- 2 min read

Reef Safe Sunscreens

In 2015, there was a study that found that over 412 pounds of sunscreen ended up in the reefs at Hanauma Bay each day. So in 2018, Hawaii passed a statewide law banning reef-harming sunscreen to limit the pollution to their beaches. Reef safe sunscreens don’t have oxybenzone or octinoxate in them. Look for sunscreens that say “Mineral Sunscreen” and you’ll be on the right path.

Sprays

Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 [$16] is zinc-based and water resistant. It has a matte finish and also comes in a lotion version.

Reef Safe Sunscreen - Banana Boat SPF 50 Mineral Spray Sunscreen

Banana Boat SPF 50 Mineral Spray Sunscreen [$15 for a 2 pack] is a good choice if you want a higher SPF. No oxybenzone, parabens, or added oils or fragrances. It’s zinc-based, water resistant, and made for sensitive skin. They even make a hair & scalp spray.

Lotion

Reef Safe Sunscreen - Raw Elements Eco Form Sunscreen SPF 30

Raw Elements Eco Form Sunscreen SPF 30 [$17] won’t run or sting your eyes. It’s soy, gluten and nut free, contains no synthetic chemicals. If you like their sunscreen, you may want to check out their face stick or lip balm too. It’s designed for all ages, but they also make one specifically for Baby + Kids.

Kids

Banana Boat Kids Sunscreen Spray [$9] is water resistant and absorbs quickly so you can spray those kids down fast and get right to fun in the sun.

Specialty

Supergoop makes a bunch of great sunscreen products that work well with your makeup or can give you a dewy glow.

Reef Safe Sunscreen - The Supergoop Defense Refresh (Re)setting Mist SPF 40

The Supergoop Defense Refresh (Re)setting Mist SPF 40 [$14 - $30] can be reapplied over your makeup and can be used as a makeup setting spray.

Reef Safe Sunscreen - Their Glow Oil SPF 50

Their Glow Oil SPF 50 [$19] is a really lightweight body oil that’s not greasy, but gives your skin a glow.

Reef Safe Sunscreen - They also make a Glow Stick SPF 50

They also make a Glow Stick SPF 50 [$25] that you can use on your face, chest, and shoulders. It’s a dry oil sunscreen stick that you can use as a highlighter. It brightens and hydrates, but without any oily residue.

Reef Safe Sunscreen - Supergoop Sunscreen SPF 50

And of course they’ve got a straight up Supergoop Sunscreen SPF 50 [$22] that’s lightweight and absorbs easily. They add in antioxidant-rich ingredients like sunflower & rosemary leaf extracts to nourish & protect your skin.

Burn Relief

Ok, no one plans to get sunburned but sometimes it happens. Sun Bum’s Cool Down Aloe Vera Lotion with cocoa butter to soothe burns and prevent peeling. They’ve also got a gel version that you can throw in the fridge to really amp up the cooling effects.