Coral reefs are disappearing at an alarming rate. Some studies suggest that in the last forty years half of the coral in the oceans has died and in just the last three years, one-fifth of it is gone. The decline is alarming; coral reefs support entire marine ecosystems, 25 percent of ocean life. In addition, reefs provide protection from large waves to many islands. If the reefs are gone, the islands could be hit harder than ever when storms come.
What can we do? The main causes of disappearing and diseased reefs are litter, pollution and global warming. So besides using less plastic and trying to decrease our carbon footprint, we can make sure that the chemicals we have on our body aren’t contributing to their demise.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (in which case you’re good), you know that dermatologists say we need sunscreen whenever we’re in the sun and especially when we’re in the water. The main chemicals in sunscreen that are causing the problems are oxybenzone and octinoxate. Reading the labels can help you avoid those two. Another reason to avoid oxybenzone? Some studies show that it may be a hormone disruptor. Don’t worry, there are plenty of safe options to take on your vacation. Click through to find out which one is best for you … and your corner of the ocean.
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Reef-Safe Sunscreens
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Raw Elements
Tinted Face Stick 30+, $15.99 at Raw Elements
We love this one for so many reasons. It is tinted so it gives you a healthy glow and matches most skin tones. It never runs or stings your eyes and is water-resistant for over an hour. And it's good to the ocean.
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Thinkbaby
Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+, $20.99 at Thinkbaby
This one is great because it rubs in without leaving that zinc-y white residue and smells nice. Also, it's been top rated by the EWG (the Environmental Working Group, a toxin watchdog) since 2010. It works for any age — not just babies, but beach babes, too.
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Beautycounter
Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, $39 at Goop
What's not to love? It's lightweight and has aloe and antioxidants to soften skin while it protects.
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Aveeno
Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen, $9.97 at Amazon
This is a top drugstore brand pick. It's budget-friendly and people with sensitive skin rave about it.
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Eir NYC
All Natural Surf Mud (Waterproof Sunscreen for Face + Hair), $24 at Amazon
This is a pomade-like sunscreen with natural ingredients, like non-nano zinc oxide, beeswax, cocoa butter, coconut oil, cocoa powder, vitamin E and tea tree essential oil. This one is great under makeup as a primer.
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Drunk Elephant
Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30, $34 at Sephora
Yep, Drunk Elephant has done it again. Developed with algae extract and sunflower sprout extract, it defends against the sun and free radicals while being kind to the sea. This one's great for acne-prone skin.
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Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
Regular Sunscreen, SPF 30+ Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, $14.98 at Amazon
We love that the bottle turns blue in UV rays to remind us to reapply. But even more than that, we love that it's mineral-based, paraben-free and contains antioxidants.
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La Roche-Posay
Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50, $33.50 at Ulta Beauty
This fast-absorbing liquid gives skin a hydrated feel and a matte look. Comes in a tinted version, too, which some people sub for foundation.
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All Good
Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, $12.89 at Amazon
We not only love that it's vegan and made without oxybenzone and nanoparticles, we love what's in it, like organic green tea, rosehip and buriti oil. It glides on and absorbs like lotion.
