The 101 on Reef-Safe Sunscreen on Maui

Written by the Maui Snorkeling team, operating Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens tours out of Maʻalaea Harbor since 1985. Tours are led by USCG‑licensed captains aboard a USCG‑inspected passenger vessel. We spend more days in these waters than on land.

Last updated: February 2026

Aloha! Choosing reef-safe sunscreen is a smart way to protect your skin from the sun. It also does something vital for our oceans! It helps protect the beautiful coral reefs and the marine life they support. As more people learn about the harmful effects of some sunscreens, the demand for safer options is growing.

If you love the ocean, let that passion extend to your sunscreen choice! We touched on this in our Eco-Friendly Snorkeling blog, but here’s a sunscreen guide with everything you need to know before your trip!

Maui County’s Ban of Non-Mineral Sunscreen

On October 1, 2022, Maui County took a big step to help the environment. They banned the sale, distribution, and use of non-mineral-based sunscreens. On Maui, sunscreens must contain minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are safe for people and marine life.

This law is stricter than the statewide rule that started in January 2021. That rule banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, harmful chemicals that can harm coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

Non‑mineral sunscreen can only be used with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Why Some Sunscreens Are Not Reef-Safe

It might surprise you that even though many sunscreens claim to be “reef-safe,” some still contain harmful ingredients. The problem is that there isn’t an official rule for what “reef-safe sunscreen” means. That’s why it’s important to check the label for the active ingredients yourself so you don’t choose chemical sunscreens.

Chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned in Hawaii because they can cause coral bleaching. When people swim, snorkel, or surf, the chemicals can wash off into the ocean, damaging coral and other marine life

Estimates vary, but studies cited by the International Coral Reef Initiative suggest roughly 4,000–6,000 tons of sunscreen wash into coral reefs each year, with other estimates ranging up to 6,000–14,000 tons.

Key Ingredients to Avoid

Skip sunscreens with these harmful ingredients:

• • Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)
  • Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate)
  • Octocrylene
  • Homosalate
  • 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
  • Parabens
  • Microplastics (including plastic microbeads), which can be ingested by marine life.

Reef Safe Sunscreen Ingredients

Reef-safe sunscreens use mineral (physical) UV filters that sit on the skin to reflect UV rays. The safest options are:

• • Zinc Oxide
  • Titanium Dioxide

Maui County recommends choosing mineral sunscreens made with “non‑nanotized” (non‑nano) zinc oxide or titanium dioxide when possible. Many newer mineral formulas go on much more smoothly than older versions (especially “sheer” or tinted options), so you can get strong protection without relying on chemical UV filters.

In the past, mineral sunscreens often left a noticeable white cast. Now, improved formulas and tinted options make them easier to wear while still being safe for reefs. If you have options, choose formulas that clearly say “non‑nanotized” (non‑nano) zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Toxic Sunscreens

Photos courtesy of Save The Reef

Certification and Labels

There’s no official certification for reef-safe sunscreens, which leads to confusion and greenwashing. Greenwashing occurs when a product is marketed as environmentally friendly even though it might not be. Consumers are advised to read ingredient lists carefully. When you see products labeled “reef-safe,” “ocean-safe,” or “coral-friendly,” that’s a good start. But remember to check the ingredients, too. These terms sound good and suggest the product is safe for marine ecosystems. However, without a standard certification, these labels can be confusing.

Additional Considerations for Reef-Safe Sunscreens

Biodegradability: If you want to help the environment while enjoying the ocean, choose sunscreens that break down naturally. These are called biodegradable sunscreens. Regular sunscreen can persist in the environment for a long time, posing risks to fish, coral, and other sea creatures.

But when you choose biodegradable sunscreen, you’re helping to protect the ocean! If your sunscreen washes off while you’re swimming or snorkeling, it will break down into safe substances. So, you can have a great time exploring underwater without worrying about affecting marine life. This helps keep the fragile ocean ecosystems safe and sound.

Broad Spectrum: Broad-spectrum sunscreens are an excellent idea for keeping your skin safe from the sun. These special sunscreens protect you from two types of sun rays: UVA and UVB.

By choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, you’re not only protecting your skin from sunburn and its redness and soreness, but also helping to prevent more serious skin damage and health risks down the road.

Water Resistance: If you enjoy water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, or diving, choose a water-resistant sunscreen. Water-resistant sunscreens are formulated to stay on your skin longer, even when you swim or sweat.

However, it’s important to remember that just because a sunscreen is “water-resistant” doesn’t mean it’s “waterproof.” You still need to reapply sunscreen regularly. This is especially important after you’ve dried off with a towel or been in the water for a long time. Following these tips will help keep your skin protected!

Best Hawaiian Sunscreen (Reef-Safe)

Reef-Safe Sunscreen on Maui Snorkeling Tours

On our Maui Snorkeling Tours, we’re proud to provide Project Reef mineral sunscreens for all guests — a reef-safe, all-mineral line born on Maui designed to protect both your skin and the environment. Project Reef’s formulas are broadly reef-safe, non‑nano, luxurious, and vegan, all packaged sustainably. Every purchase helps remove one pound of plastic from the ocean and supports local conservation programs.

By offering Project Reef products on board (SPF 30 and 50 options), we ensure you’re shielded from the sun while helping preserve our fragile coral ecosystems.

Maui Snorkeling Tours:

Now that you’ve learned all about reef-safe sunscreen, slather some on and join us for one of our Molokini snorkeling tours!

Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour

Start your day with the Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour. This exciting journey runs from 7 AM to 12 PM and is available every day of the week. This adventure features two premier snorkeling spots.

Our first stop is the famous Molokini Crater. After that, we’ll explore the beautiful Turtle Town, Maui. As we make our way to the incredible snorkeling spots in Maui, keep an eye out. Depending on the season, you might see Humpback Whales swimming in the beautiful Hawaiian waters.

Maui Snorkeling Afternoon Tour

The Maui Snorkeling Afternoon Tour runs from 1 PM to 4 PM. This tour typically includes Coral Gardens, where you’ll snorkel and swim among vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. This is best for guests who want a more relaxing experience.

Enjoy delicious meals, snack to your heart’s content, and sip coffee, tea, juices, and soft drinks while aboard. We equip you with the finest snorkeling gear—high-quality snorkels, fins, optical masks, and flotation belts. And for extra fun, we throw in boogie boards, a thrilling 25-foot water slide, and swimming noodles.

Maui Snorkeling, known for the best snorkeling in Maui, invites sea adventurers of all ages and skill levels. We have special rates for Kama’aina and youth. Kids under 4 can join for FREE! This makes it a great family-friendly experience and one of the best things to do in Maui with kids!

We heard your requests! Now, you can bring your favorite drinks to enjoy after all the fun in the water. So why wait? Dive into the adventure of a lifetime with one of our tour packages and snorkel Maui today!

The Bigger Picture

Reef-safe sunscreen is one step toward protecting Maui’s reefs. Other key actions include reducing pollution, fighting climate change, and supporting marine protected areas. By choosing mineral-based, biodegradable sunscreens, you protect marine life and keep Hawaii’s waters healthy.

In conclusion, reef-safe sunscreen is a critical component of environmentally responsible sun protection. Go for mineral-based and biodegradable options that also avoid leaving a white cast on your skin. This way, you can enjoy the sun safely and help protect the oceans and coral reefs. Visit Hawaii today!

FAQs

Sources

Maui County’s official mineral-only sunscreen page

Ordinance No. 5306

Maui County’s sunscreen FAQs