Reef Safe Sunscreen

Have you been wondering about reef safe sunscreen?  
​What is it and why should you should you use it?

You may have read that Hawaii and Key West are implementing bans on the sale of certain sunscreen ingredients in order to protect their reefs.   Many scientists now believe that oxybenzone and octinoxate are killing the world's coral reefs.  I've rounded up a few articles below with great information and lists of various products that do not contain these two ingredients, or the nano particles that are also harmful.  ​​And guess what?  The ingredients that are not good for the health of our oceans can impact our health as well.

Linked below are some really informative articles with details about how these ingredients damage the reefs.  

• cdhc.noaa.gov/_docs/Site%20Bulletin_Sunscreen_final.pdf​
  
• www.nytimes.com/2018/02/19/travel/most-sunscreens-can-harm-coral-reefs-what-should-travelers-do.html
• www.outsideonline.com/2331866/only-buy-reef-safe-sunscreen
  

So how do you find a reef safe sunscreen that suits you?  There are many articles online with lists of various reef safe brands.  Remember to look for non-nano mineral sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate.  

An excellent source for information about the ingredients found in all your beauty and personal products is the Environmental Working Group.  They have developed a very thorough Sunscreen Guide to help you choose safer, healthier sunscreens.  It can be found here www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/executive-summary/.  

I have tried Beautycounter, Juice Beauty, and Cotz products and liked them all.  I also love to wear high SPF swim shirts and coverups to cut down on the amount of sunscreen needed.  Lands End, Cabana Life, Coolibar, J. Crew, and Athleta all have excellent options.