Reef-safe sunscreen protects your skin from the sun. It also helps keep coral reefs and marine life safe. As awareness about the ecological impact of conventional sunscreens grows, the demand for reef-safe options has surged. If you’re passionate about the ocean, coral reefs, and marine wildlife, let that passion extend to the sunscreen you choose. We touched on this in our Eco-Friendly Snorkeling blog, but here’s the 101 on reef-safe sunscreen in more depth.
Maui County Law: Ban of Non-Mineral Sunscreen
On October 1, 2022, Maui County took a big step for the environment. They banned the sale, distribution, and use of non-mineral-based sunscreens. If you buy or use sunscreen in Maui County, it must be made with minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These two minerals are natural and have the FDA’s seal of approval. They are marked as GRASE, which means they are Generally Recognized as Safe & Effective.
This rule on Maui adds to an earlier law across the State of Hawaiʻi. This statewide regulation, which began in January 2021, already banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals are known to negatively affect Hawaii’s marine life and ecosystems. Maui took it further to protect its oceans by allowing only mineral sunscreens. These sunscreen bans will only help Maui for years to come!
What Makes Sunscreen Not Reef-Safe?
Even though many sunscreens claim to be reef-safe, some still contain ingredients that harm corals, fish, and marine life. The term “reef-safe sunscreen” isn’t officially regulated. This means there is no standard definition to ensure these products are safe for marine ecosystems. As a consumer, it’s important to check the label and learn which ingredients are safe for the ocean.
Traditional sunscreens often contain chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate. These ingredients are banned in Hawaii because they harm coral reefs. They have been linked to coral bleaching and other harmful effects on marine ecosystems. When swimmers, snorkelers, and surfers use these sunscreens, the chemicals can wash off into the ocean. This can harm coral and marine life.
In light of this, the push for truly reef safe sunscreen becomes all the more critical. When you choose reef-safe sunscreen, you’re picking products that skip harmful chemicals. This helps protect the environment in our oceans. This thoughtful choice helps keep coral reefs and marine life healthy. It ensures that future generations can enjoy our oceans.
Key Ingredients to Avoid
To protect coral reefs, it’s recommended to avoid chemical sunscreens with the following ingredients:
• Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)
• Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate)
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate
• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
• Parabens
• Microplastics or nano-sized particles (which can be ingested by marine life)
Preferred Ingredients in Reef-Safe Sunscreens
Reef-safe sunscreens typically use mineral (physical) UV filters, which sit on top of the skin to reflect UV rays away. The two main active ingredients considered safe for reefs are:
• Zinc Oxide
• Titanium Dioxide
These are often non-nano in size to minimize the risk of marine ingestion and bioaccumulation.
Reef-Safe Sunscreens
Toxic Sunscreens
Photos courtesy of Save The Reef
Certification and Labels
There’s no official certification for reef-safe sunscreens, leading to some confusion and greenwashing. Greenwashing is when a product is marketed as environmentally friendly when, in reality, 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: Choosing biodegradable sunscreens is essential to minimizing your environmental footprint while enjoying ocean activities. Biodegradable means that the sunscreen can naturally decompose without leaving harmful residues that could affect marine life. Traditional sunscreens can linger in the environment, posing risks to fish, coral, and other sea creatures. By picking biodegradable options, you help protect the ocean. If your sunscreen washes off in the water, it will break down into safe substances. This way, you can enjoy your time snorkeling without harming marine life. This helps protect the delicate ocean ecosystems.
Broad Spectrum: Broad-spectrum sunscreens are the way to go when protecting your skin from the sun. These products offer defense against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are primarily responsible for skin aging, causing long-term damage like wrinkles and age spots. On the other hand, UVB rays are the leading cause of sunburn. Both types of UV radiation can lead to skin cancer. By choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, you protect your skin from sunburn. It also helps prevent more profound skin damage and health risks.
Water Resistance: For those who love spending time in the water, whether swimming, snorkeling, or diving, water-resistant sunscreen is a game-changer. Water-resistant sunscreens are made to stay on your skin longer. They work well even when you swim or sweat. This means they won’t wash off as quickly. This not only protects your skin better but also reduces the sunscreen that ends up in the ocean. However, it’s important to remember that “water-resistant” does not mean “waterproof.” You should reapply sunscreen often. This is especially important after drying off with a towel or spending a long time in the water. This way, you’ll keep your skin protected.
Maui Snorkeling Boat Tours
Join us on a morning or afternoon tour to see Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, or Coral Gardens!
Best Hawaiian Sunscreen (Reef-Safe)
Here is a Maui approved sunscreen list, according to Hawaii.com. Sunscreens made in Hawaii are marked with an * asterisk.
• *Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian SPF 50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen
• *Mama Kuleana Waterproof SPF 30 Reef-safe Sunscreen
• *Little Hands Hawaii SPF 35+ All-natural and Organic Sunscreen
• Manda Organic SPF 50 Sun Paste
• *Raw Love SPF 35 All-natural Mineral Sunscreen
• Thinksport SPF 50 Sunscreen
• All Good SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion
• Babo Botanicals SPF 30 Clear Zinc Lotion
• Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen
• Badger SPF 30 Unscented Sunscreen Cream
• Raw Elements SPF 30 Certified Natural Sunscreen
• Stream2Sea SPF 30 Mineral Sunblock
• Loving Naturals Clear Body SPF 30+ All-natural Sunscreen
• Banana Boat Simply Protect SPF 50+ Sunscreen (spray, not lotion)
• Olita Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Maui Snorkeling Molokini Snorkeling and Slide Tours:
Now that you’ve learned all about reef-safe sunscreen, slather some on and join us for one of our Molokini snorkeling tours!
Maui Morning Tour
Start your day with the Maui Snorkeling Morning 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 or the stunning Coral Gardens. As we make our way to the incredible snorkeling spots in Maui, keep an eye out. You might see the majestic Humpback Whales swimming in the beautiful Hawaiian waters.
Maui Afternoon Tour
The Maui Afternoon Tour runs from 1 PM to 4 PM. It’s a great chance for anyone wanting a calm Molokini snorkeling experience. With favorable weather, you’ll enjoy snorkeling and sliding at the Molokini Crater, away from the typical crowds. Should conditions turn less favorable for safe and comfortable snorkeling, Coral Gardens or Turtle Town Maui will provide a similarly relaxed snorkel and slide experience without the crowds.
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!
Maui Snorkeling Boat Tours
Join us on a morning or afternoon tour to see Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, or Coral Gardens!
The Bigger Picture
Maui’s reefs are beautiful and important. They support the island’s marine life and help the economy, especially in tourism and fishing. Protecting coral reefs goes beyond choosing the right sunscreen. It involves broader environmental efforts, including reducing pollution, combating climate change, and supporting marine protected areas. Switching to reef-safe sunscreen is a great start. However, it’s just one part of many actions needed to protect marine ecosystems for future generations.
In conclusion, reef-safe sunscreen is a critical component of environmentally responsible sun protection. Choose products that don’t have harmful chemicals. Go for mineral-based and biodegradable options. This way, you can enjoy the sun safely. This way, you also help protect the oceans and coral reefs.
