun damage, rather than chemicals that can harm the ocean’s coral reefs.

The health of our environment is of utmost importance and Earth truly deserves to be treated well with consumer consideration and attention. Choose mineral, reef-safe sunscreen because it’s a good choice for your skin as well as the environment.