Why is reef safe sunscreen better?

What designates a sunscreen as reef-friendly are the specific ingredients. “Rather than absorb into the skin like chemical sunscreens, these minerals sit on top and act as a shield, reflecting the sun’s rays away from the skin,” says New York City-based cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, M.D.

What is considered reef safe sunscreen?

“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.

Is there a difference between reef-safe and reef friendly?

The recent surge of clean products and mineral sunscreens has been accompanied by the labels “reef friendly” and “reef safe.” The truth is neither of these terms are officially regulated. Sunscreen manufacturers are not required to provide evidence that their products won’t harm marine life.

Is Reef Safe sunscreen actually reef-safe?

In July 2018, the state of Hawaii banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. When both laws go into effect in 2021, people there will only be able to purchase so-called “reef-safe” sunscreens. Now the truth of it is, no sunscreen has been proven to be completely safe for marine life.

Which sunscreens are safe?

8 Clean Sunscreens

• The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection Sun Cream SPF 30.
• UnSun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 30.
• The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection Sun Cream SPF 50.
• Saie Sunvisor.
• Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.
• Beautycounter Dew Skin Moisturizing Coverage.

Whats the difference between reef-safe and reef friendly sunscreen?

What does “Reef-safe” or “Reef-friendly” Sunscreen Mean? Terms like “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” are typically used to identify sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two common UV-blocking chemicals, that studies have shown can cause coral bleaching.

Is reef friendly sunscreen the same as reef-safe sunscreen?

Is reef-safe sunscreen the same as reef friendly?

Unfortunately the terms “reef friendly” and “reef safe” are not regulated, so you can’t always trust products with this description. It’s important to actually check the “active ingredients” label on the back of your sunscreen or personal care product to ensure that reef-harming chemicals are not included.

Does sunscreen damage coral reefs?

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.

How do you know if sunscreen is safe?

How to know if your sunscreen is safe

1. Visit EWG.org/sunscreen.
2. Type the name of your sunscreen into the search bar.
3. Click the correct product from the list. Check its safety score.
4. Read the “Top Findings” and determine if you’re comfortable keeping it.

What is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock?

Sunscreen: Sunscreen is the more commonly used type of sun protectant. It may also be called a chemical sunscreen. Sunblock: Sunblock, on the other hand, reflects the sun’s rays from the skin, blocking the rays from penetrating the skin. It may be called a physical sunscreen.

Is reef-safe sunscreen actually reef-safe?

Why you should switch to reef safe sunscreen?

Reef-safe sunscreen is made with minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide rather than toxic chemicals. They are the better choice and have no (or at least fewer) toxic effects on marine life, making them a reef-safe alternative.

Why you should only buy reef safe sunscreens?

Reef-safe sunscreen is, first and foremost, safe-to-body & safe-to-planet. Toxic sunscreens aren’t just harmful to our ocean ecosystems – the ingredients are also toxic to our human bodies, especially if we’re exposed from a young age throughout our lives.

Is your sunscreen harming the reef?

Research has shown that most chemical sunscreens are seriously harmful to marine environments. In 2015, a study published in the Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology found that exposure to oxybenzone, a chemical found in most commercial sunscreens, can cause damage to coral reefs through DNA and endocrine disruption and bleaching.

What do you need to know about reef-safe sunscreen?

Two of the most harmful are oxybenzone and octinoxate. Reef-safe sunscreen is made without these harmful chemicals. Instead, reef-safe sunscreens are mineral-based, using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and do not contain nanoparticles.