9 Reef-Safe Sunscreens You’ll Feel Good About Using All Summer Long

Sunscreen is a packing go-to anytime you’re spending time in the sun. But what is protecting your skin from UV rays is not necessarily protecting the environment — many sunscreens contain chemicals that wash off and wreak havoc in the ocean. In fact, Hawaii and Key West, Florida recently passed bans against the sale of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone or octinoxate or both, two substances that have been linked to harming marine life and coral reefs. (Both bans take effect January 1, 2021).
Though there are other ingredients in sunscreen that could also damage the environment, avoiding oxybenzone or octinoxate is a good start. Mineral sunscreens are also generally better than chemical ones, especially if they have non-nanotized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which means their ingredients are at least 100 nanometers in diameter and safer for coral reefs. Ahead are nine reef-friendly sunscreen options you'll feel good about carrying in your bag this summer and all year long.

Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($13): This mineral-based formula is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, made with non-nano zinc oxide, and provides UVA and UVB protection.

Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian Natural Zinc Sunscreen ($30): This Hawaiian-made formula uses non-nano zinc oxide along with many Hawaiian-grown antioxidants like ​Hawaiian Spirulina, Kukui Nut Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, and Plumeria Extract.

MANDA Organic Sun Paste ($18): Formulated for surfers, climbers, and hikers, MANDA’s organic sun paste is thicker than a traditional lotion. It’s made with non-nano zinc oxide and organic ingredients including coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and Thanaka, the wood from a small tree in Myanmar traditionally used as a Burmese beauty product.

All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion ($13): This lightweight, SPF 30 sunscreen is made with non-nano zinc oxide and natural skin-repairing ingredients like organic green tea, rose hips, and buriti oil.

Hello Bello Sunscreen Lotion ($9): Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard’s plant-based product line includes a non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen that protects against all three types of UV rays. It also has organic botanicals like shea and cocoa butter and coconut oil, and it’s great for kids and adults alike.

Badger Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream ($14): If you are tired of smelling like typical sunscreens, this unscented cream is for you. Plus, it only has five ingredients, one of which is non-nano zinc oxide.

Babo Botanicals SPF 30 Clear Zinc Lotion ($12): This non-nano zinc oxide lotion was developed for super sensitive skin (i.e., safe for kids and babies) and is sulfate-, paraben-, soy-, mineral oil-, and fragrance-free.

Coola Mineral Sun Silk Creme Organic Sunscreen ($42): Oil-free and packed with antioxidants, Coola’s non-nano zinc oxide formula also helps protect the skin from damage caused by blue and infrared light.

Mama Kuleana Reef Safe Sunscreen ($22): Made in small batches in Maui, Mama Kuleana contains non-nano zinc oxide, organic shea butter, vitamin E oil, and frankincense oil. Plus, it comes in a plastic-free, biodegradable container that disintegrates in landfill after two months.