Spread The Word And Advocate For Bans On Reef Harming Sunscreens
In addition to changing our actions and purchasing decisions to protect the marine environment, itâs also important to spread awareness about the issue to friends, family and community members. At the local level, ensure that your townâs stores are offering “reef friendly” sunscreen products, and encourage them to stop the sale of harmful products.
You can also advocate for local legislation that bans the sale and use of toxic sunscreens. For instance, in 2018, Hawaii passed the first ever statewide ban on oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens, soon after, island nations including Palau, Bonaire and Aruba followed suite. Due to widespread community support, the Florida Keys were also able to pass an oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreen ban in Key West, but chemical companies have been working tirelessly to try and revoke this important legislation through the use of statewide preemption.
At the federal level, you can ask your federal representatives to support the first federal bill to ban oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens in National Marine Sanctuaries with coral reefs!
Best Sunscreen For Hawaii: Ultimate Guide To Reef Safe Sunscreen
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Did you know theres a Hawaii sunscreen ban on all sunscreen that isnt reef safe? Keep scrolling to find the best sunscreen for Hawaii to add to your beach bag thats Eco friendly!
This post about the best sunscreen for Hawaii contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
We all know how important it is to use sunscreen when youre in a warm climate, like Hawaii. It protects your skin from harmful sun rays.
Its especially important for kids to wear sunscreen in Hawaii and we often slather them in it just to make sure there is no risk of them burning.
While its definitely important to protect our skin in warm climates, its also important to consider the health of the environment we are enjoying.
Traditional sunblock is made from synthetic chemicals. The detrimental effect of these chemicals on the environment mainly coral reefs is not always something people are aware of.
However, there are mineral alternatives that are both effective and environmentally friendly.
Read on to find out which Hawaii suntan lotions are reef safe and which sunscreens should be avoided for the protection of our oceans.
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Alba Botanica Coconut Hawaiian Reef Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays with this next product on our list from Alba Botanica. This Coconut Oil Hawaiian Clear Spray is a lightweight sunscreen that is made with a silky oil blend of ingredients.
This oil blend sunscreen spray absorbs quickly for a smooth finish without leaving a heavy or greasy feeling. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation the botanical emollients found in this lotion as coconut extract, shea butter, and avocado oil will help nourish and moisturize your skin once applied.
Another sunscreen that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, it has not been tested on any animals and is also biodegradable. The selling point for this sunscreen though is that their formula is made with 100% vegetarian ingredients and is safe for our coral reefs.
With no oxybenzone, octinoxate, gluten, or synthetic fragrances its the ideal sunscreen for scuba divers and ocean goers! Loved by people of all ages, also perfect for everyday year-round use, Alba Botanics also sell a childs version and a fragrance-free option.
How To Choose The Best Reef
Go for mineral sunscreens: Instead of harsh chemicals, reef-safe sunscreens typically only contain mineral or physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which work by absorbing UV rays, physical sunscreens physically block the suns rays to shield your skin from UV damage.
Double-check the ingredients: While no sunscreen is proven to be 100 percent reef-safe, mineral sunscreens have not yet been found to harm corals, according to the National Park Service. To ensure your sunscreen is reef-safe, flip over the bottle and look to make sure it doesnt contain any oxybenzone or octinoxate.
Dont skimp on protection: Youre also going to want to make sure that the sunscreen youre buying is doing a good job of protecting your skin. Look for SPF of at least 30 and the wording broad spectrum, which indicates UVA coverage, as SPF only measures UVB coverage, says Emily Newsom, MD, a dermatologist at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
If you need a head start, here are the best reef-safe sunscreens to toss in your beach bag this summer. Your skin will thank you.
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How To Choose A Reef Safe Sunscreen
One of the biggest reasons people stay away from mineral sunscreens is how they look and feel on their skin. That may have been true for the old-school zinc, but now formulas are smoother and easier to rub in, though may still take some getting used to. Buy a few different sunscreens and try them all to figure out which one your skin likes best because all skin is different, says Bhanusali. People may have reactions to certain ingredients, so you have to play around with it. Always choose a sunscreen that is at least broad spectrum SPF 30, as advised by the American Academy of Dermatology, and look for versions that are water resistant. Be wary of any product that doesnt list an SPF rating, since those are substantiated and regulated by the FDA, even if some of the ingredients are not. And if you cant find a mineral sunscreen you like, but still want to be reef safe, consider UPF clothing which still protects your skin from UV rays.
Check out the 12 best reef-safe sunscreens. Wed be willing to bet youll find one you like so much, you wont even miss your old chemical screen. The reefs will thank you.
How To Choose Reef
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, The Salt Sirens earns from qualifying purchases.
For years, research has shown that sunscreen residue from surfers, snorkelers, divers, and other ocean athletes damages and kills coral reefs. In tourist hotspots like the Great Barrier Reef, Hawaii, Southeast Asian islands in the coral triangle, and all around the globe, coral reefs are critically threatened partially thanks to human visitors. Figures from the U.S. National Park Service estimate that 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen enter coral reef areas every year.
If you can, consider covering yourself with a rashguard, leggings, hat, sunglasses, and a sarong to minimize the skin you have exposed to the sun. On the parts that are sunburn prone, use reef-safe sunscreen only. Fortunately, some states and beaches are seeking to ban reef-damaging sunscreens. But until that happens, we need to be proactive.
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How Does Sunscreen Damage Coral Reefs
In a study by Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, researchers found that oxybenzone is lethal to young coral. This chemical causes endocrine disruption, which affects how the coral grows and accepts symbiotic organisms leading to coral bleaching. It effects young corals in four separate ways. First, oxybenzone causes corals to bleach at a lower temperature than they would otherwise. Second, oxybenzone causes baby corals to produce excess calcium carbonate where basically, they create a skeleton around themselves and die. Third, oxybenzone damages coral DNA making it harder for them to reproduce. When they reproduce, the offspring is weak or mutilated. Finally, this fun chemical leads to deformities in young coral, impacting how they swim and eat.
Corals already battle bleaching though the rising sea temperatures, overfishing, mining, and boat anchoring, so bombarding them with toxic chemicals is extremely stressful. Since nearly a quarter of all sea life lives at some point in its life in coral reefs, you can imagine what the loss of coral does to fish populations.
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Recommended Sunscreens For Coral Reefs
The Environmental Working Group Organization puts out a yearly guide to sunscreens.
Here are our top picks.
Alba Botanicals : Some of their skincare contains oxybenzone.
Australian Gold Botanical: Smells amazing. Residue stays on a little longer than many other kinds.
Avasol: Their tinted sunscreens are a great choice for full-face coverage without looking like Casper.
Garden Goddess: Garden Goddess is targeted towards people with sensitive skin. Though rubbing it in isnt easy, it offers full-spectrum protection.
Stream2Sea Founded by a passionate scuba diver, Autumn Blum, is on the forefront of coral reef health advocacy. Even as a vegetarian and advocate against cosmetic animal testing, I appreciate Stream2Seas transparency on live testing on coral and fish. Their first formula, deemed safe by all existing standards, killed zebra fish and minnows. There is no other sunscreen that is as innovative as Stream2Sea.
Get 10% off all Stream2Sea products using the code saltsirens.
Toms of Maine: Toms of Maine is a commonly loved and referred to brand among health gurus. This baby sunscreen protects adult skin just as well as the little ones.
The Surf Butter Co.: Face zinc perfect for surfers and those spending many hours in tropical sunshine. Handmade in Western Australia.
How To Protect Yourself And The Reefs
So how can people protect themselves from the sun, but not damage the coral reefs that surround us? Be reef friendly. As a visitor to the park and the coral reefs, you can reduce the risk of harming coral by taking a more reef-friendly approach when choosing and applying sun protection.
Here are some of the things that you can do
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What Are The Best Reef Safe Sunscreens
So, now you know why you should only be using mineral based sunscreen, its time to figure out which ones are the best to use.
There are so many sunscreens out there to choose from you may need a little help in deciding which ones to go for. I have compiled a list of the best reef friendly sunscreens out there so you can choose which is the best one for your needs.
Read on to find out the best Hawaii approved sunscreen brands that are both safe and effective for you and you family, as well as being environmentally sound.
Why Reef Safe Sunscreens Matter
Scientists have conducted many types of research in the past decade investigating how the tons of sunscreen that wash off our bodies into the ocean each year affect marine life. According to their studies, chemical sunscreens threaten the entire marine ecosystem.
Making an eco-savvy choice, and choosing your sunblock from the coral reef safe sunscreen list matter. And not only for the corals.
Heres five reasons why you should use it:
1. Chemical Sunscreen Can Awaken Coral Viruses
Sunscreens washed off into the ocean each year change the chemical composition of the water and make it a thriving place for viruses and bacteria. Some of these viruses attack corals, causing them to expel their life-giving algae, a situation that causes coral bleaching.
Not only the algae is expelled when this process happens, the tiny, colorful organism explodes. This helps the viruses spread to the surrounding coral communities.
2. Chemical Sunscreen Ingredients Can Bleach or Kill Corals
Apart from the action of viruses, research has also shown that some ingredients in chemical sunscreens can cause coral bleaching and potentially kill these organisms.
While most countries implementing sunscreen bans fight against oxybenzone and octinoxate alone, scientists have identified that butylparaben and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor can also have a similar action.
Using a sunscreen free of these ingredients is essential if we want to preserve the integrity of the marine ecosystem.
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Kokua Sun Care Zinc Sunscreen Spf 50
Amazon
This SPF 50 sunblock contains 25 percent non-nano zinc oxide for 80 minutes of water resistance, a faint scent of coconut and vanilla, and 23 antioxidants to nourish the skin, including seven superfoods sourced from Hawaiian farms like Konared coffee fruit, macadamia nut oil, plumeria, spirulina, and noni juice, thus supporting local agricultural communities. Follow up exposure with the brands Healing Serum. It makes use of sustainably harvested anti-inflammatory sandalwood and kukui nut oil.
Cest Moi Sunshine Sunscreen
Amazon
This non-nano zinc oxide formula comes in face stick or lotion form. Its water-resistant for 40 minutes of sweating or swimming, and then youll need to reapply. Its made for faces and bodies, and it also features a supplementary super fruit antioxidant blend to defend your delicate dermis from the elements. Lower 48 customers can utilize the TerraCycle Cest Moi partnership to recycle plastic packaging.
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What Chemicals In Sunscreen Are Bad For Coral Reefs
While research regarding the effects of common cosmetic chemicals on corals and marine life is still ongoing, researchers have identified 11 chemical ingredients that can damage and potentially kill coral reefs. You should avoid sunscreens containing:
- Oxybenzone
- Butylparaben
- Benzylparaben
Plastic microbeads used in some products and nanoparticles of minerals like titanium dioxide are also harmful to corals.
No sunscreen is 100% safe for marine life, oceans, and coral reefs in particular. However, some sunscreen brands are significantly more friendly compared to sunscreen with dangerous ingredients. So once again here is a summary of the sunscreen ingredients to look for and chemicals to avoid in sunscreen while choosing a not harmful and a natural sunblock ocean:
Does Sunscreen Damage Reefs
So, does the use of sunscreens damage coral reef? The fact is some of them do. Recent research and testing show that a chemical in the cream may be contributing to the destruction of corals around the world, as swimmers who are trying to avoid the UV rays venture near reefs.
Some research shows when testing the effects of the chemicals awaken coral viruses causing them to become sick and then expel their life-giving algae and without this particular algae, the coral bleaching occurs , and in most cases, it then dies.
QUOTE* According to the U.S. National Park Service, it is estimated that currently, somewhere between 4,000 and 6,000 tons of sunscreen enters coral reef areas around the world each year.
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Badger Clear Zinc Spf 40
Amazon
A pioneer in the eco-friendly mineral sunscreen market since 2005, the New Hampshire-based certified B Corporation specializes in super-simple yet effective formulations that start with uncoated zinc oxide and end with high marks from the Environmental Working Group and on the Protect Land + Sea certification test. In between, youll find organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and plant-based inactive ingredients like beeswax, jojoba, and other essential oils. Clear Zinc SPF 40 comes in a squeeze tube or eco-friendly tin. Borrow your childrens lotion, the SPF 40 Kids Sunscreen Cream, for the dreamy tangerine and vanilla notes.
Environmentally Friendly Sunscreen For This Summer
- 05 / 07 / 2021 0
A couple of weeks ago I wrote a blog post about the best sunscreen for under makeup. I also wrote many blog posts over the years reviewing different sunscreen brands, but never really wrote an overview post about the different sunscreens. Today Im going to discuss three different products, which are considered environmentally friendly sunscreen products
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Do I Need Uva Or Uvb Protection
The difference between UVA and UVB protection is quite significant and you ideally want a sunscreen that protects you from both types of rays. If you just take a broad spectrum sunscreen youre usually on the safe side! UVA penetrates a lot deeper into the skin compared to UVB. UVA rays are the cause of wrinkles and the loss of skin elasticity. Its also a major contributor to skin cancer. Another fun fact is that UVA rays can penetrate through glass, whereas UVB rays cant. So even if youre sitting behind glass its important to wear sunscreen.
As I already mentioned there are two different types of sunscreen: reef friendly sunscreen or econ friendly sunscreen that contains nano zinc oxide and harmful sunscreen that contains oxybenzone and octinoxate. Ive tried 3 different eco friendly sunscreens that I want to share with you!
Whats The Eco Friendly Alternative To These Ingredients
Basically any sunscreen that is oxybenzone and octinoxate free, would be considered reef safe. These chemicals are designed to absorb UVA and protect you from getting sunburned. While mineral sunscreens, by the use of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, reflect the UVA rays. This is a different way of protecting the skin from getting burned by the sun. The minerals are added into the white pasty consistency, whichs called sunscreen, so the skin could absorb it better. The amount of these ingredients decide how well the sunscreen is being absorbed by the skin.
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