Reef-Safe Sunscreen: What to Look For

Reef-Safe Sunscreen: What to Look For

When protecting your skin underwater, choosing the right sunscreen matters—not just for you, but for the ocean too. Unfortunately, not every product labeled “reef-safe” truly meets the standards that keep coral reefs and marine life healthy.

True reef-safe sunscreens rely on mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These minerals physically block UV rays without releasing chemicals that harm coral or disrupt marine ecosystems.

Many popular sunscreens claim to be reef-safe but still include harmful ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, or homosalate. These chemicals have been linked to coral bleaching and can be toxic to fish and other marine species, even in small amounts.

For example, some well-known brands like Banana Boat and Coppertone offer products marketed as reef-safe, but their formulations often include reef-damaging chemicals, so it’s important to read labels carefully.

When choosing a sunscreen, I personally use Stream2Sea. What sets Stream2Sea apart is its commitment to both skin protection and ocean health. This sunscreen is mineral-based, using non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block UV rays without harming marine life. It’s biodegradable, made with natural and non-toxic ingredients, and reef-safe certified by organizations like the Marine Aquarium Council. Stream2Sea is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which means it stays effective through long dives and swims. It has a lightweight, non-greasy feel that absorbs quickly without leaving a white residue. Plus, it’s free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, and harmful chemicals often found in conventional sunscreens. Choosing Stream2Sea means protecting yourself and the environment with a product specifically designed for ocean lovers.

Look for certifications or seals from reputable organizations that test products for reef safety. Biodegradable and non-nano particle formulas are better choices because they break down more easily in water and avoid tiny particles that can harm marine life.

Applying sunscreen at least 15 minutes before entering the water reduces how much washes off. Wearing protective clothing like rash guards can also help minimize sunscreen use on larger skin areas.

By choosing truly reef-safe sunscreen, divers do their part to protect the fragile ecosystems we love to explore. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in keeping our oceans vibrant.

Happy and safe diving,
The ScubaBlast Team

U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2022). How sunscreens affect coral reefs. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov

Environmental Working Group (EWG). (2023). Guide to reef-safe sunscreens. https://www.ewg.org

Reef Safe Coalition. (n.d.). Sunscreen ingredients and reef safety. https://www.reef-safe.org

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