To protect ocean life, it is crucial to select an SPF that utilizes physical UVA and UVB filters, as opposed to chemical filters that have been linked to coral reef deterioration. You can identify these by checking the active ingredients listed on the back of the sunscreen tube, specifically looking for zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
“The term reef safe typically means that the sunscreen contains only mineral UV-blocking ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide,” explains Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Both nano particle-a smaller particle size-and traditional zinc oxide sunscreens are both safe and effective, and both will be considered safe for reefs.”
Unfortunately, the term “reef friendly” is not regulated, so you cannot always trust products with this description. It is important to actually check the “active ingredients” label on the back of your sunscreen or personal care product to ensure that reef-harming chemicals are not included. The size of minerals can also have an impact. Be sure to use micro-sized (or non-nano) mineral sunscreens to avoid nanoparticles, as these smaller particles can be toxic in high concentrations. It’s also advised to stick with lotions and avoid spray or misting sunscreens, especially those that contain titanium dioxide, as it can be harmful to your health if inhaled. Always check the label!
In addition to changing our purchasing decisions to protect the marine environment, it is important to spread awareness about the issue to friends, family, and community members. You can also advocate for local legislation that bans the sale and use of toxic sunscreens. For instance, in 2018, Hawaii passed the first statewide ban on oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens. Soon after, island nations including Palau, Bonaire, and Aruba followed suit.
The National Park Service estimates that up to 6,000 tons of sunscreen enter areas in and around reefs every year, and studies show that chemicals in these sunscreens may be contributing to the declining health of coral. Sunscreen is not the only threat to reefs; scientists also point to climate change, overfishing, and pollution. However, the risk that sunscreen poses has led some manufacturers to offer "reef-safe" formulas and even a few popular vacation destinations to ban the sale of anything but "reef-safe" sunscreen.
What Does "Reef-Safe" or "Reef-Friendly" Sunscreen Mean?
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. It is important to note that terms like "reef-safe" or "reef-friendly" do not have agreed-upon definitions, nor is their use regulated by the FDA or managed by a standard-setting organization.
Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two of the more widely studied chemicals in sunscreens, but other ingredients, such as preservatives, fragrances, and other UV-blocking chemical agents like octocrylene, are also being scrutinized for their impact on coral.
"Reef-Safe" Sun Protection Tips
The ambiguity surrounding terms like "reef-safe" and "reef-friendly" can make it difficult to know what actions to take and which sunscreen to wear, even when a label touts reef safety. Here are some recommendations when considering the impact on coral reefs:
- Wear sun protection clothing: Covering your skin with clothing that's UPF-rated significantly reduces the amount of sunscreen you need to wear.
- Avoid oxybenzone or octinoxate: Evidence suggests that oxybenzone and octinoxate are two of the more harmful chemicals for reefs found in sunscreens.
- Choose a non-nano, mineral-based formula: According to the National Park Service, mineral-based sunscreens that use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium oxide are much less likely to harm coral reefs and the biodiversity they support. When choosing a mineral-based sunscreen, make sure it's labeled as "non-nano." This means that the particles in the sunscreen are larger than 100 nanometers and therefore too large to be ingested by coral.
- Avoid parabens: These are preservatives found in some skin-care products, including some sunscreens. Butylparaben has been shown to cause coral reef bleaching, and some health questions surround parabens in general, so many brands do not use them and promote their sunscreens as "paraben-free."
- Use a rub-on lotion: Opt for a lotion that you rub onto your skin rather than a spray that can easily land on the sand and wash into the ocean.
- Look for good water resistance: A sunscreen that stays on longer when you're in the water is less likely to wash off. To maximize your sunscreen's water resistance, always follow the application instructions pertaining to how long to wait before jumping in the water.
What happens when you use chemical sunscreens?
Marine scientists and eco-savvy beachgoers have been raising concerns about the impact chemical sunscreens are having on our ocean ecosystems for years. Active chemical sunscreen ingredients-like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene-are even being reevaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for human safety. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are designed to block both UVB and UVA rays. To achieve this and remain smooth, invisible, and affordable, many conventional sunscreens rely on a cocktail of synthetic chemicals. The Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found that over 90% of the over 2,500 people tested had oxybenzone in their urine. Sunscreen chemicals have also been found in breast milk.
While the specifics of sunscreens can feel complicated, it ultimately comes down to the active ingredients. A reef-friendly sunscreen will contain only the minerals zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients. The terms 'reef friendly' and 'reef safe' are not regulated, so you cannot simply trust products with this description. Any brand can use these terms on the bottle, even if the ingredients tell a different story.