Do you know Hawaii has a bill passed in May 2018, which bans the use & sale of sunscreens that contain harmful chemicals? The bill was actually passed to keep the reefs safe, as the chemicals in sunscreen were harming the reefs of Hawaii. So, if you are planning to visit Hawaii or any place with reefs around & spend your vacations there, it is best to take reef safe sunscreen with you.
This article will mention the best reef safe sunscreen for Hawaii recommendations you can bring up to Hawaii. But first, let’s know what damage does regular sunscreen causes to reefs?
What does a standard sun screen contain & how does it affect reefs?
Regular sunscreen has chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate & also nano-size particles of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They may be suitable for human skin & make the harmful UV rays into harmless heat, but when they dissolve into water, they attack the reef’s DNA & decrease its defense against bleaching, hurting their defense.
Moreover, the baby reefs get distressed from the chemicals & do not get nutrients, resulting in vulnerability to infection & abnormalities in growth.
So using standard sunscreen anywhere near the ocean can affect the reefs & the life surrounding them.
Apart from oxybenzone and octinoxate, one should not choose a sunscreen containing:
- 4-methyl benzylidene camphor
- Ethylparaben
- Octocrylene
- Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
- Methylparaben
- Triclosan
- Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Benzylparaben
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List of 10 Best Reef Safe Sunscreen Brands
One should not consider sunscreen, which does not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, as other chemicals like zinc oxide are also harmful. So picking up sunscreen, which is totally safe for reefs, is a must to visiting Hawaii. Here are the ten best reef safe sun screen to choose from:
1) Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Specifications
- Brand – Sun Bum Store
- Sun Protection – 50 SPF
- Volume – 88 ML
- Fragrance – No
- Ingredients – Water, Coconut Oil, Zinc Oxide 20%
The question that comes is sun bum reef safe? With the majority of ingredients being natural u0026amp; no presence of harmful chemicals, it can be called safe. Moreover, it contains 20% Zinc Oxide, which is also normal. However, the manufacture should have mentioned the particle size to be double sure. u003cbru003eOverall, it is a reef safe sunscreen.
2) Thinksport SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Specifications
- Brand – Thinksport Store
- Sun Protection – 50 SPF
- Volume – 177 ML
- Scent – Unscented
- Ingredients – Water u0026 Zinc Oxide 20%
It is one of the best reef safe sunscreen rated by EWG. It provides protection against UVA u0026amp; UVB for up to 80 minutes. Moreover, contains the extracts of Grape u0026amp; curant u0026amp; it is made of mineral-based natural ingredients. It is a good choice as a sun screen for Hawaii.
3) Blue Lizard Australian Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Specifications
- Brand – Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
- Sun Protection – 30 SPF
- Volume – 250 ML
- Scent – Unscented
- Skin Type – Sensitive
- Ingredients – Water, Zinc Oxide 20% u0026 Titanium Dioxide
This sunscreen is actually dermatologically tested u0026amp; provides you protection against UVA/UVB. It provides water u0026amp; resistant u0026amp; gives you protection for 80 minutes straight. Moreover, it comes with Vitamin E, which is really great for the skin. u003cbru003eIn terms of reef safe, it is one of the best reef safe sunscreen.
4) MANDA, Organic Sun Creme, Natural Sunscreen
Specifications
- Brand – MANDA Store
- Sun Protection – 50 SPF
- Volume – 100 ML
- Skin Type – Acne-Prone
- Ingredients – Water, Zinc Oxide 23%, coconut oil, cocoa butter, etc.
If you want reef safe sunscreen for acne-prone skin, then this is the perfect choice for you. The sunscreen gives you 50 SPF sun rays protection. It does not have non-nano zinc oxide, so it is safe for reefs u0026amp; the natural oils in it are suitable for your skin. u003cbru003eIt will surely leave a white layer on your skin but don’t worry; it is safe to skin. Moreover, you can easily visit Hawaii u0026amp; get tan at the seaside.
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5) Goddess Garden, Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Specifications
- Brand – goddess garden Store
- Sun Protection – 50 SPF
- Volume – 3.4 ounces
- Skin Type – Sensitive
- Ingredients – Shea butter, Zinc Oxide, coconut oil. etc
u003cbru003eAccording to EWG, Goddess Garden Sport is a top-rated mineral sunscreen. It offers broad-spectrum protection and is reef-safe thanks to its non-nano zinc oxide content of 20%.u003cbru003eMoreover, it is toddler safe, so it is human-safe u0026amp; reef safe sunscreen. The sunscreen is even vegan friendly u0026amp; cruelty-free.
6) Waxhead Reef Safe Sunscreen
Specifications
- Brand – Waxhead sun defense foods store
- Sun Protection – 30 SPF
- Volume – 3.7 ounces
- Scent – Unscented
- Skin Type – Sensitive
- Ingredients – Beeswax, Zinc Oxide 25%, coconut oil u0026 vanilla extract
u003cbru003eThe Waxhead Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick is a chemical-free, cruelty-free, and organic sunscreen stick for your kids. It contains four certified organic ingredients and 25% non-nano zinc oxide. So this sunscreen is a completely safe sun screen for Hawaii. The sunscreen is, moreover, non-irritating, so use it without any issue.
7) TotLogic Natural Mineral Sunscreen For Kids
Specifications
- Brand – TotLogic store
- Sun Protection – 30 SPF
- Volume – 89 ML
- Scent – Lavender
- Skin Type – Kids
- Ingredients – Zinc Oxide 20%, coconut oil u0026 Castor oil, etc.
u003cbru003eIf you want a fantastic reef safe sunscreen for your kids, then this will be the best choice for you. The sunscreen is 30 SPF u0026amp; provides protection against the sun, plus it is not too harsh, so your kid’s skin will remain safe. However, it gives rashes sometimes. The cream is water u0026amp; sweat resistant; it will also protect for 80 minutes straight.
8) Face Sunscreen SPF 20, Reef safe sunscreen for Hawaii
Specifications
- Brand – Beauty by Earth store
- Sun Protection – 30 SPF
- Volume – 59.15 ML
- Scent – Vanilla
- Skin Type – All
- Best for – Face
- Ingredients – Vitamin C u0026 11% non-nano zinc oxide
If you want to get a unique sunscreen for your face, then here is your product. The Beauty by earth stone face sunscreen contains Vitamin C as active ingredients u0026amp; is free from any harmful chemicals for skin u0026amp; even reefs. Moreover, it is vegan-friendly u0026amp; even has anti-aging properties.
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9) Stream2Sea Reef Safe Sport Mineral Sunscreen
Specifications
- Brand – STREAM 2 SEA Store
- Sun Protection – 30 SPF
- Volume – 90 ML
- Skin Type – All
- Ingredients – Salicylic_acid, Titanium Dioxide (Non-Nano)
Sport Sunscreen Lotion by Stream2Sea is formulated for use on the face and body, but adults should use it. In contrast to the other sunscreens above, it does not contain zinc oxide. The active ingredient is non-nano titanium dioxide at an 8.8% concentration. It gives sun protection for around 80 minutes. Moreover, it does not sting eyes like some other creams. It is a suitable sun screen for Hawaii.
10) Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Specifications
- Brand – Babo Botanicals Store
- Sun Protection – 30 SPF
- Volume – 89 ML
- Skin Type – Dry
- Ingredients – Zinc Oxide 18.4%, Shea butter, Flower Extract
The sunscreen is suitable for everyone, from kids to adults. The 30 SPF power provides protection against the sun for a long time. The cream is hypoallergenic u0026amp; is best for dry skin. Apart from being a human-friendly sunscreen, it is also safe for coral reefs. Babo botanicals are one of the best reef safe sunscreens.
Conclusion
These were the best of the best choices for reef safe sunscreen that you can buy for your visit to Hawaii. If you want to choose any other sunscreen, then don’t forget t choose the chemical composition in it & then make the right choice.
We hope you found this article helpful & informative. Let us know your thoughts & suggestions in the comments below!
Thank you for reading!
FAQ
Reef-friendly sunscreens can be equally effective, and advancements in formulas continue to improve their performance.
Not anymore. Many modern reef-friendly sunscreens are formulated to be transparent, eliminating the white residue commonly associated with older formulas.
Supporting marine conservation organizations, participating in beach cleanups, and adopting sustainable lifestyle practices are excellent ways to contribute.
While some may have a slightly higher price point, the increasing demand for these products is driving market competition, making them more affordable.
