How Safe
is Your
Sunscreen?

Scroll down to find out.

Did you know that over 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter the ocean yearly?

And just 1 drop of Oxybenzone in 6 Olympic-sized pools is enough to damage corals.

Ingredient Check

Click the button below to see how well your sunscreen scores or compare your ingredient label with our tips on what to look for.

Check Your Sunscreen

Ingredients to Avoid:
- Oxybenzone & Octinoxate
- Octocrylene & Homosalate
- Benzophenones
- Cyclopentasiloxane and Cyclomethicone
- Methylisothiazolinone
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
- Octinoxate lactyl methoxycinnamate
- Butyloctyl salicylate
- Clear or nano zinc
- Parabens & artificial fragrances
- Non-nano zinc oxide & titanium dioxide
- “Mineral-Based”
- Biodegradable & water-resistant formulas
- "Reef-Safe" Certification
- Lotions over aerosol sprays

Did your sunscreen pass the vibe check?

If not, check out these top sunscreen brands committed to making a difference for both coral reefs and other marine life.

The word "NATIVE" in blue uppercase letters on a white background.

*Not every product sold from these brands may be reef-safe. Check the safety scores for your exact product’s ingredients and refer to our tips above on what to look for.

Why is choosing reef-safe sunscreen important?

70-90% of coral reefs are estimated to decline by 2050

Person applying lotion from a tube onto their palm, with a blue patterned towel in the background.

Coral reefs are declining due to bleaching events caused by compounding factors such as:

Rising ocean temperatures
Ocean acidification
Microplastics
Harmful sunscreen ingredients

Making the switch to safer sunscreens is one difference you can make today.

Close-up view of bleached coral reef that

What is coral bleaching?

You may have heard the term “coral bleaching” before but not understood what it meant. Coral bleaching refers to corals that have turned white due to the loss of zooxanthellae––a symbiotic algae that coexists inside corals.

Zooxanthellae is responsible for giving corals their bright colors and helping them get the nutrients they need through photosynthesis (they need the sun!) When stressors such as sunscreen chemicals enter the scene, the zooxanthellae are expelled by the corals, giving the corals that white “bleached” look. If conditions don’t return to normal, the zooxanthellae won’t return to the corals and the corals will die.

Colorful coral reef aquarium with various types of pink, orange, and green corals and marine plants.

Coral reefs exist for more than just looks…

Approximately 25% of the ocean's fish depend on healthy coral reefs for food, shelter, and nursery grounds. Their importance for marine biodiversity has given them the nickname “rainforest of the sea.”

Coral reefs are important for humans as well. They serve as a natural barrier against coastal erosion and flooding. They also contribute to global food security and play a vital role in the economy, supporting the livelihoods of over 500 million people through industries like fishing, snorkeling, and diving.

FAQs

Whether you are still feeling hesitant to make the switch to reef-safe sunscreen or just have some concerns, check out these answers to some top questions.

Unfortunately, a “Reef Safe” label may just be marketing. The “Reef Safe” or “Reef Friendly” labels started as a response to Hawaii’s ban on two major sunscreen ingredients: oxybenzone and octinoxate. While these two ingredients are the major offenders, many other ingredients that are not banned can also be harmful to marine life and appear in “Reef Safe/Friendly” formulas. Since there is no regulation on the use of these labels, it is always best to check the ingredient list for yourself.
Many mineral-based sunscreens, especially those that use non-nano zinc oxide, can leave a white residue as they are designed to sit on top the skin rather than soak in. Some brands such as Pipette, Solara Suncare, and Beauty by Earth now offer formulas that are low-white-cast options. Your best reef-safe sunscreen options for avoiding that white-pasty look are tinted or sheer formulations and mineral sunscreens blended with a moisturizing base.
Absolutely— as long as it has broad-spectrum protection and the correct SPF for your needs.
Reef-safe mineral sunscreens work with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect UVA and UVB rays. These ingredients are FDA-approved for sun protection and start working immediately upon application (no wait time like chemical sunscreens).
Tips for Best Protection:
- Use SPF 30 or higher
- Apply liberally — about a shot-glass full for your body
- Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating
Reef-safe sunscreens are becoming more available in drugstores, health food stores, and online. Recommended brands such as Blue Lizard, Babo Botanicals, Native, and more can be found at retailers such as Target, Wal-Mart, Ulta, CVS, Walgreens, Publix, and surf shops. Reef-safe sunscreens can also be found online through brand websites, Amazon, and Thrive Market.
For every 1 person choosing reef-safe sunscreen, there are 5 others choosing unsafe options. While reef-safe sunscreen alone won't stop coral decline, choosing it helps reduce chemical exposure in fragile ecosystems and supports broader conservation efforts. Every small choice adds up to either contribute to being part of the problem or part of the solution.
Also, keep in mind that reef-safe mineral sunscreens are not only better for marine life — they’re often a safer, lower-risk choice for people, too, as they are less likely to cause hormone disruption or irritate skin than traditional sunscreen ingredients.