Common chemicals used in thousands of products to protect against harmful effects of ultraviolet light threaten corals and other marine life. … Scientists have also discovered that some of the chemicals found in sunscreen and other personal health products threaten the health of coral reefs.
Does sunscreen affect marine life?
In a 2016 study, a team of international scientists found that a common chemical in many sunscreen lotions and cosmetics is highly toxic to juvenile corals and other marine life. … The compound has been found entering the environment both through wastewater effluent and directly from swimmers wearing sunscreens.
Is sunscreen bad for reefs?
Up to 10% of the world’s coral reefs may be threatened by certain chemicals found in most sunscreens. … Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3, BP-3) – Sunscreen ingredient that disrupts coral reproduction, causes coral bleaching, and damages coral DNA. Oxybenzone is found in over 3500 sunscreen products worldwide.
What sunscreen is safe for marine life?
“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.
Which sunscreen is not toxic to marine life?
What Are the Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens?
- Stream2Sea Sport Sunscreen. BEST WATER-RESISTANT SUNCREEN. …
- Supergoop! …
- Badger Clear Zinc SPF 40. …
- Countersun Daily Sheer Defense. …
- All Good Sport Sunscreen. …
- Raw Love All Natural Mineral Sunscreen. …
- Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen. …
- Kokua Sun Care Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50.
Is your sunscreen killing the coral reef?
The likely answer, unless you are already sunscreen- reef savvy, is yes. After decades of research to develop the most effective sunscreens, it turns out that the chemicals best designed to protect you from a heavy dose of burning rays and potential skin cancer are toxic to coral reefs.
Is sunscreen bad for fish?
Toxic sunscreens also directly harm fish including parrotfish, wrasse, eels, and more. Oxybenzone and Octinoxate can impair neurological and reproductive abilities, increase levels of disease and miscarriages, and act as hormone disruptors impacting the immune system.
Why is reef safe sunscreen important?
A reef-safe sunscreen is one free of chemicals and particles known to harm coral reefs. A reef-safe sunscreen is a sunscreen free of chemical ingredients and small particles known to damage and potentially kill coral reefs in the oceans. Those ingredients are, to date, oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene.
How do I know if my sunscreen is reef-safe?
When you’re shopping for sunscreen, here are some key things to look for: The absence of oxybenzone and octinoxate in listed ingredients. These two chemicals are harmful to corals and can cause sunscreen-induced coral bleaching, so look for them in the ingredient list. Their absence points the product being reef-safe.
Is CeraVe sunscreen reef-safe?
6 Reef-Safe Sunscreens To Pack For Spring Break and Beyond
It also contains good-for-skin ingredients like green tea leaf extract, which is rich in antioxidants. The CeraVe Hydrating Body Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 ticks all of the SPF boxes: It’s broad spectrum, lightweight and doesn’t leave behind a greasy film.
Is Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen reef-safe?
Lightweight formula protects your skin from sun damage
In addition to caring for your skin with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, Hawaiian Tropic® is also doing its part to help care for the planet by formulating Reef Friendly, Cruelty-Free sunscreens in packaging that’s made from 45% recycled materials.
Is Banana Boat sunscreen reef-safe?
Product Description. Great for your active lifestyle! Banana Boat Sport Ultra Clear Spray Sunscreen provides strong, reef friendly protection that absorbs quickly, is non-greasy and won’t run into your eyes.
Is Sun Bum sunscreen reef-safe?
We are very proud to say that our Original, Mineral and Signature sunscreen products throughout the U.S. all meet the requirements of the FDA and Hawaiian legislation and are Reef Friendly (Oxybenzone & Octinoxate free).
Is Trader Joe’s sunscreen reef-safe?
I found the following reef-safe products (amongst a sea of unsafe ones) at Bartell’s and Trader Joes: Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion. Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen. … Trader Joe’s Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Lotion.