Unlike the term "SPF", which requires dozens of tests on human volunteers to earn, there are no formal requirements for the phrase . What to Consider: It contains avobenzone, which may react harmfully to chlorine. Men. People may have reactions to certain ingredients, so you have to play around with it. Always choose a sunscreen that is at least broad spectrum SPF 30, as advised by the American Academy of Dermatology, and look for versions that are water resistant. The best reef-friendly sunscreen. 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. Sunscreens with the Protect Land + Sea Certification Seal are considered safe, Dr. Jamal says. However the brand don't appear to use ingredients that aren't reef safe until you look at their non-mineral based sun creams and lotions.. Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen checks every box on our reef-friendly checklist, and it's perfect for numerous outdoor activities and occasions. But did you know that, if youre someone who likes to spend a lot of time in and near the water, the type of sunscreen you use is important, too. Folks have been tossing around the idea of sunscreens being toxic to corals for years, a few studies narrowing it down to possibly 4 ingredients that did something funny to dormant viruses in the algae that live inside of corals. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen | Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, 95% Organic, Very Water Resistant, Reef Safe, Non-GMO, Cruelty Free, SPF 30+, All Ages Safe, Moisturizing, in Bio-Resin Tube, 3oz (2-Pack) at Amazon.com. In addition to being mineral-based and reef-safe, it contains Senna alata, an antioxidant that helps shield the skin from free radicals . As you may know, Hawaii State Legislature approved Bill 2571, which bans the sale of (non-prescription) sunscreens containing Oxybenzone and Octinoxate as of January 1, 2021.This legislation is a big step in moving the industry towards more "Reef Compliant" sunscreen products . 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. Many of these reef safe sunscreens are available at your favorite retailer. Buy a few different sunscreens and try them all to figure out which one your skin likes best because all skin is different, says Bhanusali. The first step to buying reef-safe sunscreen is to check which active ingredients are in the bottle. Minimize your need for sunscreen by covering up with a hat and rash guard. At the top of the list, youll find the Pipette Mineral Sunscreen - Broad Spectrum SPF 50. Why We Love It: It minimizes pores for a more flawless look. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Want more product recommendations? With a selection of powerful sun protection & vegan suncare products that pack a potent punch, you're sure to stock up on SPF favorites for the whole family. Despite saying this has an hour or more of water resistance, adding water did make the sunscreen run slightly, and I can imagine if I went swimming for a while, a lot of the sunscreen would run off, our tester admits. The consistency is really smooth it spreads easily compared to other reef-safe sunscreens I've tried and absorbs almost immediately without a white cast [anywhere in sight], our tester says. By shielding the epidermis from UV absorption, mineral sunscreens are also effective forms of sun protection. "Both nano particlea smaller particle sizeand traditional zinc oxide sunscreens are both safe and effective, and both will . Protect Land & Sea, which Downs oversees, tests sunscreens for 11 potentially harmful chemicals as well as a slew of other things like parabens and other preservatives. That means our team of testers has reviewed every product on this list using a unique methodology to ensure it's really worth your time, money, and attention. Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at. Neutrogena makes a lot of good zinc sunscreens and has good science behind it, says Dr. Bhanusali. Ahead, check out the 12 best reef-safe sunscreens. Choose a physical sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. To be as safe as possible, the sunscreen should contain only non-nano mineral sunscreens. Courtesy of Amazon, Sephora, Black Girl Sunscreen, Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon, Alba Botanica Hawaiian Coconut Clear Spray SPF 50 at Amazon, Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, Supergoop! 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? Read more: Best Zinc-Oxide Sunscreens for Men. TSA-Friendly: Reef Repair Reef-Safe Sunscreen SPF 30. This 100 percent mineral-based sunscreen from Anthelios is a fan favorite for its non-whitening and fast-absorbing formula. Read more: Best Natural Sunscreens for Men. Reef safe sunscreen is sun protection that doesn't use chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate as its active protective ingredient. 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. Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen is another product formulated for children that adults can most definitely benefit from. Thats why chemical sunscreens were developedthey sink into skin easier and dont usually leave a white, chalky cast. Nanominerals make the product easier to apply, but ecotoxicology . Ward off harmful UV rays with Pacifica's collection of sunscreen for all skin types. In addition to protecting against UVA and UVB rates, it contains organic shea butter and organic calendula, and is completely cruelty-free. Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 30+ might not look like the highest quality SPF on the market, but inside the tube youll find a lighter-weight reef-safe sunscreen that feels considerably better than most of its competitors. Palau was the first country to ban the use of sunscreens that can cause harms to reefs. 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. Calling something reef safe implies youve actually tested that product on reef organisms and most companies dont do that toxicity testing, says Downs. What We Love: Its formulated for kids, so you know it's on the gentler side. Best Organic Sunscreen: Badger Clear Zinc SPF 40 Sunscreen. This fragrance-free zinc sunscreen lotion is top rated by the EWG because of the 70% organic formula and . (Reef-safety goes beyond your days on the shore skincare products go down the drain after you wash them off.) This brilliant solve for gloopy, thick mineral sunscreen comes out of the can in a whipped cream consistency, which makes it easier to rub in and feel lighter on the skin. "I use Sun Bum in SPF 50 lotion for my body whenever I go surfing and when competing in events like the WSL Longboard Tour," professional athlete Kirra Seale says. Buy for 46 at Net-a-Porter or Harrods. It is also one of the best sunscreens for surfers; handmade by surfers for surfers. The absorbability and lack of white cast arent the only reasons this sunscreen stands out: Made with water lily and sugarcane-derived squalane, it also deeply hydrates skin and provides a cooling effect, so it can double as post-sun care if you spend too much time soaking up the rays or forget to reapply. $36 at Amazon $32 at Ulta Beauty $31 at Nordstrom. Best Sunscreens | Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin | Best Mineral Sunscreens | Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens | Best Face Sunscreens. Personal Care. Size: 4 oz. 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. Just because a sunscreen is reef-safe doesnt make it inherently water-resistant. Or perhaps you like to take a more active approach, spending the majority of your time on a board, in the surf, or snorkeling below the surface. It honestly took less time than some of my regular lotions.. Is Neutrogena sunscreen reef safe. The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens to Wear This Summer, 15 Long Lasting Colognes, According to Experts, Food and Drug Administration proposed a new rule to regulate common chemicals found in sunscreens, as advised by the American Academy of Dermatology, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. SPF: 50 | Size: 3 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. In our testing, we found Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen to work best for full-body protection because of its mineral-based formula that spreads like a dream, and the convenient, travel-friendly packaging. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two ingredients believed to contribute to coral bleaching. *Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian SPF 50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen, *Mama Kuleana Waterproof SPF 30 Reef-safe Sunscreen, *Little Hands Hawaii SPF 35+ All-natural and Organic Sunscreen, *Raw Love SPF 35 All-natural Mineral Sunscreen, Raw Elements SPF 30 Certified Natural Sunscreen, Loving Naturals Clear Body SPF 30+ All-natural Sunscreen, Banana Boat Simply Protect SPF 50+ Sunscreen (spray, not lotion). But what exactly does that mean and should you make the switch? There were six products listed. With so many reef-friendly sunscreens on the market, it can be hard to know which ones work the best. The Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 50+ is beloved for its fast-absorbing formula that leaves skin feeling hydrated and smooth. What to Consider: Moisturize before applying if you have dry skin so it doesn't become streaky. The Environmental Working Group also has rigorous standards in what they consider safe to use. Brands are beginning to replace "reef-safe" with "reef-friendly" in order to offer a more accurate description of their products. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration is working on outlining official cut-and-dry rules on what qualifies as reef-safe. Scan the ingredients lists on this product and you'll only find organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, uncoated zinc oxide, sea buckthorn extract, and sunflower vitamin E. Badger sunscreens are also one of the few brands that take the extra step to have its products run through lab tests to verify the absence of all harmful chemicals on the HEL list, earning this product a certification seal from Land + Sea that assures consumers it's free from environmental pollutants. And, with each purchase, the company removes 1 pound of plastic from the world's . It also glides on smoothly and is safe for children as well. Coola Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. Pacifica Beauty is a 100% vegan and cruelty free brand that was founded in 1996 by Brook Harvey-Taylor. Oxybenzone is the worst reef offender in the world, and a few of the others are pegged for likely harming ocean life as well. Though, its citrusy, so it may not be for everyone. Below is a list of the best chemical free sunscreens. 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. Look for their logos on packages to help easily identify products that they deem safe. SPF: 50 | Size: 6 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. It has a very faint smell that doesn't seem deliberate, she says. $14 at Walmart. Its the dose that makes the poison, so if you had 6,000 people go into [the same water] with nanosized zinc oxide, yes, I think there would be an impact, he says. Purchased at Target on the mainland. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 All Natural, Water Resistant, Organic Sunscreen at the best online prices at eBay! Here's everything you need to know about these eco-friendly SPF formulas. Tinted Sunscreens Available too; 7. "I put it on first thing in the morning before I leave the house," she says. Now 10% off. Im impressed with how easily this sunscreen spreads, she adds. Opt for a stick. Let's start with what we know. What We Dont Love: Its not water resistant despite claiming to be. 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. What We Love: Its lightweight and creamy, and it doesnt leave a white cast. What to Consider: The label does not specify non-nano ingredients. It's also vegan. 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. They tend to accumulate god knows where, says Dr. Bhanusali. Research says that 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen enters reef . All Good Brand SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion [VEGAN] . Her pick for daily use is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Mineral Sunscreen. The reefs will thank you. If you're one of those people who hates the feeling of being slathered in gooey sunblock, Thinksport could be a game-changer. "Having sunscreens that are reliable in different parts of the world where the UV rays can be more intense is crucial." That said, the formula doesnt fully hold its ground in the presence of water. To save you from sifting through thousands of reviews, we went ahead and tested the 24 most popular reef-safe sunscreens. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. What We Dont Love: It gets a bit sticky once wet, and it has a strong lemony scent. Although these ingredients act by blocking UV absorption, octinoxate and oxybenzone have been shown to be toxic and damaging to coral reefs. Reef-safe labeling is primarily used by brands as a marketing term. 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. $26 AT DERMSTORE. As a non-official baseline, products that are claimed to be ocean-friendly tend to be free from oxybenzone and octinoxate. 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. Filter by. 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 . Some shoppers may choose to skip this biodegradable sunscreen if they plan to head to the pool, however, as it contains avobenzone, an ingredient that had a concerning reaction to chlorine in one study. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion uses a vegan, cruelty-free formula that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The other shortcoming of this SPF is its lack of water resistance, despite its claims. This body of researchwhile . When coral bleaches (turns white), it's still alive, but it's under severe stress, which leaves it susceptible to . The product is also vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO, made with solar power, and packaged in 50 percent recyclable materials. Generally speaking, scented skincare products are more likely to cause irritation than their fragrance-free counterparts. What We Love: It blends in effortlessly, absorbs quickly, and feels comfortable on the skin. Even with the right SPF level, its important to remember that no SPF (not even SPF 100) can fully block out UVB exposure. Why We Love It: This non-greasy sunscreen won't become runny as you sweat. Sunscreens that claim to be reef-friendly and absorb into your skin should be carefully scrutinized. 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. Without nano-zinc particles and meant to last in the water, this a great all-around cream. ), you may not have thought about how what you choose to protect your body from the sun could also have a role in protecting, or deteriorating, the environment around you. Without the plastic safety cap, you would have quite a mess, our tester admits. ", SPF: 40 | Size: 1.5 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 30+ | Water-Resistant: Yes, though it didnt pass our splash test. However, this sunscreen is not compliant with the U.S. Virgin Islands reef-safe policy since it contains octocrylene. This reduces the amount of chemicals that go into the sea by about half. What to Consider: This sunscreen moisturizes skin, so can feel greasy after multiple reapplications. We paid attention to everything from texture and residual cast to water resistance and fragrance. surfmud. our process. What We Dont Love: The bottle design is prone to leaks. SPF 50 only filters 1% more: 98%. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 30+ | Water-Resistant: No. It comes in medium/dark and light/medium shades for lightweight, reef-safe, ultramoisturizing sun protection that works for virtually any skin . This fragrance-free zinc sunscreen lotion is top rated by the EWG because of the 70% organic formula and high quality plant-derived ingredients. We may get samples for free to try but we never promise positive (or any!) One of the biggest reasons people stay away from mineral sunscreens is how they look (chalky) and feel (filmy) on their skin. SPF: 50+ | Size: 0.7 ounces per stick | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. "Because reef-safe sunscreens do not use chemical UV blockers, they are super safe for the face and body," she says. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best 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. Surfer approved, whatever that means? 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. What to Consider: It is not considered reef-safe in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Courtesy Image. $37. Where is it illegal to use sunscreen that isn't reef-safe? Made in Hawaii sunscreens are marked with an *asterisks. This Black-owned sunscreen isn't just reef-safe . As there are no official reef-safe designations (more on that below), you'll want to check the label's active and in-active ingredients to make sure they are free from known chemicals and particles that harm the environment. Costco's reef-safe or reef-friendly sunscreen is Alba Botanica (spray). What to Consider: The new formula is no longer fragrance-free. Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Why We Love It: It doubles as a daily moisturizer. While you may have to reapply this product more frequently, you can do so knowing your child's baby-soft skin will remain safe and protected.