It would be nice if the manufacturer forewarned shoppers on the tube that its scented., Size: 3 oz. I found this list of reef safe sunscreens on one of our Hawaii blogs. 2. Our SPF products do not contain these ingredients. But nanoparticles arent perfect, even those of natural substances like zinc or titanium dioxide. This Alba Botanica mineral sunscreen spray is a favorite for its tropical scent and easy spray-on application. Not only does this sunscreen provide UVA and UVB protection, Supergoop! Swim tights or athletic tights (like you would wear to the gym) also provide effective sun protection. Garrett Munce writes about men's style and grooming. Size: 1.69 oz. 6. The other shortcoming of this SPF is its lack of water resistance, despite its claims. The ultra-sheer formula dries clear with no residual white cast and is ideal for wearing under makeup. What to Consider: This sunscreen works best when exposed to water or heat. Showing 405 Pacifica Products FILTERS. It also comes in clutch for boating trips or relaxing water activities like river tubing when you don't want to fuss with applying creams or sticks and need protection on hard-to-reach areas. What We Love: It absorbs quickly and dries down for a smooth, silky, hydrated finish. *Mama Kuleana Waterproof SPF 30 Reef-safe Sunscreen. 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. It quickly absorbs into my skin without need for frequent rubbing, our tester says. 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. Currently, there are no set rules or requirements needed for a sunscreen brand to label a product as reef-safe (but the FDA is working on it). Avoid sunscreens with high content of Titanium Dioxide. Even with the right SPF level, its important to remember that no SPF (not even SPF 100) can fully block out UVB exposure. The water didn't seem to make the sunscreen run at all, she assures us. There are multiple factors to consider, according to Dr. Bhanusali, like climate change and pollution, which also contribute to the deterioration of coral reefs and nothing is black and white. Purchased at Target on the mainland. Pacifica Mineral Face Shade Coconut Probiotic SPF 30 ($13) [VEGAN] Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 4.8%, . Size: 2.9 oz. Did you notice the InStyle Picks seal of approval at the top of this story? The mineral-based formula uses titanium dioxide as a barrier sunblocker, and is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate. With this in mind, when shopping for reef-safe sunscreen look for fragrance-free and/or unscented formulas, as opposed to eagle-eyeing in on synthetic scents (or a lack thereof). It's made with a blend of coconut oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter, so your skin will stay hydrated no matter how much you sweat without making you feel sticky or greasy. 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. Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen has a very thin texture so much so that its quite runny and takes pretty much zero effort to squeeze out of the tube. What We Dont Love: It feels a bit sticky, and it's not water resistant. The oil-free formula functions as a primer, pore-minimizer, and sunscreen all-in-one. On the luxe end of the spectrum, this Drunk Elephant mineral sunscreen costs a bit more than others, but is ideally suited for everyday wear on your face. 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. The Environmental Working Group also has rigorous standards in what they consider safe to use. What We Love: It absorbs quickly into skin without leaving a white cast. Sweat-resistant Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen is our top pick. SPF 15: Blocks ~93% of sun's rays, ideal for every day, occasional exposure, like walking your dog, or driving to work. Best Water . Without nano-zinc particles and meant to last in the water, this a great all-around cream. Below is a list of the best chemical free sunscreens. Let's start with what we know. Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion uses a vegan, cruelty-free formula that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Key West followed in 2019 and around the same time the Food and Drug Administration proposed a new rule to regulate common chemicals found in sunscreens, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, pending updated testing. Ward off harmful UV rays with Pacifica's collection of sunscreen for all skin types. A reef-safe sunscreen is a sunscreen free of chemical ingredients and small particles known to damage and . Below, we've collated 10 of the best reef safe sunscreens to buy in Australia. This sunscreen has a strong, lemony scent. Whatever the case may be, we assume that sunscreen is part of your beachside beauty routine. That said, Dr. Jamal says it depends on the exact formulation. Calling something reef safe implies youve actually tested that product on reef organisms and most companies dont do that toxicity testing, says Downs. Plus, it makes reapplying every two hours less of chore. When you do need to use sunscreen, or for areas that can't be effectively covered with clothing, be aware that there are two types of sunscreen to choose from: Chemical sunscreens: Products that frequently contain the absorbable and coral harming ingredients mentioned above. 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. Mineral sunscreens work by staying on top of the skin and blocking UV rays by reflecting them to keep from entering the surface, Dr. Henry says. Size: 0.6 oz. Ahead, check out the 12 best reef-safe sunscreens. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Why We Love It: The tropical scent smells like a dream vacation. SPF: 30 | Size: 2.9 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 40 minutes. Best for Face: Sun Bum Face Lotion at Amazon. Does reef-safe sunscreen affect skin differently? Generally speaking, scented skincare products are more likely to cause irritation than their fragrance-free counterparts. Fortunately, there are reef-safe sunscreen options available that protect both our skin and our beautiful oceans. Why We Love It: It's free from common allergens such as gluten, soy, oats, and most nuts. Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, it meets basic non-regulated guidelines for being reef-friendly. Personal Care. The reefs will thank you. There are some independent agencies who have set up their own certification and testing processes to help identify sunscreens that dont contain harmful ingredients. The London-based producers of what they call 'Ecocompstible Sunscreens' say they are the first marine safe certified sunscreens and contain no petrol-based chemicals, no alcohol, no titanium dioxide and no zinc oxide. Why We Love It: It contains antioxidants to combat free radicals. Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer. "I put it on first thing in the morning before I leave the house," she says. Why We Love It: It's gentle enough to use on top of makeup. Consumers are purchasing these items for their perceived lower environmental impact when that is possibly inaccurate or misleading. Best for intense activity. Selecting a sunscreen that is both effective and reef safe can be overwhelming. "Their formula is ocean-friendly and Hawaii-compliant. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Made in Hawaii sunscreens are marked with an *asterisks. He's written for Esquire, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light and held staff positions at GQ and W. Follow his skincare obsession on Instagram at @garrettmunce. With only five ingredients in this Protect Land + Sea certified formula, Badger sunscreen is as natural is you can find, but doesnt sacrifice any sun protection. It's also fragrance free, and provides Broad Spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. 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. Been using for a week on Oahu and Kauai with no burn. <. As manufacturers began to micronize particles smaller and smaller, they went too far, says Robinson. It hydrates your skin, smells incredible without being pungent, no white residue to scrub . Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Best Overall: ThinkSport SPF 50+ at Amazon. A 2 pack of reef-friendly Alba Botanica is $16.99, as of March-2020, at Costcos in Hawaii. Courtesy Image. SPF 50 only filters 1% more: 98%. MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Clear Spray. All Terrain AquaSport Reef Friendly Sunscreen. The only thing that could make this SPF better, according to our tester, is if it had a more delightful scent. 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. What We Love: The formula is very smooth, which makes it spread easily. Rubber Ducky Is Amazing for Safe Sun and Reef Protection. What We Love: Its lightweight and creamy, and it doesnt leave a white cast. A naturally sourced lotion that is lightweight, oil-free, and water-resistant up to 80 minutes. 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. But as you slather yourself in SPF (and reapply every two hours as directed, right? 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. As we learn more about the effects of some chemicals on marine life, many popular destinations, including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii, have even banned specific ingredients that harm coral reefs and other ocean species. surfmud. Lastly, as far as full-body SPFs go, this one has a more subtle scent. If youre going swimming in the ocean, I would choose a product that is reef safe, he says. On the downside, this SPF smells different. Reef Safe Sunscreen: Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. 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. 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. What We Dont Love: Because this isnt noncomedogenic, it can clog pores. What We Love: This tropical-scented sunscreen will transport you to an island with every application. View our list of vegan and reef safe sunscreens that are good for you, the planet, and the animals. The North Shore is sublime. 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.