Reef-safe sunscreen can help protect natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and keep our world’s oceans healthy.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth and one of the seven natural wonders of the world! Tourists and Australian natives love to spend the day snorkeling and swimming around the reefs to view their beautiful colors and shapes. Although reefs look might look sturdy, they are quite sensitive.

To keep ocean life happy, the key is to find an SPF that uses physical UVA and UVB filters (as opposed to the chemical ones that have been connected to coral reef deterioration). You’ll be able to find them by flipping the SPF tube over and looking for the active ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients form an actual physical block to shield skin from absorbing any rays (whereas chemical filters absorb UV and turn it into heat that’s released from skin).

Most sunscreens contain chemicals that are used to protect our skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Unfortunately, these same chemicals that are designed to keep us safe are killing our reefs. Thankfully, there is a reef-safe solution: physical sunscreen.

“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. “Both nano particle—a smaller particle size—and traditional zinc oxide sunscreens are both safe and effective, and both will be considered safe for reefs. The only difference is the cosmetic feel on the skin.” So you’re pretty much good to go with a mineral-based option.

Most sunscreens contain chemicals that are used to protect our skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Unfortunately, these same chemicals that are designed to keep us safe are killing our reefs. Thankfully, there is a reef-safe solution: physical sunscreen.

What is Physical Sunscreen?

Physical sunscreen products contain tiny minerals that sit on the top of the skin and act as a shield from UV rays. These are natural sunscreens that are also called ‘sun block’ and they are reef safe.

In addition to being an ocean-safe sunscreen, physical sunscreens are completely safe to use on babies, while pregnant and breastfeeding and are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Therefore, not only is physical sunscreen butter for the environment, but it’s also better for you.

Why is Ocean Safe Sunscreen Necessary?

Oxybenzone is a key ingredient in chemical sunscreens. This chemical is confirmed to be toxic to most ocean life, including corals, algae, sea urchins, fish, and mammals. Just a single drop of oxybenzone is enough to toxify 4 million gallons of ocean water and endanger countless marine plants and animals.

“An estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen is believed to be deposited in oceans annually with the greatest damage found in popular reef areas such as Hawaii and the Caribbean.”

-The Ocean Foundation

Chemical sunscreen also contains toxic preservatives such as methylparaben and butylparaben (both fungicides and anti-bacterial agents) and phenoxyethanol, which was used as an anesthetic for fish.

What Can Consumers do to Protect Reefs?

First and foremost, natural sunscreens should replace your chemical sunscreens. They are reef safe, better for your skin, and have a longer shelf-life. (Even without the preservatives!)

Keep an eye out for sunblock that has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – both are reef-safe ingredients – and stay away from aerosol sunscreens. Aerosol expels microscopic chemicals that end up in the air, ocean, and lungs.

Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing to the beach and bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and beach umbrella to sit underneath.

 

Shop SunDust Natural Sunscreen

SunDust Sunscreen is completely safe for everyone on land and sea. Our sunscreen is formulated without harmful chemicals and has 50+ SPF, making it perfect for babies and adults.

SunDust also makes other ocean-safe products that will keep you looking and feeling great all day long, including BioSafe body glitter, glow oil, and lip gloss.

Every SunDust purchase you make helps protect the Great Barrier Reef and our precious ocean animals!