10 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens UK 2024 | Babo Botanicals, Badger and More

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!

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. 

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.