*Updated August 2025*
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 keep the beautiful coral reefs and all the marine life safe. 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. In Maui, sunscreens must use minerals like 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. In 2025, the county clarified that only mineral-based sunscreens are allowed, even if a product calls itself “reef-safe.”
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 active ingredients on the label 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
Scientists estimate that about 14,000 tons of sunscreen chemicals enter the oceans every year. Look through ingredients because even the term “reef-friendly”, doesn’t mean it is.
Key Ingredients to Avoid
Skip sunscreens with these harmful 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)
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
These are often non-nano in size to minimize the risk of marine ingestion. Some modern brands also use nano mineral sunscreens that go on smoothly but are still safe for reefs. Dermatologists recommend broad-spectrum, mineral-based products with high SPF for maximum protection.
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. Dermatologists recommend non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for the best skin and ocean protection.
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: If you want to help the environment while enjoying the ocean, choose sunscreens that break down naturally. These are called biodegradable sunscreens. Regular sunscreens can persist in the environment for a long time, and that can pose 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 ecosystems in the ocean 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 getting red and sore from sunburn, but you’re also helping to prevent more serious skin damage and health risks down the road.
Water Resistance: If you enjoy water activities like swimming, snorkeling, or diving, choose water-resistant sunscreen. Water-resistant sunscreens are made to stay on your skin for a longer period of time, 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!
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
- *Raw Love SPF 35 All-natural Mineral Sunscreen
- Manda Organic SPF 50 Sun Paste
- 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
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 onboard (SPF 30 and 50 options), we ensure that 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, or the stunning Coral Gardens. 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 goes to Coral Gardens, where you’ll snorkel and swim with vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. This is best for guests that 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!
Maui Snorkeling Boat Tours
Join us on a morning or afternoon tour to see Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, or Coral Gardens!
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!
