But nanoparticles arent perfect, even those of natural substances like zinc or titanium dioxide. The easiest way to ensure youre using reef-safe sunscreen is to choose a formula thats clearly marketed as such. These days, however, formulations of mineral sunscreens are getting better and grind the minerals down to a microscopic size called nanoparticles to ensure they disappear on skin quicker and more easily without leaving a film or chalky look. Shop Now. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. To help focus your search, here are our picks for the best reef-safe sunscreens available. Highlights The global Reef Safe Sunscreen market is projected to reach USD million by 2028 from an estimated USD million in 2023, at a CAGR of Percent during 2023 and 2028. SPF: 50 | Size: 6 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. The company does state that it lab tests each of its face and body sunscreens to ensure they are marine safe. 5 min read. When you see the words reef safe on a bottle, it usually just means its free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, which is a start but not the be-all-end-all. Basically, says Robinson, you have to make the decision for yourself. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why We Love It: This non-greasy sunscreen won't become runny as you sweat. Sunscreens that claim to be reef-friendly and absorb into your skin should be carefully scrutinized. Plus, it makes reapplying every two hours less of chore. .css-13y9o4w{display:block;font-family:GraphikBold,GraphikBold-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-13y9o4w:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.05rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.39461rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.5rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.3;}}15 Long Lasting Colognes, According to Experts, 8 Reliable Head Shavers, According to Experts, The 13 Best Trimmers to Get Rid of Nose Hair, The 18 Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin, 16 Best Shampoos for Men, According to Experts, The 15 Best Electric Shavers on the Market Now, Here's Where to Spend (And Save!) Comparison Table of the Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens. However, we are starting to see a trend of these big brands creating new, less toxic sunscreen lines such as Banana Boats Simply Protect which is made without oxybenzone & parabens. "Having sunscreens that are reliable in different parts of the world where the UV rays can be more intense is crucial." Oxybenzone and octinoxate, the two chemicals recently banned in Hawaii and are believed to cause coral bleaching. That said, Dr. Jamal says it depends on the exact formulation. The main downside is that it's only water and sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes, whereas other sunscreens on this list last for 80 minutes. Baby Sunscreen; Baby Toothpaste. But just what "reef safe" means is unclear, and the science about the possible . One more thing: While the SPF isnt marketed as being water resistant, we found that when splashed with water, it doesnt run. It's lightweight, fragrance-free, and won't make you break out. What to Consider: Active ingredients include octocrylene, a chemical that is banned in the U.S. Virgin islands. For example, I ended up on a page on Walmart.com that literally said Neutrogena Reef-Safe Sunscreen in Sunscreen. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 50 | Water-Resistant: No, though it passed our splash test. A reef-safe sunscreen is one free of chemicals and particles known to harm coral reefs. That means our team of testers has reviewed every product on this list using a unique methodology to ensure it's really worth your time, money, and attention. There are no chemical sunscreens in this formula, only a powerful combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Even when our tester used a tablespoon of the SPF (instead of the recommended teaspoon), she found that there was no white cast. We also considered top-reviewed sunscreens that had at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust. That was the heading on my search results page. Why We Love It: It minimizes pores for a more flawless look. Garrett Munce writes about men's style and grooming. After honing in on online ratings, we spent 48 hours putting the 24 most popular sunscreens to the test. Most popular sunscreen brands are known to contain these dangerous chemicals. Though, its citrusy, so it may not be for everyone. $14 at Walmart. Mineral sunscreens work by staying on top of the skin and blocking UV rays by reflecting them to keep from entering the surface, Dr. Henry says. The consistency is really smooth it spreads easily compared to other reef-safe sunscreens I've tried and absorbs almost immediately without a white cast [anywhere in sight], our tester says. What We Dont Love: It gets a bit sticky once wet, and it has a strong lemony scent. What We Love: This body SPF is easy to travel with given its TSA-friendly size. From best-in-class concealer to the black pants you need for work, check out all of our InStyle Picks content. Filter by. The easiest way to think about it is to picture the old-school lifeguards or surfers with pure white zinc on their noses. Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. 5. It also contains a few other chemicals some beach-goers try to avoid, namely homosalate and octocrylene. What to Consider: This sunscreen moisturizes skin, so can feel greasy after multiple reapplications. It offers SPF 17 broad spectrum . As a result, youve probably noticed more sunscreens promoting themselves as "reef safe". Sunscreens are incredible herbicides, worse than commercial herbicides, says Downs. This reduces the amount of chemicals that go into the sea by about half. With only five ingredients in this Protect Land + Sea certified formula, Badger sunscreen is as natural is you can find, but doesnt sacrifice any sun protection. #1 Read the label. The Pipette Mineral Sunscreen - SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Sunblock with Non-Nano Zinc outperformed the competition with its ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formula that quickly sinks into skin, doesnt leave a white cast, and doesnt transfer onto clothes. MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Clear Spray. It honestly took less time than some of my regular lotions.. TSA-Friendly: Reef Repair Reef-Safe Sunscreen SPF 30. Sweat-resistant Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen is our top pick. Look for their logos on packages to help easily identify products that they deem safe. Im impressed with how easily this sunscreen spreads, she adds. One of the biggest reasons people stay away from mineral sunscreens is how they look (chalky) and feel (filmy) on their skin. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration is working on outlining official cut-and-dry rules on what qualifies as reef-safe. Avoid sunscreens with high content of Titanium Dioxide. 2. Brands are beginning to replace "reef-safe" with "reef-friendly" in order to offer a more accurate description of their products. | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 30+ | Water-Resistant: Yes. Or perhaps you like to take a more active approach, spending the majority of your time on a board, in the surf, or snorkeling below the surface. Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at. Read Now! It's arguably the most well known and feels the most natural on the skin - it's super lightweight and not greasy at all. coverage in exchange. This body of researchwhile . The oil-free formula uses 100 percent mineral UV blockers of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and uses silica powder to combat shiny residue. Best Overall: Kkua Sun Care Reef Safe Natural Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50. Sunscreen creams and sticks that are ideal for snorkeling trips or watersports aren't going to give the same lightweight feeling or barely-there look you'll want to seek out in an everyday sunscreen for your face. Their subsequent study found that there was over 14,000 tons of sunscreen in our oceans, which they have now been able to directly link to irreversible damage to coral and other marine life. Consumers are purchasing these items for their perceived lower environmental impact when that is possibly inaccurate or misleading. . Highly Rated: Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Mineral Lotion SPF 50. And if youre really prone to burning, select a formula with a higher spf level, like Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50. Nanominerals make the product easier to apply, but ecotoxicology . As a professional surfer in the World Surf League, Kirra Seale says applying Mattescreen is part of her daily reef-safe sun protection routine. It costs less than the competition, plus it rubs in fairly easily and feels nice on skin . This All Good mineral sunscreen is both water- and sweat-resistant so you can enjoy your go-to beachside sport without worrying about your skin. What We Dont Love: The very wet consistency could be a recipe for a mess. How do I know if my sunscreen is reef-safe? Resistant, Reef Safe, SPF 50 . Dear SB Community, There is still a lot of conversation and debate around the impact of sunscreen on coral reefs. Unlike the term "SPF", which requires dozens of tests on human volunteers to earn, there are no formal requirements for the phrase . I imagine if I really lathered my whole body the scent might be slightly stronger and could potentially be unpleasant, but that's just a conjecture.. They reflect light and do not convert it to heat like chemical sunscreens, thus making them ideal for sensitive skin.. According to our tester, the formula, which is infused with organic and sustainably-grown ingredients, blends in easily despite feeling a bit sticky fresh out of the tube. . That said, the formula doesnt fully hold its ground in the presence of water. Wearing mineral sunscreen on your body is one thing, but how it feels on your face is another. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, wearing sunscreen is the best protection you can get against sun damage that can lead to skin cancer. Best for Kids: Earth Mama Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. $37. She writes for a variety of publications, covering everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. The reef-safe sunscreen contains non-nano transparent zinc oxide that is easily blendable and soaks into your skin without leaving a white residue, including on dark skin tones. Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion at Walmart, Biossance Sheer Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon, California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion at Amazon, Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 30+ at Amazon, Maui Naturals Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon, Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion - SPF 50 at Target, MDSolarSciences Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40 at Amazon, Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion, Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, 8 Clean Sunscreens That Won't Leave a White Cast Behind, Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion, Maui Naturals Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion - SPF 50, MDSolarSciences Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40. If you actually prefer a scented sunscreen, youll swoon over Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50. Likewise, if your sunscreen claims to do double-duty as an exfoliant or create a shimmer effect, it may contain nanoplastics, which are harmful to the marine environment. Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 30+ might not look like the highest quality SPF on the market, but inside the tube youll find a lighter-weight reef-safe sunscreen that feels considerably better than most of its competitors. The new law goes into effect January 1, 2021, but many visitors and residents are already trading in their non-reef safe sun protection. To really hedge your bets, you should look at the ingredients list and see if its a purely mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide (sometimes formulas will include other chemicals, like avobenzone) and whether it says the ingredients are nano or non-nano. In addition to being mineral-based and reef-safe, it contains Senna alata, an antioxidant that helps shield the skin from free radicals . This sunscreen uses ingredients that are thought to be safest for reefs.