Heading to Hawaii, Florida or Thailand? With their coral reefs under threat from toxic chemicals and plastic pollution, these places are enforcing the use of reef-safe sunscreens to protect their marine environments. Even if you are not, choosing a reef-safe sunscreen when you are heading to the coast is a great way to show respect to such a beautiful underwater ecosystem and help in its survival for years to come.
Whether you are a sun-loving eco-warrior or you're just looking to be more environmentally friendly, you are spoilt for choice with brands such as Badger, Hawaiian Tropic and UltraSun offering great reef-safe products. This guide highlights what you should be looking for and avoiding in a reef-safe sunscreen, along with 10 of our favourites which are available online from Amazon, Boots and ASOS.
Quick List - Top Reef-Safe Sunscreens
ThinkSport
Long-Lasting, Easy-to-Apply Mineral Sunscreen With Soothing Botanical Ingredients
Alba Botanica
A Lightweight, Antioxidant-Rich Formula That's Biodegradable Too
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To protect your skin but also the beautiful coral reefs and the ecosystem it supports, choose sunscreen with natural or non-toxic UV filters. Mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the main active ingredient provide a natural UV filter by forming a shield on your skin to deflect and disperse the sun's rays.
Mineral sunscreens can contain either non-nano or nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are smaller, which makes the cream easier to apply without leaving a white cast on the skin – great for the face or under makeup. However, some environmental bodies state that these larger particles can be ingested by coral, advising instead that non-nano is the truly reef-safe of the two.
With increasing research and development, there are also some great water-based reef-safe sunscreens that provide benefits to the skin. With a silky lotion-like texture, water-based sunscreens with non-toxic UV filters will not only help your tanning aspirations but nourish your skin, all while being safe for the marine environment.
Looking for an everyday option? Browse our top mineral-based sunscreens.
Since the terms 'reef-safe' and 'reef-friendly' are not yet regulated, be sure to avoid chemical UV filter ingredients and microplastics as these contribute to the bleaching of coral reefs and the destruction of our marine wildlife and habitats. Non-reef-safe ingredients as stated on the HEL (Haereticus Environmental Laboratory) list are:
Water reflects light, so you are exposed to even more UV rays when you are in the sea. This is why it is important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF of at least 30 to avoid sunburn and premature skin ageing. The SPF determines the strength of protection against UVB rays, so the higher the number, the more rays it will block, enabling longer periods of sun exposure without sunburn.
A zinc oxide sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection will shield your skin from both the burning UVB rays and the ageing UVA rays. Just be aware titanium oxide on its own is not enough to completely protect against both UV rays and needs to be combined with zinc oxide to be effective.
To save frequent reapplication and avoid interrupting your fun in the sea, choose a sunscreen with water resistance that will protect you for the length of time you are out on the water. Always be sure to re-apply a layer after each venture into the ocean, though, especially if you have dried yourself with a towel.
Need a beach-friendly towel? We have that covered too!
Reef-friendly sunscreens will suit most skin types because of their natural-based ingredients. However, if your skin is prone to breakouts and you want to avoid blocked pores, choose products that are non-comedogenic, water-resistant and nourishing for the skin. These are great for beach days in your swimsuit involving snorkelling and regular dips in the water to cool off.
Divers, surfers and sailors who wear wetsuits should consider a sweat-resistant sunscreen that has been formulated for your face and suits your skin type. For those with sensitive skin, choose a hypoallergenic face cream to avoid sunburn, skin reactions and stingy eyes from drips of sweat. Be sure to use a reef-safe sunscreen on any other exposed areas of skin too!
Heading out surfing? Browse some of our favourite wetsuits.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen | ![]() | The Ultimate Reef-Safe, Non-Nano Sunscreen for the Whole Family | |
2 | Suntribe All Natural Zinc Sunscreen | ![]() | A Pro Surfer-Endorsed, 100% Natural Zinc Facial Sunscreen | |
3 | ThinkSport ThinkSport Sunscreen | ![]() | Long-Lasting, Easy-to-Apply Mineral Sunscreen With Soothing Botanical Ingredients | |
4 | Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen | ![]() | A Lightweight, Antioxidant-Rich Formula That's Biodegradable Too | |
5 | Lancaster Sun Beauty Body Milk | ![]() | The Perfect Choice for Those Who Want to Tan Safely | |
6 | Ultrasun Ultrasun Extreme 50+spf sun protection | ![]() | Prevent Prickly Heat With a Sunscreen for Ultra-Sensitive Skin | |
7 | Badger Kids Sport Clear Zinc Sunscreen | ![]() | Nourishing, Hypoallergenic Clear Sunscreen Formulated for Kids | |
8 | Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Protective Sun Lotion | ![]() | Delight Your Senses With Hawaiian Tropic's Mineral-Based Offering | |
9 | Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick | ![]() | Strong Facial Sun Protection in an Easy Roll-On Stick | |
10 | Raw Elements Face and Body Certified Natural Sunscreen | ![]() | Two Pocket-Sized, Plastic-Free Tins Perfect for Travelling |
This reef-safe, natural, non-nano, and zinc-based sunscreen from Babo Botanicals has been developed for family days at the beach. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants with their exclusive Nutri-Soothe™ Complex, not only does it protect your skin from the sun, but it will nourish it throughout the day too.
It's also very resistant to water and sweat, so you can spend over an hour in the water before needing to reapply. Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, lightweight and easy to apply with its clear formula, this product is ideal for sensitive skin, children and babies alike. Perfect reef-friendly sunscreen for the whole family!
Suitable for kids and all skin types, it is tinted and therefore blends in with your skin tone avoiding the white cast associated with mineral-based sunscreens. This broad-spectrum sunscreen with its non-nano zinc oxide UV filter is as safe as it gets for human skin, coral and the marine ecosystem as a whole.
Ideal for watersport enthusiasts, this chemical-free sun protection has been developed for long-lasting wear. It combines natural non-nano zinc oxide UV filters with botanical ingredients to protect and soothe your skin from damaging sunburn and premature ageing.
This family-sized tube of sunscreen is easy to apply. The non-greasy formula glides on easily and provides good consistent coverage. Each application of sunscreen will last 80 minutes in the water, great for families who love being out on the ocean.
Made with a biodegradable formula, this mineral-based, non-nano sunscreen is ideal for those looking for a reef-friendly and cruelty-free product. The zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide a broad spectrum of UVA/UVB protection against the sun's damaging rays.
Water-resistant for 80 minutes, this lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion is perfect for everyday wear and for those with sensitive skin who are heading to the sea for the day. The aloe vera and jojoba seed oil soften and moisturise the skin whilst the grapeseed oil and vitamin E provide powerful antioxidant protection.
Achieve a healthy bronzed look with less sun exposure with this tan-activator sunscreen by Lancaster. As well as being ocean-friendly, it shields your skin from UVB and UVA rays and repairs it from sun-induced damage – ideal for those who love to sunbathe and cool off with a quick dip in the sea.
This long-lasting, hydrating lotion leaves your skin soft and silky. It's simple to apply too, as the lightweight formula is easily absorbed without leaving white traces. Plus, Lancaster also uses bottles made from 50% recycled plastic, helping the land environment too!
Designed for extreme heat and sun conditions, this sunscreen is an excellent choice for ultra-sensitive skin and therefore perfect for the whole family. It's lightweight and fast-absorbing, too, protecting you from the entire light spectrum and preventing prickly heat.
The vegan-friendly ingredients contain antioxidants and vitamins E and B5 to keep the skin hydrated and moisturised, while the airless pump dispenser prevents the product from getting contaminated with sand. With so many ingredients, this product doesn't appear as natural as others, but it is still very much safe for marine wildlife.
The nourishing and hypoallergenic sunscreen is gentle on the skin whilst providing a broad spectrum of protection, and it's sustainably made from solar power and packaged in 50% recycled plastic to boot. The clear zinc means it doesn't leave a white residue but it can be hard to wash off at the end of a long day.
Plus, not only is it reef-friendly, but it is also vegan and cruelty-free with 25% of its packaging made from recycled plastic. Great for your skin and the environment! A downside is that it is known for leaving a white cast behind as it is much thicker than the name implies.
Heading for an afternoon of wave-catching in your wetsuit? Then this face stick is ideal. Lightweight and smooth, simply roll it over your face and any other exposed areas of skin before you hit the ocean, then pop it in your beach bag or surfboard case ready for re-application.
With an SPF of 50, this natural mineral-based sunscreen provides strong protection from the sun whilst keeping your skin moisturised. Again, this sunscreen, with its matte finish, does leave a white tint as the minerals sit on your skin rather than being absorbed.
Perfect for travelling to tropical shores, this pocket-sized mineral-based sunscreen ticks all the boxes. Not only is it environmentally friendly with its reusable/recyclable tin packaging, but its natural ingredients also provide true broad-spectrum protection from the sun whilst respecting marine life.
Other pluses are that it is water-resistant beyond 80 minutes, and with antioxidants and vitamins, it is gentle, moisturising and suitable for both your face and body. As well as being quite costly, another drawback is that it can be sticky and leave a white, oily residue on your skin.
Coral reefs are living organisms that support a whole marine ecosystem, yet they are increasingly under threat from chemicals and plastics. The chemical UV filters from sunscreens contribute to coral bleaching, resulting in its deterioration and the devastation of marine wildlife. Choosing a non-toxic or natural reef-safe sunscreen will help save these beautiful marine environments.
The terms 'reef-friendly' and 'reef-safe' found on sunscreen and other cosmetics are not currently regulated, making it very easy to be misled or misinformed by companies promoting their products as such. Therefore, it's extra important to check the active ingredients and avoid chemicals that are non-reef-safe.
Written and researched by Amanda Norman
No. 1: Babo Botanicals|Clear Zinc Sunscreen
No. 2: Suntribe|All Natural Zinc Sunscreen
No. 3: ThinkSport|ThinkSport Sunscreen
No. 4: Alba Botanica|Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
No. 5: Lancaster|Sun Beauty Body Milk
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