A Guide to Natural & Reef Safe Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreen (Non-Nano)

In July of 2018, Hawaii became the first U.S. state to ban the sale of suncreams containing two common chemicals, oxybenzone and octinoxate, which many researchers worldwide have deemed potentially harmful to aquatic life and coral reefs. But they aren’t the only ingredients that may be damaging to marine life and since there is no legal definition for 'Reef Safe' sun cream, be sure to check ingredients for any green washing. Other ingredients you want to avoid are:

• microplastic sphere or beads
• Nanoparticles like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (our zinc oxide is not in nanoparticle form)
• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
• Octocrylene
• Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
• Methylparaben
• Ethylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Butylparaben
• Benzylparaben
• Triclosan

Bleached corals do not immediately die, and can recover, however they become far more vulnerable and susceptible to disease and frequently perish, while healthy corals can survive for thousands of years. The hormone-disrupting properties of oxybenzone have also been shown to cause the feminisation of male fish due to it acting like oestrogen and inducing the growth of eggs. 

Since there is no independent certification available, in most cases brands are using labels such as 'reef-safe' of 'reef-friendly'to signify a product does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate (and is therefore compliant with the Hawaiian ban) but they usually don't consider the longer list above.

Paula in the Western Pacific have banned eleven including the very common UV filter ontocrylene.

These harmful chemicals can be avoided when using mineral sunscreen but do double-check the label.

But, dispiritingly, (some) research has also shown zinc oxide may also cause coral bleaching due to it disrupting the photosynthesis of the algae living in coral tissues. Titanium dioxide has not been found to cause coral bleaching but is linked with potential danger to other forms of marine life. Murky waters indeed! Still, on the basis of current research, oxybenzone appears to be most conclusively linked to coral damage, and the most obvious one to avoid if you are going to be swimming anywhere near a reef.

It is important to note that by far the greatest driver of coral reef depletion is the rising water temperatures caused by climate change. So, while it is definitely sensible to choose the sunscreen least likely to cause harm, we may be doing the coral a far greater favour if we reduce or don’t take a flight to that tropical destination in the first place.

Micro-plastics in sunscreen

Poorly biodegradable liquid polymers such as acrylates copolymer or carbomer are also prevalent and found everywhere, from sun protection to nail polishes and all kinds of hair styling products, and yet, they go unnoticed by the public and largely ignored by the media or regulatory bodies. In contrast to solid microplastic or microbead particles, they come in different forms: liquid, wax, or gel.

Opting for a natural and organic sunscreen will ensure they are liquid micro plastic free.

Palm oil free sunscreen

Palm oil derivatives are frequently found in sun creams, as well as in the other and personal care products made by the same companies. Choose palm-oil free of RSPO certified palm oil.

Vegan suncream

As with other personal care products, sunscreens often contain animal derived ingredients such as keratin and lanolin, as well as honey and beeswax. Beeswax is particularly common in natural sunscreens.

• Is it organic? A straightforward way to ensure the product has reduced environmental impact whilst avoiding some of the harmful chemicals used in sunscreens.
• Is it cruelty-free? The Leaping Bunny logo guarantees that the company behind the sunscreen brand is not testing on animals anywhere in the world.
• Does it have a SPF rating of less than 15? The NHS advises that sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 15 and therefore gives adequate blocking to UVB rays. Avoid brands with an SPF lower than 15.
• Does it have a UVA rating? Within the EU, the amount of UVA protection is indicated in one of two ways, either by a 5-star system or by the letters UVA inside a circle. Avoid brands without a rating.