What type of sunscreen do you use?

You have a picture in your head right now. The answers that come to mind might be based on brand, SPF, or method of application—spray on SPF 50 or Banana Boat sunscreen stick. They might even be based on price or location—whatever’s cheapest at the grocery store.

But there’s another factor you might be overlooking: Is your sunscreen a reef-friendly one?

Certain sunscreen brands contain the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can harm coral reefs and the local fish supply. If you’re wearing sunscreen that contains these chemicals and take a dip in the ocean, they can seep into the water where they’re absorbed by corals.

How are certain sunscreens harmful to coral?

Oxybenzone and octinoxate do prevent sunburns, but other ingredients that aren’t toxic to fish and corals do the job just as well. The impacts of oxybenzone and octinoxate on fish and corals are myriad: They disrupt their endocrine systems, cause deformities, and lead to the bleaching of coral reefs. When coral becomes bleached, it no longer can act as a feeding hub for marine life, leaving these species depleted and nutrient deficient.

According to the numbers, roughly 80 percent of corals in the Caribbean have been destroyed in the last 50 years due to pollution, coastal development, and warming waters.

How does sunscreen get in the ocean?

The little bit of sunscreen you slather on adds up, even in the vast ocean. 14,000 tons of sunscreen are thought to wash into the oceans each year, as well as 82,000 chemicals from personal-care products.

Even if you simply soak up the rays and don’t take a dip, the sunscreen you wear can still be contributing to the bleaching. When you shower, the sunscreen can go down drains, circulating the chemicals back to the ocean.

Do you apply a daily sunscreen, maybe within your favorite facial moisturizer? Even if you don’t step foot near a body of water, the drain in your sink will carry those chemicals to water sources as you wash them off at the end of the day.

Reef-friendly sunscreen is required in some places

Whether you wear reef-friendly sunscreen is an easy choice. However, in some places, it’s not just a choice—it’s the law.

In Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Aruba, and all U.S. National Marine Sanctuaries containing coral reefs, these chemicals are outlawed. As of January 1, 2021, stores on every Hawaiian island are prohibited from selling sunscreen with the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. On November 1, 2018, the small island nation of Palau announced it too would ban sunscreens that contain chemicals toxic to coral reefs for use or sale.

What state or country will make the next move to these simple but impactful changes?

What can we do?

What can we do as individuals and as a collective to promote sunscreen use that’s safe for both our skin and our oceans?

Check your sunscreen

You don't need to sacrifice your skin for the good of the ocean. First and foremost, scan the ingredient label and ensure you know what's going in what you are putting on and sending out into the ocean. Buy reef-friendly sunscreen.

The two words you don't ever want to see: oxybenzone, octinoxate. If these two chemicals meet your eyes, don’t proceed with a purchase. You should also check for other harmful ingredients found on the HEL list as there are other known pollutants in sunscreen, these two simply are the most commonly discussed.

Look for the “protect land and sea” certification. Not all reef-safe sunscreens will have this certification so be aware of the ingredient list as you make buying decisions.

In turn, corals can remain, fish can flourish, and your skin still gets the protection it craves. Everyone wins in the end: humans, fish, and the sacred reefs.

Skip the spray

Aerosols cause more sunscreen to miss its mark and land on the sand, where the ocean can sweep it out. Instead, invest in lotion sunscreen.

Wear your SPF

Yes, reef-sunscreen will do the trick, but any mineral-based sunscreen can negatively impact fish and coral reefs if used in high concentrations. How could you avoid it entirely? Try out a bucket hat or other sun-protective clothing.

Stay in the shade

The sun comes out to play most strongly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. – avoid these hours of sunshine if possible.

Spread the word

If you didn’t know about reef-friendly sunscreen before today, now you know. Talk to friends, family, even strangers. Advocate for bans on reef-harming sunscreens. At the most basic local level, check that your town sells reef-friendly sunscreen options in stores and propose that they consider banning the sale of sunscreens that contain harmful products.

The harmful effects of certain chemicals in some sunscreens is clear. The reefs—and the fish that depend on them—are damaged and dying. But by using reef-friendly sunscreen, you can protect your skin and oceans near and far. Want to go a step further? Advocate for the promotion of reef-friendly sunscreens and try to get harmful chemicals off the shelves.

+4 References

Zachos, Elaina, and Eric Rosen. “Sunscreen, Clothing, and Other Coral Reef-Safe Ways to Protect Your Skin.” Travel, National Geographic, 3 May 2021, www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/sunscreen-destroying-coral-reefs-alternatives-travel-spd.
“It's Official! Hawaii Passes First Ever Ban on Reef Harming Sunscreens.” Surfrider Foundation, www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/hawaii-passes-first-ever-ban-on-reef-harming-sunscreens.
“Protecting Our Coral Reefs & Banning Oxybenzone!” Surfrider Foundation, www.surfrider.org/campaigns/protect-our-coral-reefs-ban-oxybenzone.
“Your Guide to Reef Friendly Sunscreens.” Surfrider Foundation, www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/your-guide-to-reef-friendly-sunscreens.

You Might Not Get Burned, but the Ocean Does