Jump to Review. From best-in-class concealer to the black pants you need for work, check out all of our InStyle Picks content. We know reapplying sunscreen after less than an hour on your little one doesn't seem practical, but hear us out. Best for intense activity. Here's everything you need to know about these eco-friendly SPF formulas. It contains zinc to help protect your mug from UVA and UVB rays, as well as ingredients like soothing aloe and jojoba oil to keep it moisturized. There are many different varieties of sunscreen, and choosing the right one for your UV protection is an important part of the selection process. We'd be willing to bet you'll find one you like so much, you won't even miss your old chemical screen. It sinks in quickly without feeling heavy on your skin. The chemicals in your SPF can rinse off and affect the ecosystems where you swim. While it doesnt dry down for an unnoticeable feel, she says that the creamy paste feels similar to applying a heavy moisturizer, so its not distracting or uncomfortable. Garrett Munce writes about men's style and grooming. And therefore, we would fall into this generally accepted terminology. Baby Sunscreen; Baby Toothpaste. One thing to keep in mind: This SPF is formulated without synthetic fragrances but it definitely has a scent. SPF: 30 | Size: 2.9 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 40 minutes. The oil-free formula functions as a primer, pore-minimizer, and sunscreen all-in-one. Folks have been tossing around the idea of sunscreens being toxic to corals for years, a few studies narrowing it down to possibly 4 ingredients that did something funny to dormant viruses in the algae that live inside of corals. On the downside, this SPF smells different. MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Clear Spray. There were six products listed. As manufacturers began to micronize particles smaller and smaller, they went too far, says Robinson. The water didn't seem to make the sunscreen run at all, she assures us. Opt for a stick. Waxhead Vanilla Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick. Cynics among us may wonder if saving marine life could be as simple as switching their sunscreen. What We Love: It absorbs quickly and dries down for a smooth, silky, hydrated finish. For travelers who plan their vacation around water sports, a reef-safe and long-lasting sunscreen is a crucial buy. The absorbability and lack of white cast arent the only reasons this sunscreen stands out: Made with water lily and sugarcane-derived squalane, it also deeply hydrates skin and provides a cooling effect, so it can double as post-sun care if you spend too much time soaking up the rays or forget to reapply. To start, we spent about two weeks researching the top-rated reef-safe sunscreens on the market. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best We Tested 52 Sunscreens, These 12 Are the Absolute Best, The 18 Best Toners of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 11 Best Drugstore Moisturizers for Every Skin Type in 2023, The 12 Best Eyebrow Hold Gels of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 13 Best Cleansing Balms of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 10 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin in 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 17 Best Face Washes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 10 Best Moisturizers For Oily Skin in 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 10 Best Micellar Waters of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, We Tested 36 Face Oils These 15 Give You a Healthy, Hydrated Glow, The 10 Best Oil-Absorbing Products of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 13 Best Drugstore Foundations of 2023, The 12 Best Clinical Strength Deodorants of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 15 Best Body Oils of 2023 for Softer, Smoother, and Glowing Skin, Out of 38 Face Primers Tested, These 10 Keep Makeup Intact and Flawless All Day Long, ban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals, Pipette Mineral Sunscreen - Broad Spectrum SPF 50, American Academy of Dermatologys Sunscreen guidelines, Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50, BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 50+. One more thing: While the SPF isnt marketed as being water resistant, we found that when splashed with water, it doesnt run. Thats why Hawaii became the first state in the US to ban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2018. Though, she notes that it seems to get darker as it fully dries down, so while it doesnt initially have a white cast, after 15 minutes, she noticed a slight residue but not enough to make her not recommend it. This Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36 ($15) is a great, affordable pick. The reason? Mineral sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are generally not toxic to coral, however, when they are formulated as nanoparticles they can still damage coral, she explains. Best Sunscreen for Infants Comes From Baby Bum. This Alba Botanica mineral sunscreen spray is a favorite for its tropical scent and easy spray-on application. Dear SB Community, There is still a lot of conversation and debate around the impact of sunscreen on coral reefs. Resistant, Reef Safe, SPF 50 . Instead of using oxybenzone or octinoxate, these sunscreens use minerals to protect your skin from sunburns and skin cancer, as well as prevent aging due to sun exposure. It is best to avoid these. Sunbutter SPF50 Water Resistant Reef Safe Sunscreen, $29.95 from Sun Butter. Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, it meets basic non-regulated guidelines for being reef-friendly. Discover safe and non-toxic sunscreen options for 2022. They contain olive oil, beeswax, and coconut extract and have an SPF15 rating. Pacifica Skincare Review. The only thing that could make this SPF better, according to our tester, is if it had a more delightful scent. View our list of vegan and reef safe sunscreens that are good for you, the planet, and the animals. This fragrance-free zinc sunscreen lotion is top rated by the EWG because of the 70% organic formula and high quality plant-derived ingredients. But it was so non-specific that no one really paid attention. What We Love: It blends in effortlessly, absorbs quickly, and feels comfortable on the skin. $16 at Amazon. This sunscreen applies very smoothly because of the consistency, and its easy to blend into the skin, our tester shares. So switching to a reef safe sunscreen could do your body good as well as the ocean. To Save Body SPF50 Superscreen, $30.00 from Mecca. The easiest way to ensure youre using reef-safe sunscreen is to choose a formula thats clearly marketed as such. Reef Safe Sunscreen: Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. When we apply sunscreens containing these ingredients and then swim in waters where there is coral, the sunscreen gets into the water and poisons the coral, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sumayah Jamal, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. our process. Best refillable sunscreen - UpCircle SPF25 mineral sunscreen: 24.99, Upcirclebeauty.com 1 / 1 11 best eco-friendly sunscreens that help to protect our oceans 11 best eco-friendly sunscreens . Credit: Zeng et al. Best Tinted Sunscreen: Olita Tinted Mineral Sunstick. 5. To help focus your search, here are our picks for the best reef-safe sunscreens available. coverage in exchange. Be careful of labels claiming formulas are reef safe as it is not . With only five ingredients in this Protect Land + Sea certified formula, Badger sunscreen is as natural is you can find, but doesnt sacrifice any sun protection. Love a great deal? I would recommend this to someone looking for [high-quality] daily facial sunscreen, but I wouldn't recommend this as your go-to sun protection on long summer days at the beach, our tester concludes. Men. Mineral Face Shade Coconut Probiotic SPF 30 - this natural sunscreen for your face is water resistant and goes on relatively transparent, helping you enjoy a day at the beach or the pool without suffering from sun damage. | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 50 | Water-Resistant: No. The broad spectrum cream uses non-nano zinc oxide to create a protective layer against UVA and UVA rays. #1 Read the label. Courtesy of Amazon, Sephora, Black Girl Sunscreen, Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon, Alba Botanica Hawaiian Coconut Clear Spray SPF 50 at Amazon, Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, Supergoop! This reduces the amount of chemicals that go into the sea by about half. | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 30 | Water-Resistant: No, though it passed our splash test. Why We Love It: This mineral sunscreen is made from just five ingredients. . Oxybenzone is the worst reef offender in the world, and a few of the others are pegged for likely harming ocean life as well. The reef-safe sunscreen contains non-nano transparent zinc oxide that is easily blendable and soaks into your skin without leaving a white residue, including on dark skin tones. *Mama Kuleana Waterproof SPF 30 Reef-safe Sunscreen. If you actually prefer a scented sunscreen, youll swoon over Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50. Currently, there are no set rules or requirements needed for a sunscreen brand to label a product as reef-safe (but the FDA is working on it). Made in Hawaii sunscreens are marked with an *asterisks. Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion. With a selection of powerful sun protection & vegan suncare products that pack a potent punch, you're sure to stock up on SPF favorites for the whole family. The oil-free formula uses 100 percent mineral UV blockers of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and uses silica powder to combat shiny residue. Buyers should also be on the lookout for sunscreens that contain nanoparticles or do not specify the use of "non-nano" or "micro-sized" zinc or titanium. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 40 | Water-Resistant: Yes. Source: Project Reef. Without nano-zinc particles and meant to last in the water, this a great all-around cream. Nails. Best for Dark Skin: Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 30+ at Amazon. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. While the small format makes it easy to toss in any purse for touch ups, we find that if you apply it regularly, it probably wont last you more than a month or two. A few things to consider when choosing the right type of sunscreen for your needs are method of application, SPF level, length of water-resistance, portability, and appearance after application. I was impressed with how water resistant it is, our tester marvels. Courtesy Image. Theres a high concentration of zinc to protect from UV rays, but somehow still applies smoothly and doesnt leave your limbs sticky. $36 at Amazon $32 at Ulta Beauty $31 at Nordstrom. Im very impressed with its ability to absorb into my skin, she admits. 01.24.23 | DISCLAIMER. [Just be sure to] go through the ingredient list to rule out octinoxate, oxybenzone, and octocrylene, Dr. Henry says. Sun Care. One way to ensure that youre buying a reef-safe sunscreen? | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 30+ | Water-Resistant: Yes. What We Love: Its formulated for kids, so you know it's on the gentler side. The Environmental Working Group also has rigorous standards in what they consider safe to use. To really hedge your bets, you should look at the ingredients list and see if its a purely mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide (sometimes formulas will include other chemicals, like avobenzone) and whether it says the ingredients are nano or non-nano. Supergoop . After ruling out the usual suspects like sewage, fuel, pesticides, and road runoff, says Downs, they realized that there were high concentrations of chemicals found in sunscreens in the water of the highly popular tourist beaches. Best Water . Why We Love It: It minimizes pores for a more flawless look. . 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. I imagine if I really lathered my whole body the scent might be slightly stronger and could potentially be unpleasant, but that's just a conjecture.. Check out the 12 best reef-safe sunscreens. Filter by. Many of these reef safe sunscreens are available at your favorite retailer. The product is also vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO, made with solar power, and packaged in 50 percent recyclable materials. It also comes in clutch for boating trips or relaxing water activities like river tubing when you don't want to fuss with applying creams or sticks and need protection on hard-to-reach areas. Best Organic Sunscreen: Badger Clear Zinc SPF 40 Sunscreen. This sunscreen has a strong, lemony scent. Best Overall: ThinkSport SPF 50+ at Amazon. This sunscreen blends nicely into my skin its not dry, nor oily it feels so smooth that I cant even tell I'm wearing sunscreen, our tester shares. Size: 0.6 oz. While you may have to reapply this product more frequently, you can do so knowing your child's baby-soft skin will remain safe and protected. 1. This sunscreen is formulated to increase the invisible barrier protection when exposed to external heat and water or sweat, making it ideal for very sunny days spent in the waves. Calling something reef safe implies youve actually tested that product on reef organisms and most companies dont do that toxicity testing, says Downs. How do I know if my sunscreen is reef-safe? Costco also sells a 3-pack of Coppertone Sport that is allowed in Hawaii as it is oxybenzone and octinoxate free. After all, over the past few years, people everywhere are finally beginning to understand that sunscreen is essential. Rubber Ducky Is Amazing for Safe Sun and Reef Protection. Now 10% off. This clear sunscreen is perfect for anyone who loves looking pool-side glam. That was the heading on my search results page. $26 AT DERMSTORE. In our testing, we found Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen to work best for full-body protection because of its mineral-based formula that spreads like a dream, and the convenient, travel-friendly packaging. YOU PROBABLY know by now that you need to be wearing .css-16acfp5{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#d2232e;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-16acfp5:hover{color:#000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;background-color:yellow;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}sunscreen; your mother told you, your doctor has told you, hell, even we at Mens Health have told you (many times). Mineral Sunscreen & SPF. It contains ingredients like squalane and red algae to help moisturize and protect skin, while also allowing it to spread easily and quickly. Still, buyers should be aware that, while free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, this product does contain avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. It's super lightweight perfect if you're putting it on before you apply makeup and it's cruelty-free and sustainable. But if you want the best reef-safe spray, stick, or sensitive skin formula, we found expert-approved options for those too. The formula sits well under makeup, giving your skin a gorgeous glow. Its also chock-full of botanical oils to help moisturize skin as well as protect it. Truthfully, the only downside of this SPF is the bottle design. Read more: Best Mineral Sunscreen for Men. The main downside is that it's only water and sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes, whereas other sunscreens on this list last for 80 minutes. BUT WAIT, there is more. Badger Sunscreen Ingredients Won't Hurt the Environment. And, with each purchase, the company removes 1 pound of plastic from the world's . "The term reef safe typically means that the sunscreen contains only mineral UV-blocking ingredients like oxide and titanium dioxide," explains Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. There is no official FDA definition or criteria as to what makes a sunscreen 'reef-safe'. What to Consider: The label does not specify non-nano ingredients. Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, it meets basic non-regulated guidelines for being reef-friendly. The only thing thats non-negotiable, he says, is that you have to wear something because extended UV damage over time can lead to skin cancers. And if youre still unconvinced, consider this: physical sunscreens can actually protect you better from the suns rays. SPF: 50+ | Size: 5 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. Supergoop, as far as reef-safe SPF goes, offer one mineral sunscreen that the brand claim in their marketing is reef safe. Thats because some products use essential oils, which in and of themselves have a fragrance. If you're one of those people who hates the feeling of being slathered in gooey sunblock, Thinksport could be a game-changer. Brands are beginning to replace "reef-safe" with "reef-friendly" in order to offer a more accurate description of their products. It's an ideal choice for anyone looking for a vegan sunscreen that offers the highest possible approved SPF protection and longest water-resistancy. Best Budget: Banana Boat Simply Protect Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon. Highlights The global Reef Safe Sunscreen market is projected to reach USD million by 2028 from an estimated USD million in 2023, at a CAGR of Percent during 2023 and 2028. What We Love: Its lightweight and creamy, and it doesnt leave a white cast. Highly Rated: Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Mineral Lotion SPF 50. There are multiple factors to consider, according to Dr. Bhanusali, like climate change and pollution, which also contribute to the deterioration of coral reefs and nothing is black and white. Sunscreens that claim to be reef-friendly and absorb into your skin should be carefully scrutinized. Look for mineral formulas, as theyre made without the aforementioned chemicals. Why We Love It: The tropical scent smells like a dream vacation. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen | Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, 95% Organic, Very Water Resistant, Reef Safe, Non-GMO, Cruelty Free, SPF 30+, All Ages Safe, Moisturizing, in Bio-Resin Tube, 3oz (2-Pack) at Amazon.com. While technically developed for children, the formula far exceeded our adult expectations, cementing it as the best overall reef-safe sunscreen we tried. Costco's Reef-Safe Sunscreen. For example, I ended up on a page on Walmart.com that literally said Neutrogena Reef-Safe Sunscreen in Sunscreen. productslearn more about Researchers have developed a prototype for coral-reef-friendly sunscreens by using polymerization to create large molecules that still block UV radiation but are too big to . Currently, it is generally accepted that the products that make "Reef Safe" claims are free of the two biggest reef damaging chemicals: oxybenzone and octinoxate. A reef-safe sunscreen is a sunscreen free of chemical ingredients and small particles known to damage and . It absorbs very quickly with minimal rubbing on my end, our tester says. And if you can't find a mineral sunscreen you like, but still want to be reef safe, consider UPF clothing which still protects your skin from UV rays. *Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian SPF 50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen. Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen has a very thin texture so much so that its quite runny and takes pretty much zero effort to squeeze out of the tube. After honing in on online ratings, we spent 48 hours putting the 24 most popular sunscreens to the test. Generally speaking, scented skincare products are more likely to cause irritation than their fragrance-free counterparts. It's that zinc oxide, a staple of mineral-based sunscreens, that the Environmental Working Group (EWG . Pacifica Mineral Face Shade Coconut Probiotic SPF 30 ($13) [VEGAN] Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 4.8%, . Extreme Screen Hydrating Body and Hand SPF 50+, $35.00 from Ultra Violette. Best Natural: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen at Amazon. The lightweight formula goes on smoothly, and it disappears quickly with zero-to-minimum white cast and greasy residue. What We Dont Love: Because this isnt noncomedogenic, it can clog pores. To no surprise at all, Pacifica has made a product that is my families new obsession. Best for Activity: Stream2Sea Sport Sunscreen. Since then, reef-safe sunscreens have become more and more popular, with seemingly endless brands entering the space. Why We Love It: It doesn't contain any chemicals or artificial scents, perfect for delicate baby skin. To save you from sifting through thousands of reviews, we went ahead and tested the 24 most popular reef-safe sunscreens. There are potentially harmful effects as they seep into the skin, which can be bad news for humans as well as marine life. Wearing mineral sunscreen on your body is one thing, but how it feels on your face is another. We've looked at factors like effectiveness, ingredients, and price to create a comprehensive list that covers a range . It's an ideal buy for beach-goers who like to take dips in the ocean and don't want to fuss with sandy applications (or reapplications) of sunscreen throughout the day. They do a better job of protecting us, but the biggest issue is that people dont always like them because they leave a barrier, he says. Below is a list of the best chemical free sunscreens. That word "zinc" is what gives this sunscreen its good name, both for you . Rebecca R. Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the DC metro area. This All Good mineral sunscreen is both water- and sweat-resistant so you can enjoy your go-to beachside sport without worrying about your skin. In doing so, we were able to narrow down the top 10 reef safe-sunscreens. When coral bleaches (turns white), it's still alive, but it's under severe stress, which leaves it susceptible to . Los Angeles-based dermatologist Dr. Jasmine Yun wears reef-safe sunscreen every day and recommends getting into the habit of always applying a thin layer of sun protection on any exposed areas, especially the face. 9. It costs less than the competition, plus it rubs in fairly easily and feels nice on skin . Made in Hawaii sunscreens are marked with an *asterisk. Best Overall: Kkua Sun Care Reef Safe Natural Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50. There are plenty of eco-conscious sunblock options that provide proper protection without violating these bans or sacrificing your skin's comfort. Protect Land & Sea, which Downs oversees, tests sunscreens for 11 potentially harmful chemicals as well as a slew of other things like parabens and other preservatives. Best for Activities: Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+. While oxybenzone and octinoxate are popular chemical sunscreen ingredients, theyve been shown to cause coral bleaching which can obliterate reefs. This EWG-approved, non-nano mineral sunscreen formula also comes in a lotion, but we especially like the stick because it makes sunscreen easy to apply on areas most prone to sunburn like ears, noses, and even lips. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Even with the right SPF level, its important to remember that no SPF (not even SPF 100) can fully block out UVB exposure. If youre just sweating a lot, though, you can probably get away with holding out for the duration of the products purposed resistance (which is typically in the 80 minute range). Ultimately it comes down to what kind of sunscreen it is. It's lightweight, fragrance-free, and won't make you break out. Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 100% Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon, California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion at Amazon, Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion at Amazon, All Good Makes Everything Better Face & Body Sunscreen Lotion at Amazon, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Mineral Sunscreen, Alba Botanica Hawaiian Coconut Clear Spray SPF 50, The 11 Best Travel-size Sunscreens of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 8 Most Comfortable Women's Sandals of 2022, Tested and Reviewed, Supergoop! Report inappropriate content. Plus, it makes reapplying every two hours less of chore. "Their formula is ocean-friendly and Hawaii-compliant. productslearn more about It smells a little like a plastic beach ball but only if you get really close to the skin, our tester clarifies. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.