Safe for Reefs
Because even small choices can make a big difference for our reefs.
Why Reef-Safe Matters - Quick Facts
14,000 TONS
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An estimated 14 000 tons of sunscreen wash into oceans every year—enough to stress coral reefs in the world’s busiest swimming spots.
HAWAII 2021
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Hawaii banned oxybenzone- and octinoxate-based sunscreens from 1 Jan 2021 to protect reefs.
PALAU 2020
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Palau outlawed reef-toxic sunscreen ingredients from 1 Jan 2020.
ONLY 2 INGREDIENTS PASS
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Experts agree: only non-nano zinc oxide and non-nano titanium dioxide are truly reef-safe.
Why Reef-Safe Matters
Even tiny traces of sunscreen chemicals can damage coral DNA, bleach reefs, and deform baby coral.
From Beach → Bleach
Apply
Holiday-maker applies SPF with oxybenzone
Rinse-off
25% washes off in water or shower (in 20 min)
Holiday-maker applies SPF with oxybenzone
Disperse
UV filters accumulate in lagoons
Damage
Coral bleaches, suffers DNA damage & deformities
3 Quick Impacts
Coral Bleaching
Sunlight + oxybenzone = toxic reaction that kills algae, turning coral ghost-white.
DNA Damage
Benzophenone filters cause oxidative DNA lesions, harming coral reproduction.
Larval Disruption
Oxybenzone deform coral skeletons & cuts survival by 75% at just 62 ppt.
Global Bans
Palau
Aruba
US Virgin Islands
Hawaii
Bonaire
Mexico Marine Parks
Oxybenzone & Octinoxate ban
(Env. Law)
Ban on “Toxic 3 Os”
Prescription-only for oxybenzone/octinoxate
Only reef-safe SPF allowed
Require biodegradable SPF in Cozumel/Riviera Maya
Border-ban on 10 toxic UV ingredients
Jan 2020
Jul 2020
Mar 2020
Ongoing
Jan 2021
Jan 2021
What Makes a Sunscreen ‘Reef-Safe’?
Reef-safe’ isn’t regulated. Always check the ingredient list — not just the label.
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
Oxybenzone (BP-3)
Common in many sunscreens. Breaks coral DNA, bleaches reefs, and harms baby coral even in tiny amounts.
Octinoxate (EHMC)
Disrupts coral and human hormones. Banned in several reef-protected areas along with oxybenzone.
Octocrylene
Turns into benzophenone, a toxic compound. Linked to coral damage and long-term marine pollution.
Homosalate
Absorbs into skin and may interfere with hormones. Its safety is currently under U.S. FDA review.
Unscented, biodegradable bases
Less perfume = fewer reef irritants. Plant-based lotions that naturally break down in water.
INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR
Non-nano Zinc Oxide
A natural mineral that stays on the skin’s surface. Safe for reefs because it's too large to be absorbed by coral.
Non-nano Titanium Dioxide
Disrupts coral and human hormones. Banned in several reef-protected areas along with oxybenzone.
Broad-spectrum mineral blends
Combine non-nano zinc and titanium with natural oils or waxes to block both UVA and UVB rays safely.
Unscented, biodegradable bases
Less perfume = fewer reef irritants. Plant-based lotions that naturally break down in water.
Recyclable / plastic-free packaging
Tins, jars, or refillable tubes reduce plastic pollution in the ocean and protect marine life.
How to Read the Label
Don’t trust the front. Flip the tube and scan the ingredients.
Oxybenzone (BP-3)
Octinoxate (EHMC)
Octocrylene
Homosalate
4-MBC
PABA
Parabens
(methyl-, propyl-)
Triclosan
Nano ZnO / TiO₂ (<100nm)
Microplastic scrub beads
Breaks coral DNA and causes bleaching at even tiny levels (62 parts per trillion).
Toxic to adult and baby coral.
Messes with hormones and is banned in multiple reef areas. Often used with oxybenzone.
Turns into a cancer-linked chemical (benzophenone). Builds up in coral and fish tissues.
Under FDA review. Disrupts hormones and harms reef fish at very low doses.
Proven to bleach coral. Banned in Europe and many reef-protected zones.
Old-school UV filter. Kills coral larvae and can irritate human skin.
Preservatives that harm coral reproduction and stick around in seawater.
Found in antibacterial soaps. Blocks marine photosynthesis and builds up in the ocean food chain.
These ultra-tiny particles enter coral cells and create harmful hydrogen peroxide in warm sunlight.
These plastic balls scrape and damage coral, then release toxins as they break down.
How to protect both your skin and the reef
1. Choose the Right Sunscreen
Use SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen
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Look for non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide on the label.
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These block both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays) — and don’t harm coral reefs.
-Avoid chemical sunscreens that contain reef-toxic ingredients like oxybenzone.
2. Timing Is Everything
Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15–30 minutes before going outside.
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This gives your skin time to absorb the protection.
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Re-apply every 2 hours — or immediately after:
-Swimming
-Sweating
-Towel-drying
3. Use Sun-Protective Gear Too
Add physical protection whenever possible
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Wear UPF 30+ rash guards or long-sleeve swim shirts
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Use a broad-brim hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
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Take shade breaks, especially between 10 AM – 4 PM when the sun is strongest
-Less exposed skin = less sunscreen needed
Reef-Safe Laws Around the World
Always check local laws before you travel.
Hawaii (USA)
Reef law since Jan 2021
Hawaii bans sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate statewide. As of 2023, octocrylene and avobenzone are also restricted.
Reef-safe mineral sunscreens are easy to find in stores.
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Palau (Western Pacific)
World’s strictest reef protection
Palau bans 10 toxic sunscreen ingredients — including oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and benzophenones.
Non-compliant products are confiscated at the airport, and fines can reach $1,000 USD.
Check the latest guidelines before you travel.
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Aruba (Caribbean)
Sunscreen check at resort check-in
Some resorts ask you to show your sunscreen at check-in.
Since Jan 2020, Aruba bans sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate.
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Bonaire (Caribbean)
Ban effective from Jan 2021
Dive shops promote mineral SPF
and rent UPF sun-protection gear.
Bonaire phased out oxybenzone and octinoxate.
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Key West, Florida (USA)
Ban overturned, but reef-safe still requested
A city-level ban was passed in 2019 but canceled in 2020 by the state.
Tour companies still ask visitors to use reef-safe sunscreens out of respect for coral reefs.
Check the latest guidelines before you travel.
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Mexico – Yucatán & Quintana Roo Marine Parks
Strict sunscreen rules in marine parks
In Cozumel, Xcaret, and other areas, only biodegradable or mineral sunscreen is allowed.
Some resorts ask you to show your sunscreen at check-in.
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Reef-Safe Myth Busters
Mineral sunscreen always leaves a white cast; I can’t use it.
New mineral sunscreens dry clear.
Today’s non-nano zinc oxide formulas are smoother and tinted to match skin tones.Products like Merit’s Tinted SPF 45 and Glamour's 2025 reviews show how well they blend.
- Even Vogue calls them “no-white-cast.”
Spray sunscreens are reef-safe if the can says ‘reef-friendly’.
Sprays often miss your skin and harm the reef.
Much of the spray blows away or lands on sand and water.
Inhaling zinc/titanium particles is also a concern.
- Stick or lotion formulas are safer and more effective.
My small bottle can’t harm a huge ocean.
Tiny amounts can damage coral.
Just one drop of oxybenzone in six Olympic pools can cause coral bleaching.
- Popular beaches already show reef-toxic levels. Every swimmer makes a difference.