5 Reef-Safe Sunscreens to Pack In Your Beach Bag

Sun protection is one of the most important factors to consider when you’re on vacation, but some of the same chemicals that protect us on the beach can cause major harm to marine wildlife, particularly coral reefs. The threat is so great that some municipalities, including the state of Hawaii and Key West, Florida, have banned two of the most harmful chemicals found in sunscreen: oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Many sunscreens are labeled “reef-safe,” but there’s not a clear definition of what, exactly, that means. Most, if not all, of them are free of the banned chemicals, but there are myriad substances that could be harmful, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “Mineral sunscreen” tends to avoid most chemicals commonly used in sunscreen altogether except zinc and titanium oxide.

Research is still emerging on the effects of sunscreen on the world’s oceans, but with 25 percent of all marine life depending on coral reefs, many people are choosing options that can reduce the impact. Try these five reef-safe, or at least reef-safer, options.

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Thrive Bodyshield

Sustainable skincare brand Thrive uses zinc as the active ingredient in their Bodyshield sunscreen but formulated it with pine rosin and larch tree to avoid the white tint that zinc sometimes leaves behind.

Active Ingredient: Zinc oxide

SPF rating: 50

Formulated without: Oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate.

Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes

Thinksport

Think’s specialty is eco-friendly sunscreen, and has an entire reef-friendly suite of products, including a line of baby sunscreen and tinted facial moisturizer. Their biodegradable sunscreen comes in both lotion and spray form.

Active Ingredient: Zinc oxide, titanium oxide (depending on the product)

SPF rating: 30-50+

Formulated without: PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, and toxic chemicals.

Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes

Think Sun

Think Sun’s specialty is eco-friendly sunscreen, and has an entire reef-friendly suite of products, including a line of baby sunscreen and tinted facial moisturizer. Their biodegradable sunscreen comes in both lotion and spray form.

Active Ingredient: Zinc oxide, titanium oxide (depending on the product)

SPF rating: 30-50+

Formulated without: PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, and toxic chemicals.

Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes

Babo Botanicals Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

Certified by the Environmental Working Group as a safer option for people and the planet, Babo Botanicals Mineral Sunscreen Lotion (and their baby sunscreen) provide extra nourishment with coconut oil, chamomile, calendula, and other botanicals.

Active Ingredient: Zinc oxide

SPF rating: 30 (50 for baby)

Formulated without: Chemical filters, silicones, mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, fragrance, synthetic colorants, soy, dairy, and high-allergy nuts

Rash Guards

You could avoid using sunscreen altogether—or supplement your sunscreen—with sun-blocking clothing and swimwear, like sun hats. Depending on their design and coverage, rash guards can protect the commonly sun-exposed areas on your chest, back, and shoulders, particularly if they have a UPF rating. Try these options on for size:

• Madewell Women’s Rash Guard One-Piece Swimsuit: For an extra eco-friendly touch, this UPF 50 swimsuit, available in sizes XXS to XXL, is made from recycled fabric. It features a zipper down the front for when you want to catch a little sun.

• Gabar Women’s Chlorine-Resistant Long-Sleeve Swimsuit: In case you swim in an outdoor pool, this UPF 50, full-zip rash guard is chlorine resistant. It comes in sizes S-XXXL and four different colors.

• LL Bean Men’s Swift Cooling Rash Guard: This relaxed-fit rash guard, available in both regular and tall sizes, is designed to prevent chafing from seams and has a back zipper pocket.

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