reef safe travel sunscreen

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products

The 11 Best Reef-safe Sunscreens of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our favorite sunscreens keep the oceans safe and are protective, nourishing, and fast-absorbing.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

Other beach gear you may need.

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

As more and more tropical destinations ban harmful chemicals often found in traditional sunscreen, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, one of the best ways to help preserve aquatic wildlife is to wear reef-safe sunscreen. These products don't contribute to coral bleaching, and they're just as protective and nourishing as regular sunscreen, too. When you aren’t headed to the beach, using reef-safe sunscreen lessens the chance that you're sending damaging chemicals to water sources through your sink and shower drains.

There are a variety of reef-friendly sunscreens out there, so we thoroughly researched options that exclude chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate and found 26 options from trusted skincare brands. We tested them in our New York City lab, in everyday settings, and during sun-soaked getaways. Whether you’re surfing, snorkeling, or swimming in the ocean waves, our wide-ranging list has something to suit your needs. Plus, we have tips and tricks for buying reef-safe sunscreen to give you the best possible protection from the sun without environmental consequences.

Best Overall

Maui naturals surfer honey all natural sunscreen lotion spf 30.

• Transfer 4.5 /5
• Opacity 4.8 /5
• Water Resistance 5 /5

The nutrient-rich and lightweight formula rubs in easily and leaves skin feeling hydrated but not greasy.

It has a slight white cast that goes away after a few minutes.

While Hawaii officially banned non-reef-safe sunscreens in 2021, Maui Naturals has been making our top-scoring Maui Surfer Honey sunscreen since 2009. The formula is creamy and hydrating and reminds us of a daily moisturizer thanks to its lightweight texture. It's easy to apply and feels gentle even on sensitive skin.

Made in Hawaii , the reef-friendly formula is free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, petrochemicals, and nanoparticles and includes natural ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, and honey. We’re big fans of the hint-of-marshmallow aroma that comes from the sunscreen, as we found it to be subtle and sweet. The sunscreen is an off-white shade and left a little white cast that went away after the lotion had a few minutes to set into the skin. Compared to many of the reef-safe sunscreens we tested, the Maui Surfer Honey absorbed incredibly well. We also appreciated that the sunscreen didn’t transfer or come off after a sweaty workout, and we think the formula sets in perfectly for a variety of outdoor activities.

The Details: 30 SPF | 3 ounces | Up to 80 minutes of water resistance

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 50

• Transfer 5 /5
• Opacity 5 /5
• Water Resistance 4 /5

The texture of the sunscreen is milky and smooth, and it smells like a tropical breeze.

The bottle is prone to leaking, which may be messy for travel.

This Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen will instantly transport you to the beach thanks to its subtle but deliciously tropical scents. The milky texture applies like silk on the skin and, although it’s a little watery, it absorbs quickly without leaving a pesky residue behind. Plus, it didn't transfer at all when we rubbed our arms with a black T-shirt after application. While working out and swimming in the pool, none of the sunscreen came off or felt slimy, which led us to believe that this sun lotion lives up to its 80-minute water resistance.

We love the button applicator for applying the sunscreen, but we wish the bottle was more durable to avoid any possibility of spills occurring in a suitcase. That being said, we still think this is one of the best sunscreens we tried thanks to the silky texture, moisturizing effect, and sweet island aroma.

The Details: 50 SPF | 1.7 ounces, 3.4 ounces | Up to 80 minutes of water resistance

Best for Water Sports

Thinksport mineral sunscreen.

It stays on while in the water without dripping or rubbing off.

The white cast never fully went away after it was rubbed in.

This sunscreen has a thick, creamy texture that came out of the tube very smoothly. It felt quite similar to lotion, though the white cast remained after 15 minutes, despite the fact that it felt dry to the touch. Still, it doesn't feel greasy and didn't run on sweaty or wet faces, making this a great option for surfers, body boarders, and even divers. It has a very faint scent of citrus that we found to be pleasing, yet subtle. This vegan and dermatologist recommended formula is also approved for those with sensitive skin. And with an 80-minute water-resistance window, active adults and families with little ones can all happily add this sunscreen to their daily summer routines.

The Details: 50 SPF | 3 ounces | 80 minutes of water resistance

Best for Sensitive Skin

California baby super sensitive spf 30 lotion.

• Feel 4.5 /5
• Transfer 3.8 /5
• Opacity 4.5 /5

The creamy, gentle formula is both reef- and baby-safe.

There is a white cast leftover that takes about 30 minutes to go away.

The California Baby Super Sensitive Lotion formula is free of harsh chemicals like oxybenzone and homosalate, and it’s allergy-tested so it’s safe for gluten, soy, tree nuts, peanut, and sesame allergies. We love the creamy and thick texture of the sunscreen, and even though it takes some elbow grease to rub in, it’s worth it for the non-greasy and hydrating effect it leaves on the skin. After wearing the sun lotion in the ocean, it didn’t run off or get into our eyes and cause stinging, so we think this sunscreen is an excellent option if you’re going on a tropical family vacation and need sun protection for a variety of ages and skin types.

The Details: 30 SPF | 2.9 ounces | Up to 80 minutes of water resistance

Best Non-greasy

Suntegrity skincare natural mineral body sunscreen.

• Transfer 4.8 /5
• Opacity 4 /5
• Water Resistance 4.5 /5

The sunscreen rubs in seamlessly and feels nearly weightless without a trace of oily residue.

It has a mild orange scent our tester didn’t love.

Whether you’re swimming, hiking, running, or hitting the courts, we think Suntegrity’s mineral body sunscreen is ideal for all types of adventures thanks to the non-greasy feel of the lotion — perfect to stash in a beach tote or tennis bag . We love that it applies like a regular lotion with a little bit going a long way, and it feels super hydrating on the skin. You barely feel like you're wearing sunscreen thanks to the lightweight texture and refreshing ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber extract, and jojoba oil. Although the formula includes a variety of oil-based ingredients, the application and result don’t feel slick or greasy at all. There is a very minimal white cast after applying the sunscreen to larger parts of the body like legs and arms, but for a mineral-based sunscreen, the white cast isn’t nearly as bad as others we tried. Plus, if you’re a fan of citrus scents, you’ll like the sunblock's subtle orange aroma, too.

The Details: 30 SPF | 3 ounces

Best for Face

Summer fridays shadedrops spf 30 mineral milk sunscreen.

• Feel 4.8 /5
• Removal 5 /5

The sunscreen is super lightweight and absorbs quickly, especially on oily skin types.

It leaves a sheen on the face after it’s applied.

We think this face sunscreen from Summer Fridays is the perfect addition to your everyday skincare routine thanks to its protective and non-irritating formula. We were thoroughly impressed by the lightweight feel of the sunscreen that absorbed quickly and didn’t leave an oily residue. A little bit of the liquidy texture goes a long way, and while the lotion leaves a slight sheen after it’s absorbed, we like that it provides more of a glowy rather than greasy look. Best of all, the mineral formula is free of nanoparticles, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other chemicals that can harm the ocean .

The Details: 30 SPF | 1.7 ounces

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Fragrance-free

Blue lizard sensitive mineral sunscreen spf 50.

The watery formula is super hydrating and free of any scents.

It doesn’t absorb easily and leaves a bit of a residue, which isn’t great for oily skin combinations.

For travelers looking for sunscreen that doesn’t have any added scent, this tube of Blue Lizard lotion is your best option. We’re big fans of the hydrating liquid texture that comes out of the bottle seamlessly and easily spreads around the body. Blue Lizard uses smart-cap technology that makes the cap of this tube change from translucent to blue if there is a harmful level of UV rays outside, so all you have to do is take the bottle out of your bag to see if applying is urgently needed. Because the formula is very watery, it might take some extra rubbing in to get the sunscreen to absorb, so we think the formula is best designed for dry skin rather than oily skin combinations. The sunscreen has a slight white cast and a residual greasiness, but it still feels hydrating and lightweight.

The Details: 50 SPF | 5 ounces | Up to 80 minutes of water resistance

Best Water-resistant

Kokua sun care sunscreen.

The sunscreen doesn’t transfer or run after getting wet, so it’s ideal for outdoor activities.

It takes some effort to fully rub it in.

Designed with outdoor activities top of mind, this sunscreen from Kokua has a plant-based formula and water resistance for up to 80 minutes. We found that the sheer formula is super gentle, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t come off in the water. The ingredients include spirulina, kukui nut oil, macadamia nut oil, noni, and plumeria — all of which are sourced from Hawaii to support local agriculture. The sunscreen ingredients are all approved in destinations with the strictest bans on harmful sunscreen including Palau, Maui, and the Big Island. The consistency of the sunscreen is slightly watery, and a little goes a long way, so the 3-ounce tube could easily last for a weeklong tropical vacation.

The Details: 50 SPF | 3 ounces | Up to 80 minutes of water resistance

Pipette Mineral Sunscreen

The mineral formula is thick but rubs in sheerer than other sunscreens we tried.

Some of the sunscreen ran off in the water and transferred onto a T-shirt during testing.

Mineral sunscreen has a bad rap for being overly thick and pasty, but the Pipette Mineral Sunscreen defies expectations by absorbing quickly without leaving any white cast or greasy residue behind. The non-nano zinc oxide formula provides broad-spectrum protection from harmful UV rays without damaging coral reefs, so you can feel good whether you’re swimming or snorkeling in the ocean . Other natural ingredients include sugarcane-derived squalene to help make the texture extra spreadable and red gooseberry extract for sun protection to create a formula that is designed to be gentle enough for babies, toddlers, and children. We did notice that after getting out of the water, some of the sunscreen ran off and transferred to a shirt, but it didn’t cause any skin irritation or stinging in the eyes.

The Details: 50 SPF | 4 ounces

Best for Families

Reef repair reef safe sunscreen spf 30+.

• Water Resistance 3 /5

The sunscreen is easy to rub in and comes with two 1.7-ounce bottles to travel with.

It feels a little chalky once it dries on the skin.

We think the gentle and natural ingredients in Reef Repair’s Suncream make it an excellent choice for the entire family. The purchase includes two 1.7-ounce tubes of sunscreen so you can easily pack it in a carry-on or personal item without having to worry about stocking up when you arrive at your destination. We loved that a little bit of the thicker-consistency sunscreen provides plenty of coverage, and it blends in quickly. It did feel a little sticky during application and slightly chalky when it dried, but the sunscreen stayed put when the skin came into contact with water, so it will work well for water activities. In addition, the formula is kid- and reef-friendly. It doesn’t include oxybenzone or octinoxate, so you can relax on vacation knowing you’re protecting reefs and wildlife as well as your family, too.

The Details: 50 SPF | 1.7 ounces | Up to 60 minutes of water resistance

Best Splurge

Mdsolarsciences mineral creme.

The 1.7-ounce tube and all-in-one formula make it easy to toss in your carry-on or personal item.

It has a slight white cast if it’s not rubbed in well.

We love that this TSA-approved MDSolarSciences sunscreen uses ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc that are designed for sensitivities like acne- or rosacea-prone skin but are still reef-friendly. For extra transparency, you can click on the name of every ingredient included in the sunscreen to learn more about its purpose on the MDSolarSciences site. When it comes to mineral sun lotions, this one was a bit thick, but after rubbing it in thoroughly, the white cast went away, and it absorbed into the body and face evenly. When on vacation, many people bring sunscreen for the face and another tube for the rest of the body, but this product does it all so you can pack less. Since the formula is gentle on the body and face, we think this is an excellent all-in-one sunscreen that is easy to travel with, too.

The Details: 50 SPF | 1.7 ounces, 3.4 ounces | 80 minutes of water resistance

Travel + Leisure / Stella Yu

Other Reef-safe Sunscreens We Liked

The reef-safe sunscreens highlighted below are still tester-approved, but due to some minor issues during testing, they didn’t quite surpass our top performers when it came to slight issues with texture, opacity, and water resistance.

All Good Face & Body Sport Sunscreen Lotion : We love that the formula was non-irritating for our tester with sensitive skin and that it absorbs into the skin within seconds. However, similar-performing sunscreens had higher scores in both our lab and real-world tests.

Raw Love All Natural Mineral Sunscreen : Since the sunscreen is made with beeswax, the consistency is super thick, so we think it’s best as a once-in-a-while face sunscreen rather than a full body lotion.

We began by thoroughly researching sunscreens made with reef-friendly ingredients, which don’t leave behind harmful chemicals, like oxybenzone or octinoxate, that cause damage to coral reefs. We tested 26 tubes of reef-safe sunscreen in our New York City lab and then sent the bottles out for testing in the real world with the help of T+L’s expert product testers, including our editors and writers.

In both of the testing scenarios, we paid close attention to the texture, opacity, transfer, and water resistance of the sun lotion to compare and contrast a variety of reef-friendly sunscreens on the market. In the lab, we spritzed our arms with water and rubbed them with black T-shirts to test water resistance and product transfer. Whether our testers were working up a sweat at the gym, swimming in the ocean, or lounging poolside, the best sunscreens we tried had hydrating formulas that absorbed quickly, didn’t leave any sticky or oily residue behind, and proved to be water and sweat resistant without irritating the skin or stinging the eyes.

When you're heading out for a full day in the sun, be sure to protect more than just your skin with some of these stylish products to keep you comfortable — so you can enjoy even longer days in the sand.

Maui Jim Women's Capri Polarized Cat Eye Sunglasses : These stylish sunglasses feature PolarizedPlus2 lenses to provide the ultimate protection from UV rays while enhancing colors, so you'll want to wear them all day long.

Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Cabana Beach Tent : This spacious, easy-to-assemble pop-up tent will make any trip to the beach feel like a high-end, all-inclusive experience. It's wide enough to fit two or three adults, features an extended porch to keep sand out, and offers 50+ UPF sun protection, so you can lounge all day in comfort.

Tommy Bahama Backpack Cooler Chair : This compact chair weighs less than eight pounds and can be worn comfortably as a backpack, so you can transport it to your beach set-up hands-free. The chair feels durable and comfortable to sit in, and even reclines all the way flat so you can enjoy a nap on the beach without getting down in the sand.

Tips for Buying Reef-safe Sunscreen

Carefully read the ingredients.

Some destinations have stricter ingredient bans for sunscreen than others, so the first thing you should do is look up the regulations before you start shopping. Tropical destinations like Palau, Hawaii, and Aruba have bans on chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, parabens, and more, so you’ll want to research the specific prohibited ingredients ahead of time. Similarly, if you’re looking for organic or all-natural sunscreen, find certifications on the label to ensure you’re getting the sunscreen you need.

Look at the sunscreen's active ingredients

When you’re buying reef-safe sunscreen, it’s essential to look at the active ingredients. Reef-friendly sunscreen will only have non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the active ingredients, which are the two ingredients that will protect you from harmful UV rays without affecting coral reefs. Inactive ingredients include water, oils, or extracts, so you look for those to find out which ones are natural or organic if that’s important to your sunscreen shopping.

Prioritize water resistance and SPF levels

Depending on how you’ll be spending your vacation, you’ll want to buy sunscreen that will protect your skin for a range of activities. If you’re planning on spending most of your time in the water, consider getting a lightweight sunscreen with higher SPF and water resistance of up to 80 minutes. For those looking for an everyday sunscreen, a sheer and more watery sunscreen will be easy to apply and not super noticeable on the skin.

Reef-friendly sunscreens don’t use any chemicals that can cause harm to ocean wildlife by bleaching coral reefs ; oxybenzone or octinoxate, for example. There are several tropical destinations like Palau and Hawaii that enforce bans on sunscreens that contain certain chemicals known to cause damage. A lot of sunscreen brands will be advertised as reef-friendly or reef-safe, but you’ll want to read the ingredients list to make sure the sunscreen doesn’t include harmful chemicals or nanoparticles and microplastics like exfoliating beads.

Generally, the ingredients that can cause harm to coral reefs include oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are two common chemicals found in sunscreen. In addition, octocrylene, homosalate, 4-methyl benzylidene camphor, Triclosan, parabens, nanoparticles, and microplastics are all harmful ingredients you don’t want in your sunscreen if you want to protect aquatic life.

Currently, non-reef-safe sunscreens are banned in Hawaii, Palau, the U.S. Virgin Islands, parts of Mexico, Key West, Aruba, and Bonaire. However, if you’re planning on snorkeling or scuba diving near coral reefs elsewhere, you may be advised to bring reef-safe sunscreen.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure, where she writes about and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna tested reef-safe sunscreen herself and worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best reef-safe sunscreens on the market.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Advertisement

• Health and fitness
• Personal care

The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen

By Nancy Redd

Nancy Redd is a writer who covers health and grooming. She has tested dozens of hair dryers, toothbrushes, and pairs of period underwear.

Although no sunscreen has been proven totally safe for aquatic wildlife—wearing a rash guard or other protective clothing while you snorkel is the best choice for coral as well as for your skin—some formulas are friendlier than others.

After researching the issue and testing 15 sunscreens that claim to be reef safe, we’ve found that Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50 and Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ have ingredients that scientists recommend in a reef-safe sunscreen, plus feel nicer and cost less than competitors.

Everything we recommend

Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50

The best reef-friendly sunscreen.

This formula includes ingredients that are thought to be safest for reefs. It rubs in easily, feels nice on skin, and doesn’t leave a white cast, though it does have a strong, fruity scent.

Buying Options

Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+

Similar formula, thicker consistency.

This sunscreen also uses non-nano zinc oxide, but it is more difficult to rub in than our pick and is more likely to leave a white cast. This sunscreen also has a strong, fruity scent.

What to look for

Along with octinoxate, this active ingredient found in some chemical sunscreen formulas is banned for sale in some coastal areas.

Reef-safe sunscreens are made with non-micronized versions of the active ingredients zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

A sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Even if you don’t plan to sweat or swim, water-resistant sunscreens have better staying power on skin.

The main active ingredient in Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50 is non-nano zinc oxide, the most coral-friendly option available in the US. Zinc oxide sunscreen might conjure images of lifeguards with white noses, but this one rubs in the clearest of those we tested with minimal effort. Once on skin, Thrive’s Bodyshield SPF 50 feels less greasy than many other sunscreens. This sunscreen typically costs about $4.30 per ounce ($3.80 if purchased in three-packs ), which is less than the price of many of the other reef-safe sunscreens we considered, but much more than our other sunscreen picks.

Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ is also formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, but it’s a thicker formula that is less translucent on the skin. Many testers—particularly people with darker-hued skin—said this sunscreen left a white cast on their skin. This sunscreen costs around $3 per ounce in the largest-available size (6 ounces), which is less than our top pick.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked and tested, our pick: thrive bodyshield spf 50, runner-up: thinksport sunscreen spf 50+, another good reef-safe sunscreen, the competition.

We spoke to two scientists who have researched the effects of sunscreen on sea life: Craig Downs , executive director of the nonprofit Haereticus Environmental Laboratory in Virginia; and Roberto Danovaro , PhD, a marine ecologist at Polytechnic University of Marche in Italy. We drew on research from our main sunscreen guide , for which we spoke to nine dermatologists, a skin cancer educator, and a cosmetic chemist. We also read peer-reviewed papers on how sunscreen affects sea life.

If you’re headed on a reef-themed scuba or snorkel excursion, or even just to a beach in a region that’s home to coral habitats, you’ll lessen your environmental impact by using a sunscreen that skips ingredients studies have shown to be harmful to reefs in large quantities. In particular, some sunscreen ingredients can help viruses destroy corals faster, leading to bleaching, according to a 2008 paper published by Roberto Danovaro and colleagues.

The reefs most vulnerable to sunscreen damage are those in highly trafficked areas without a lot of water turnover, like coastal reefs or atolls (circular reef structures left behind after a coral island sinks), the authors of the paper note.

Some such locations and guided tours may even require reef-safe sunscreen. As reported in The New York Times, both Hawaii and Key West, Florida voted to ban the sale of sunscreens containing two ingredients found to be harmful to coral: oxybenzone and octinoxate. The laws took effect January 1, 2021. Hawaii’s state parks urge beachgoers to forgo certain ingredients , and a chain of hotels in Hawaii provides guests with complimentary reef-safe sunscreen . In Mexico, federal regulation requires use of reef-safe sunscreen in a handful of protected areas. And the nation of Palau became the first country to ban any reef-toxic sunscreen that contains any one of 10 prohibited chemicals.

More people are choosing to be as cautious as possible and use reef-safe sunscreen all the time, not just for reef safety. “Reef-safe sunscreen’s main ingredients are zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, and they are the only sunscreens the FDA regards as generally ... safe and effective” at this time, said Dr. Lawrence Eichenfield , chief of the pediatric and adolescent dermatology division at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego.

However, no sunscreen is foolproof when it comes to sea-life safety. Though good reef-safe sunscreens avoid ingredients that have been clearly demonstrated to cause damage to reefs in large doses, they may still contain trace amounts of the offending substances. Plus, scientists disagree about whether the replacement ingredients are actually safe for sea life.

Beyond that, reef-safe sunscreens, like all mineral sunscreens, are generally pricier and harder to rub in than their chemical and combination counterparts , making them potentially trickier to use on a daily basis to best protect your skin from UV rays. Note that chemicals from sunscreen aren’t the main source of worry for reefs— that would be climate change , a phenomenon bolstered by lots of other choices we make every day.

No label denotes a totally reef-safe sunscreen, and it’s unclear if such a thing exists. “Reef safer” is probably a better way to describe the options available.

In October 2016, Haereticus Environmental Laboratory executive director Craig Downs set out to create a reef-safe sunscreen label to affix to sunscreens that passed a toxicity test in his lab. But as the applications and samples from companies rolled in, he found that even sunscreens that met the mark in theory contained impurities and unlisted ingredients that have been known to cause damage to reefs.

That said, a few factors still help ensure that a sunscreen is safer for reefs than the competition.

• Minerals only: The only two ingredients in a reef-safe sunscreen should be non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide. Some sunscreens use a combination of the two. Particles under a hundred nanometers (in this context, considered “nano”) can be bad news for sea creatures that ingest them, like brine shrimp , and in turn the things that eat the shrimp. (Danovaro is still concerned about non-nano zinc oxide , but in the US it’s the best option we have.)
• Water resistant: All sunscreens wash off in water, but the better they are at sticking to your skin, the less they will wind up in the ocean with the reefs.
• Lotion, not spray: Each time you use a spray sunscreen at the beach, some ends up on the sand, which in turn ends up in the ocean. Most mineral sunscreens are lotions, anyway.
• No parabens: These preservatives are another virus-assisting, reef-bleaching culprit. Sunscreens with parabens can be hard to identify, as parabens are often not listed in the ingredients. If a sunscreen advertises aloe or another plant component, it likely contains preservatives needed to keep that plant fresh, Downs told us, so don’t get those formulas if reef protection is your priority.
• Free of other ingredients that may harm coral: Downs compiled a small slew of chemicals that aren’t great for reefs in Haereticus’s HEL List. In addition to oxybenzone and parabens, the list includes octinoxate, octocrylene, triclosan, para-aminobenzoic acid (known as PABA), camphor, and microbeads or other small bits of plastic.

Once an FDA-approved sunscreen passed these requirements for being reef safe, we considered the following factors:

• SPF: The minimum SPF experts recommend to protect your skin is 30, though higher is preferred to make up for user error.
• Price: For sunscreen to work well, you need to reapply—a lot. Experts recommend a shot-glass amount of lotion every two hours and after you come out of the water. We sought to find a sunscreen that wasn’t a ton of money per application (with reef-safe sunscreens, each full-body application can easily cost upwards of $6).
• Size: Hauling one or two large bottles of sunscreen for a family day at the beach is easier than packing a bunch of small tins.

The Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50’s  main ingredient is non-nano zinc oxide (23.5%), which experts say is the most sea- and coral-friendly active sunscreen ingredient available in the US. Our test panelists favored it over similar broad spectrum, water-resistant formulas for a few reasons.

It’s easy to apply. Thrive lotion rubs into the skin almost as well as chemical sunscreens, and it feels less greasy than many other lotions.

It doesn’t make skin appear chalky. None of the panelists who participated in our brand-concealed testing noted a white cast on their skin after application.

Thrive sunscreen’s SPF 50 rating is appealing because the minerals in physical sunscreens are not as efficient at repelling UV rays as chemical filters are at absorbing them, according to Dr. Henry Lim, a Detroit-based dermatologist and Skin Cancer Foundation spokesperson. Experts recommend looking for formulas labeled SPF 30 or more.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

This sunscreen only comes in one size (5.8 ounces) and typically costs about $4.30 per ounce ($3.80 if purchased in 3-packs ), which is less than the price of many of the other reef-safe sunscreens we considered, but much more than our other sunscreen picks .

Thrive’s formula includes a strong, fruity-smelling added fragrance that takes quite a bit of time to dissipate, which bothered some testers.

Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ also fits our requirements for a reef-safe sunscreen: It’s made with non-nano zinc oxide (23.4%), it’s water resistant, and it’s a lotion. The formula is also paraben free and water resistant. Although it doesn’t feel as good or look as nice on skin compared with our pick, Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50 , it is much more widely available. At around $3 per ounce in the largest-available bottle (6 ounces), this formula is less expensive than many reef-safe sunscreens we’ve considered.

Although Thinksport sells three versions of its sunscreen, they all have the same base formula; only the fragrances differ. The baby and kids versions are identical and have a slightly sweeter and—in our opinion—more off-putting, artificial smell than the original Thinksport sunscreen.

Each Thinksport variation comes in both family-size (6-ounce) and travel-size (3-ounce) bottles. Compared with the travel-size versions, the family-size bottles cost slightly less per ounce. Since each application of sunscreen requires about a shot glass’s worth of the lotion, a single person can expect to easily use up an entire 6-ounce bottle on a daylong trip to the beach.

Like many zinc-oxide-based sunscreens, the Thinksport lotion can leave a noticeable white cast. However, as we’ve found while panel-testing dozens of sunscreens over the past few years, some people find this opacity beneficial: It helps them to see where and how much they’ve applied.

Thinksport’s formula contains added fragrance, which gives it a strong, fruity smell that didn’t appeal to many of our testers.

If you want a reef-friendly sunscreen without added fragrance: Badger Adventure Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 50 (active ingredient: zinc oxide 25%) is a four-ingredient formula that is more expensive, more difficult to spread, and has more of a greasy, heavier feel on the skin than Thrive Bodyshield. However, it contains no fragrance and, like our pick, is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. A semi-solid “sport” version comes in a packable tin. Some testers found the semi-solid formula difficult to spread to adequate coverage anywhere other than on the face.

Customer and test panelist reviews are mixed for All Good Sport Sunscreen SPF 30 , a physical formula that contains less of the active ingredient than our picks, and it is comparatively more expensive, even in its largest size.

Testers with darker skin loved the All Good Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 , a reef-safe, face-specific formula. Its paint-like pigment was visible on testers with lighter skin.

Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen SPF 50 leaves a whitish cast and has a polarizing scent.

Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 feels and smells good. But it’s almost double the price of our pick.

The highly rated Banana Boat Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ left a strong white cast on most skin tones.

The Bare Republic Mineral Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 has a watery, separated consistency that makes it difficult to apply.

Blue Lizard calls many of its sunscreens “reef friendly.” We like Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ , a pick in our main sunscreen guide , though it contains nanoparticles of its active ingredients, which may be harmful to some aquatic wildlife in large quantities.

Testers either loved or hated Goddess Garden Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 , which rubs in easily and has a strong cinnamon scent.

The near-odorless Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50 rubs in easily and feels great on skin, but it’s more expensive than the other physical sunscreens that we recommend and only comes in a 3-ounce bottle.

Hello Bello Kid’s Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 has the same active ingredient (20% non-nano zinc oxide) for around half the cost of our pick, but it’s frequently out of stock.

Kōkua Sun Care Hawaiian Natural Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50 looks and feels nearly identical to our top pick from Thrive, but is nearly double the price.

The most affordable of our mineral sunscreen testing pool, SPF Rx Sunscreen SPF 40 —which is also available in a gallon jug —is heavy-feeling and chalky-looking.

TotLogic Sunscreen SPF 30 is also slightly more matte than our runner-up pick. It smells fruitier, too.

Shannon Palus contributed reporting. This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson.

Craig Downs, executive director of Haereticus Environmental Laboratory , phone interview , May 1, 2018

Roberto Danovaro, PhD, marine ecologist at Polytechnic University of Marche , email interview , May 1, 2018

Mehmet Ates et al., Comparative evaluation of impact of Zn and ZnO nanoparticles on brine shrimp (Artemia salina) larvae: effects of particle size and solubility on toxicity , Environmental Science: Process and Impacts , November 28, 2012

Roberto Danovaro et al., Sunscreens Cause Coral Bleaching by Promoting Viral Infections , Environmental Health Perspectives , April 1, 2008

Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, chief of pediatric and adolescent dermatology at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego , phone interview , April 23, 2021

Dr. Henry Lim, MD, former president of the American Academy of Dermatology , email interview , June 26, 2019

Meet your guide

Nancy Redd is a senior staff writer covering health and grooming at Wirecutter. She is a GLAAD Award–nominated on-air host and a New York Times best-selling author. Her latest nonfiction book, The Real Body Manual , is a visual health and wellness guide for young adults of all genders. Her other books include Bedtime Bonnet and Pregnancy, OMG!

Further reading

The Best Sunscreen

by Nancy Redd

It takes a shot glass’s worth of sunscreen to adequately cover a body in a swimsuit. Look for broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher and a scent and feel you like.

There’s Basically No Difference Between Baby Sunscreen and Regular Sunscreen

by Rose Maura Lorre

There are few—if any—differences between regular sunscreens and those marketed for babies or kids. Here’s what you need to know.

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks in June 2021

by Wirecutter Staff

These 100 useful things were the most-purchased Wirecutter picks in June 2021.

The Best Beach and Surf Gear: Towels, Totes, Coolers, and More

by Kit Dillon

After six years of relaxing in the sand and playing in the surf, we’ve chosen the best picks to help you enjoy a perfect beach day.

• Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide

Your Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide

Marine Sanctuaries are home to some of the ocean’s most biologically diverse and culturally significant marine areas, and we need to ensure that these critical areas are protected from harmful chemicals, in addition to other damaging practices like oil and gas extraction

To keep ocean life happy, the key is to find an SPF that uses physical UVA and UVB filters (as opposed to the chemical ones that have been connected to coral reef deterioration). You’ll be able to find them by flipping the SPF tube over and looking for the active ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients form an actual physical block to shield skin from absorbing any rays (whereas chemical filters absorb UV and turn it into heat that’s released from skin).

“The term reef safe typically means that the sunscreen contains only mineral UV-blocking ingredients like oxide and titanium dioxide,” explains Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “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.

How do I know if a sunscreen is "reef friendly"?

Unfortunately the term “reef friendly” is 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. The size of minerals can also have an impact. Be sure to use micro-sized (or non-nano) mineral sunscreens to avoid nanoparticles, as these smaller particles can be toxic in high concentrations. It’s also advised to stick with lotions and avoid spray or misting sunscreens, especially those that contain titanium dioxide as it can be harmful to your health if inhaled. Finally, it's always good to use products that cut back on single use plastic packaging , either by using containers that are reusable, have high recycled content or are made out of biodegradable plant-based materials like cardboard.

Check the label! Make sure your sunscreen does not contain the following harmful substances on the "HEL list:

• Octocrylene
• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
• Any nanoparticles or “nano-sized” zinc or titanium (if it doesn’t explicitly say “micro-sized” or “non-nano” and it can rub in, it’s probably nano-sized)
• Any form of microplastic, such as “exfoliating beads”

Spread the word and advocate for bans on reef harming sunscreens

In addition to changing our actions and purchasing decisions to protect the marine environment, it’s also important to spread awareness about the issue to friends, family and community members. At the local level, ensure that your town’s stores are offering "reef friendly" sunscreen products, and encourage them to stop the sale of harmful products.

You can also advocate for local legislation that bans the sale and use of toxic sunscreens. For instance, in 2018, Hawaii passed the first ever statewide ban on oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens, soon after, island nations including Palau, Bonaire and Aruba followed suite. Due to widespread community support, the Florida Keys were also able to pass an oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreen ban in Key West, but chemical companies have been working tirelessly to try and revoke this important legislation through the use of statewide preemption.

At the federal level, you can ask your federal representatives to support the first federal bill to ban oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens in National Marine Sanctuaries with coral reefs!

• All Wellness
• All Skin Care
• Moisturizers
• Mineral Sunscreens
• Sunscreens for Kids
• Sunscreens for Dark Skin
• SPF Lip Balms
• Under Eye Patches
• All Hair Care
• Purple Shampoos
• Thinning Hair
• Head Shavers
• Hair Dryers
• All Oral Care
• Electric Toothbrushes
• Toothpastes
• Mouthwashes
• Water Flossers
• Meal Kit Delivery
• Gluten-Free Meal Kit Delivery
• Disposable Face Masks
• Air Purifiers
• Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents
• Natural Deodorants
• Period Underwear
• All Fitness
• Exercise Bikes
• Walking Shoes
• Fitness Trackers
• Reusable Water Bottles
• Blackout Curtains
• Sound Machines
• Home & Kitchen
• All Home & Kitchen
• Kitchen Appliances & Tools
• All Kitchen Appliances & Tools
• Coffee Makers
• Kitchen Gadgets
• Small Home Appliances
• All Small Home Appliances
• Air Conditioners
• Space Heaters
• Humidifiers
• Bedding & Bath
• All Bedding & Bath
• Bath Towels
• Silk Pillowcases
• Duvet Inserts
• Office Chairs
• Standing Desks
• Desk Organizers
• Seat Cushions
• Under Desk Ellipticals
• All Outdoor
• Raised Garden Boxes
• Garden Hoses
• Beach Towels
• Solar Pool Covers
• Grilling Accessories
• Electronics
• All Electronics
• Wifi Routers
• Gaming Consoles
• Streaming Devices
• Instant Cameras
• Handheld Gaming Consoles
• 3D Printers
• All Headphones
• Noise Canceling
• Wireless Earbuds
• Smart Gadgets
• All Smart Gadgets
• Smart Watches
• Smart Bulbs
• Garage Door Openers
• All Computers
• Gaming Laptops
• Laptops for College Students
• Computer Monitors
• Ergonomic Keyboards
• Dog Carriers
• Litter Boxes
• Scratching Posts
• Cat Carriers
• All Pet Care
• Nail Clippers
• Flea & Tick
• All Luggage
• Lightweight
• Weekender Bags
• Accessories
• All Accessories
• Luggage Tags
• Travel Pillows
• Tech Gadgets
• Packing & Organization
• All Packing & Organization
• Packing Cubes
• Toiletry Bags
• Gift Guides
• All Gift Guides
• Valentine's Day
• All Valentine's Day
• For Any Loved Ones
• Mother's Day
• All Mother's Day
• Last Minute Gifts
• Best Mother's Day Gifts
• For Moms Who Have Everything
• Best from Amazon
• All Graduation
• For College Grads
• For High School Grads
• For Teachers
• Father's Day
• All Father's Day
• Best Father's Day Gifts
• For Dads Who Love Fishing
• Holiday Season & Christmas
• All Holiday Season & Christmas
• Gifts Under $25
• Practical Gifts
• Other occasions & loved ones
• All Other occasions & loved ones
• For Grandparents
• For Bridal Shower
• For New Parents
• For Any Occasion
• Deals & Sales
• All Deals & Sales
• Most Popular This Month
• Sales This Week
• New & Notable
• What to Buy This Month
• All Sleep Week
• Body Pillows
• Sleep Week Sales
• CNBC Select
• All CNBC Select
• Credit Cards
• Small Business
• Personal Finance
• Credit Monitoring
• Help for Low Credit Scores
• Sign up for the Select Newsletter
• Check out Shop TODAY
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Terms Of Service
• NBC News Sitemap

Follow Select

The best reef-safe sunscreens, according to experts

Slathering on sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays is a must — no matter your age or skin tone. It not only help protects against skin cancer, but can also help prevent premature wrinkles and age spots, according to the The American Academy of Dermatology .

When it comes to finding the right SPF, however, there are a lot of factors to take into account. For example, you may require sunscreen for sensitive skin or need a kid-friendly SPF formula . Another consideration you may want to think about: Picking an environmentally friendly product — especially if you’ll be spending lots of time near the ocean. According to experts, certain chemicals in your SPF could rinse off in water and impact ocean ecosystems.

Specifically, research suggests that chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate have a negative impact on coral reefs. (An estimated 25% of all marine life depends on coral reefs for survival, according to the Environmental Protection Agency .) It’s so harmful, in fact, that places like Hawaii and Key West, Florida, no longer allow the sale of sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.

That’s where reef-safe sunscreen comes in. “These sunscreens tend to be mineral-based , utilizing ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to provide physical, rather than chemical, sun protection,” says Dr. Divya Shokeen, a board-certified dermatologist at the Ocean Skin and Vein Institute in California.

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best reef safe sunscreen | The best reef safe sunscreen | How to shop for reef safe sunscreen | How to apply sunscreen correctly

To help you shop for reef-safe formulas, we spoke to dermatologists and environmental experts about what to look for in an SPF that will protect both you and the environment. Then, we rounded up expert picks, along with highly rated options that met their standards.

Our top picks

• Best overall/editor’s pick: ThinkSport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
• Best budget pick : Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30
• Best splurge : MdSolarScience Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 Sunscreen

select Sensitive skin? Here's what to look for in sunscreen, according to dermatologists

How we picked the best reef-safe sunscreen.

We interviewed two dermatologists and an environmental expert about what to look for in a sunscreen that will protect your skin from harmful rays, while not damaging coral reefs or other ocean ecosystems. The experts we spoke recommend keeping the following factors in mind:

Reef-safe ingredients : There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and mineral . Chemical sunscreens use ingredients to filter out UV rays, whereas mineral (also known as physical) formulas sit on top of your skin and reflect rays away. The former contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two ingredients that research suggests can be harmful to the ocean ecosystem by bleaching coral reefs and damaging their DNA. For this list, we selected mineral formulas, none of which contain oxybenzone octinoxate. Instead, they incorporate physical blockers like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. “When shopping for reef-safe, mineral sunscreens, look for something containing zinc or titanium as the active ingredients,” says Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.

Level of protection : You want to protect the ocean, but you also need to protect your skin too. To do so, look for broad-spectrum products with an SPF rating of at least SPF 30 . (Broad-spectrum protection means your skin will be safe from both UVA and UVB rays).

Water-resistance : Denoted by time (typically 40 or 80 minutes), this refers to how long your sunscreen will stay on wet skin. Water-resistant sunscreens serve purposes, according to our experts. Firstly, the better your sunscreen stays on your skin , the more protected you are. And second, your SPF will be less likely to wash off and harm the ocean.

The best reef-safe sunscreen

To help you find the best reef safe sunscreen, we considered recommendations from dermatologists, along with highly rated options from brands like Cerave, Blue Lizard and more. None of our recommendations contain oxybenzone or octinoxate.

ThinkSport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen

This water-resistant formula is a favorite of Camp’s because it is environmentally friendly, offers broad-spectrum protection and has skin-boosting benefits. This zinc oxide-based formula absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel sticky or oily going on. “In addition to SPF 50 protection, it includes antioxidants like vitamin E and moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil,” he says. “Whereas some sunscreens feel sticky going on, this one feels smooth thanks to these ingredients, which also help nourish your skin as you wear it.”

Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50 Suncreen

With zinc oxide as the primary active ingredient, Camp says this is a great option for protecting your body and keeping reefs safe. It offers SPF 50 and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. While some mineral sunscreens leave a white residue on skin, this one blends in very nicely so you don’t look like you’re wearing a ton of sunscreen even when you are, according to Camp. You can also feel good about the packaging — it’s made of recycled plastic, according to the brand.

Thrive Natural Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF50

Blue lizard sensitive sunscreen spf 30.

This expert-recommended mineral sunscreen is a great option for those with sensitive skin around the entire body (not just the face). It offers broad-spectrum SPF 50+ coverage and has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect skin from UV rays. Plus, the fragrance-free formula is sweat- and water-resistant too. An added bonus? As this sits in the sun, the bottle turns from white to blue to remind you when it’s time to reapply your sunscreen.

MDSolarScience Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 Sunscreen

If you are looking for a face-specific formula, you may want to consider a lotion with a tint. “Tinted sunscreens are often formulated with pigment that blends in well without leaving noticeable residue,” says Camp. This one uses both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to create a protective barrier from the sun. I use this daily on my face and love that it dries with a slightly matte finish and evens out my skin tone. The water-resistant formula also has vitamins C and E to help soothe and moisturize skin, according to the brand.

Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

This SPF 30, which is great for sensitive skin , has a sheer tint, offsetting any white cast on the skin, says Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin , who uses it daily. The noncomedogenic sunscreen also contains hyaluronic acid to boost moisture and ceramides to support the skin’s natural barrier. Plus, it’s free of oil and fragrances, making it a good option for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

I originally bought this broad-spectrum sunscreen with zinc oxide for my daughter, but quickly fell in love with it thanks to its lightweight, creamy texture that doesn’t leave a white cast on your skin, which is something that can be common with mineral sunscreens. It happens to be a favorite of Camp’s as well thanks to the sugarcane-derived squalane (a plant-based hydrating ingredient) that’s in it, which helps moisturize skin as you wear it. It’s also fragrance-free, which is helpful if you have sensitive skin or prefer products that aren’t scented.

How to shop for reef-safe sunscreen

When shopping for environmentally friendly sunscreens that will also keep you protected from the sun, our experts recommend keeping the below factors in mind:

Prioritize reef-safe ingredients. Like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that create a physical block on your skin that make rays bounce off it without penetrating through. Though it’s important to note that there is no actual, legal definition for ‘reef safe’, according to Emily Spilman, a healthy living science program manager at the Environmental Working Group . The term is unregulated and generally, companies have their own definitions, she says. “While there are still a lot of data gaps about how certain sunscreens impact coral reefs, the main concern is that specific ingredients can cause coral bleaching, which can leave reefs under distress and vulnerable.”

Reef-safe sunscreens are also usually made up of micro-sized or non-nano particles. This is because nanoparticles can be ingested by coral and negatively impact its health, according to the National Park Service . Most reef-safe products will identify what type of particles their formula is made up of.

Avoid oxybenzone, octinoxate and parabens. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are chemical ingredients that work to protect skin from the sun by filtering harmful rays out — and while they are effective at doing that, they can cause other issues. “They have been shown to be toxic to aquatic life, including coral,” Spilman says.

Parabens are preservatives that keep beauty products shelf stable for longer. However, they can bleach reefs and even damage the DNA in coral, according to the National Ocean Service .

Opt for broad spectrum sunscreens. This will protect you against both UVA and UVB rays. Exposure to UVA rays is associated with skin aging, while exposure to UVB is connected to skin burning — so preventing both from impacting your complexion is crucial, according to our experts. “You should also be looking for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher,” says Shokeen. Just know that anything higher than SPF 50 only offers marginal improvements when it comes to protecting your skin.

Look for water-resistance. Not only does this help keep your skin safe while you engage in water play, it may be safer for the environment. This is because water-resistant sunscreen isn’t as likely to wash off in the ocean and negatively impact aquatic life.

How to apply sunscreen correctly

Once you’ve picked your reef-safe sunscreen, make sure you apply it correctly to ensure you get maximum protection. Your goal should be to use it liberally and frequently, according to Shokeen. The general rule of thumb is to use a quarter-sized dollop on your face and a shot glass-size amount for your body. You want to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply those amounts every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Meet our experts

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Kate Beebe is the associate marketing director at the Coral Reef Alliance .

Dr. Brendan Camp is board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.

Dr. Divya Shokeen is a board-certified dermatologist at the Ocean Skin and Vein Institute in California.

Emily Spilman is a healthy living science program manager at the Environmental Working Group .

Why trust NBC Select?

Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed three experts to gather their guidance and researched highly rated reef-safe sunscreens based on their advice.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

Bethany Heitman is a contributing editor at NBC Select.

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Your Tropical Vacation

Carol McPherson

Carol McPherson is an Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @cj_mcpherson.

A member of SmarterTravel since 2019, Carol is an eco-friendly travel enthusiast with a passion for exploring historical sites and trying new things (especially new foods!) She’s lived in Boston and Rome, and hopes to call more cities home in the future.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: “Noise cancelling headphones. I can handle a flight of any length if I have my headphones and a good podcast.”

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Hiking trip in New Zealand."

Travel Motto: “You never know until you try!”

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: “Aisle for long-haul flights, window for short. Does anyone pick middle?”

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Summer is just around the corner, and if you’ve been knee-deep in planning your dream beach vacation , you’ve probably run across the term “reef-safe sunscreen.” Studies in recent years have shown that the UV-blocking chemicals in sunscreen cause damage to marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. In response, sunscreen manufacturers have shifted their focus to reef-safe products—but what makes a sunscreen ‘reef-safe’?

Whether you’re an environmentally conscious beach-goer or traveling to a destination with a sunscreen ban in place , here’s how you can soak up the sun sans harmful chemicals this summer. 

What Makes Sunscreen Reef-Safe?

There is no standardized definition “‘reef-safe”, but it is commonly accepted that reef-safe sunscreens do not contain the chemicals oxybenzone or octinoxate. Other common UV-blocking ingredients, like octocrylene, can also cause damage to aquatic ecosystems. These chemicals wash off your skin while swimming in the ocean and contribute to coral bleaching.

What is Coral Bleaching?

Coral bleaching is when the algae living in the tissue of healthy coral dies or is expelled due to stressful conditions, causing the coral to lose its color and leaving it vulnerable to illness and damage. These conditions can be brought on, in part, by the chemicals commonly found in sunscreen.

What Type of Sunscreen is Safest for Coral Reefs?

When it comes to the science of sunscreen, there are two schools of thought: physical and chemical. 

Physical Sunscreen vs. Chemical Sunscreen vs. Organic Sunscreen

Physical sunscreen uses non-chemical ingredients, such as the zinc-oxide and titanium dioxide found in many mineral sunscreens, to create a physical barrier that deflects UV light away from the skin. Overall, physical sunscreens are more likely to be reef-safe, since they don’t contain the hallmark chemicals that interfere with marine life.

Chemical sunscreens use UV-blocking chemicals to create a barrier that either absorbs harmful rays or deflects them away from your skin. 

Organic sunscreen is a subtype of chemical sunscreen.The term “organic” has become synonymous with health and wellness. However, the designation ‘organic’ simply means that the chemicals in the formula are carbon-based. That means that many organic sunscreens could still contain the reef-bleaching chemical octinoxate.

How Effective is Reef-Safe Sunscreen?

Since reef-safe sunscreens contain a spectrum of ingredients, the effectiveness of the sun protection they provide can vary. 

Physical sunscreens tend to provide less protection than their chemical counterparts and are less resistant to water and sweat. However, physical sunscreens are typically chemical-free, making them better for sensitive skin and safe for children.

While some chemical sunscreens meet the minimum accepted standard required by several nations’ sunscreen bans, better sun protection may come at an environmental cost. The research on what chemicals can impact marine life and to what extent is still uncertain, and chemicals that have taken a backseat could come forward as major players in potential environmental damage.

Consumer Reports recommends aiming for a balance between mitigating environmental risk and prioritizing your own sun protection. Travelers can do this by minimizing the amount of skin exposed to the sun (and therefore covered in sunscreen) through sun-protective clothing and  staying in the shade when possible. 

What Are the Best Reef Safe Sunscreen?

Luckily, the rise in awareness of our impact on coral reefs has caused a rise in options for reef-safe products. Some sunscreens are marketed as biodegradable, which is another way to flag that a sunscreen is reef-safe. 

Here are the best replacements for your sun protection favorites.

Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Body

• Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen
• Classi c Body Organic Sunscreen Lotion
• Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
• Badger SPF 40 Clear Zinc

Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Face

• Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Mist
• Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen
• Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen
• Bubble Solar Matte Daily Mineral SPF

Best Reef-Safe Spray Sunscreens

• Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen Spray
• Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray
• Coral Isles Reef Safe Sunscreen
• Elta MD UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Australia: Upscale, 8-Night Cairns, the Gold...

Down Under Answers

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

Shop and Save with Country Inns...

Patricia Magaña

Trending on SmarterTravel

A Complete Guide to "Reef-Safe" Sunscreen

Experts help decipher what’s behind the claim.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

"Reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” claims have been popping up with mass and indie brands alike. "Reef-safe" and "reef/ocean-friendly" claims imply that the actives used in that particular product are better for the well-being of the reefs and other aquatic life in the ocean. Sunscreen actives reach the ocean by direct release when we are swimming in the water but also can find their way by storm and waste waters that are fed by the drainage of pools and showers. But the term is tricky — both in what it implies, and how it's regulated.

Where did the need for "reef-safe" sunscreen come from?

In 2018, Hawaii passed legislature banning sunscreen products containing oxybenzone and/or octinoxate. This ban came on the heels of research out of the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory in Virginia that suggested oxybenzone (a.k.a. benzophenone-3) and octinoxate could slow growth of a coral species, and demonstrated that oxybenzone was also toxic to six other coral species in lab tests .

While not all scientists agreed on the effects of sunscreen being the dominant effect in coral reef damage, the marketplace saw an influx of sunscreen product launches claiming to be “reef-safe.” Most "reef-safe" formulas in the market use mineral sunscreen actives zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and have eliminated not only the two chemical sunscreen actives banned in Hawaii, but all chemical UV filters approved by the FDA.

What does “reef-safe” sunscreen protect?

The recent emphasis on "reef-safe" sunscreen is spurred by damage to coral reefs (the so-called rainforests of the sea) which are made of limestone deposited by coral polyps over thousands of years. Changes in environmental conditions such as temperature, light or nutrients can stress to reefs, leading to them expel their colorful algae and turn white : If the stress persists, it can lead to death of the coral and disrupt the ecosystem that depends on it.

Why is this important? " Coral reefs represent less than 0.15% of the ocean yet they house more than 2 5% of all marine species — including thousands of fish and plants ," said Dr. Nicole Crane, marine biologist and executive director of One People One Reef Project, at a recent seminar hosted by the Society of Cosmetics Chemists NYC chapter . Corals are in a global crisis due, in part, to natural factors such as diseases, predators, storms, industrial pollution and unsustainable fishing practices, coupled with rising ocean temperatures and increased ocean acidification due to climate change . These coral structures are very precious as they grow ever so slowly — rates can vary widely between 0.3 cm/year to 10 cm/year — and they protect the coastlines from storms and erosion . Plus, through fishing, diving and snorkeling, reefs add hundreds of millions of dollars to local economies around the world. That's why scientists are exploring how much additional factors, such as sunscreen filters, play a role in their decline.

What ingredient in sunscreen is bad for reefs?

Well, it's TBD. “The evidence regarding the different filters is so incomplete that we can neither identify 'bad actors' nor 'safe actors' with any certainty,” says Mark Cullen, M.D ., founding director of the Stanford Center for Population Health Science, who recently delved into sunscreen actives in a 400-page report by the National Academies (NAA) committee to analyze all available aquatic toxicity data on both chemical and mineral filters in the U.S. market.

Their main finding: There are data gaps to decide which actives, if any, pose an actual risk to the marine environment. Hence, the committee would like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the federal regulatory body that funded the NAA’s efforts, to conduct an ecological risk assessment (ERA) for all currently marketed UV filters, both chemical (UV absorbing) and mineral/physical (UV blocking) actives, and any new ones that become available.

How do I know my SPF is reef-safe?

The bottom line: There is currently no sure way of knowing which sunscreen products are better than others for the well-being of reefs and aquatic life. The present availability of toxicity data to conduct environmental risk studies varies between "limited to non-existent," according to Carys Mitchelmore , professor at the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science and Chesapeake Biological Laboratory. “Only when such studies are completed, then you can begin to compare the risk between different UV filters,” she says. Dr. Cullen agrees that calling out one ingredient to be safer than other at this point in time is premature, saying, "this evidence falls short of being a strong reason to recommend a policy [or] even [make a recommendation] for consumers.”

So does buying "reef-safe" sunscreen actually matter?

Experts agree that the science of understanding the damage posed by sunscreens, or for that matter any other chemical, is still very young. There are "no standards for test methodologies, where and when to take samples in the environment and which species to use as models in the laboratory," according to Mitchelmore.

“Despite all good intentions, various descriptors such as 'reef-safe' have no well-defined, official or, frankly, clear meaning,” says Dr. Cullen. “Terms such as ‘reef-safe’ presently are more for marketing than actually to inform that a product has proved to be safer for the reefs.” In fact, earlier this year, a class action lawsuit was filed against Australian sunscreen brand Bondi Sands in the Northern District of California , over using false “reef-friendly” advertisement claims. While the brand’s formulation does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, it does contain other FDA-approved chemical sunscreen filters, namely avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octorylene. The class action complaint accused Bondi Sands of using chemical sun filters without a distinction, stating that they may potentially harm reefs and marine life.

However, science-based or not, many manufacturers quietly phased out the two chemical sunscreen actives banned in Hawaii (oxybenzone and octinoxate) from sunscreen formulas. While this might ease the confusion consumers face when making purchase decisions or packing for a trip to Hawaii, it didn't slow down the "reef-safe sunscreen" marketing frenzy nor the controversy around it.

Bottom line: Do I need to change my SPF?

As a general rule of thumb, if you like your current sunscreen, then there is no definitive evidence yet that you should avoid certain sunscreen filters for the sake of the reefs. Dr. Cullen recommends that “increased use of shade, protective clothing and other barrier approaches to skin protection, even at the beach, may be the best way to protect the reef until the EPA has taken the formal steps we have urged."

But this, by no means, implies that you should stop using sunscreens to help the environment: On the contrary, t he NAA report emphasized the importance of continuing sunscreen use for preventing skin cancers. The report also warned against the possibility of consumers altering either sunscreen choices or the amount and frequency they apply them with based on "their perceived impacts on the environment," which seems like a premature behavioral change according to the experts we interviewed. TLDR: Keep using your sunscreen and reapply often.

The best "reef-safe" sunscreens of 2023:

With that said, here is a list of sunscreens that have t opped our most recent consumer tests consisting of mineral-only sunscreens as well as those with chemical filters, except for oxybenzone and octinoxate , which have been banned in Hawaii and happen to have been eliminated from the formulations of many brands.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection SPF 50 Body Shield

If you are convinced that you would rather use a mineral-only formula, give this high performer a try. With 95% of testers agreeing that it doesn't cause any stinging or irritation, this pure zinc oxide formula topped one of our past GH Beauty Lab sunscreen studies for being gentle. Though designed for use on the body, quite a few of our panelists used it on their faces too and 100% agreed that it didn't irritate their eyes or facial skin. Raves on this "silky" lotion included that it "melted into" users' skin, and that it “spread on a lot easier" than some other formulas they have used in the past .

Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 50

Mineral-only sunscreens tend to be pricier than those formulated with chemical sunscreen filters. This drugstore formula not only rose to the top among the mineral sunscreens in the GH Beauty Lab’s most recent body SPF test, but it is also packs value in each ounce . Infused with coconut oil, Hawaiian Tropic was lauded for its smooth application, transfer resistance and “deliciously tropical” scent. Many raved that the "scent was amazing" and the "application process was clean." However, some thought the formula can feel greasy on skin.

Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion

For those mineral-only sunscreen users who prefer a separate sunscreen for their face, the "velvety" texture of this Sun Bum sunscreen was a hit among GH Beauty Lab testers. The sunscreen earned a near-perfect score for not causing irritation or redness , and many testers found that it worked well under makeup. While it didn't make skin shiny or oily, some noted a white cast or slight grayish tone after application despite the product being tinted. It was praised for being "very easy to apply and non-sticky" and for feeling "silky on my skin and looks so natural."

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50

In a recent GH Beauty Lab consumer use test of facial sunscreens, Neutrogena's product proved its mettle among other mineral-only competitors for providing great value, being easy to apply and effectively preventing sunburn. The softening formula was found to wear well under makeup . Several users remarked that they liked how it "moisturized skin," a desirable attribute for mature complexions. Typical of mineral-only formulas, it might leave a bit of a white cast upon application, so it may be better suited for fairer skin tones.

SkinCeuticals Light Moisture UV Defense SPF 50

If you're looking to avoid the white residue associated with mineral-only sunscreens, look no further than this top performer from SkinCeuticals. This all-over formula is made with chemical sunscreen actives but does not contain those two that are banned in Hawaii. In a recent GH Beauty Lab sunscreen test, it scored well for its appealing texture, absorbing quickly, and not feeling sticky or greasy or making skin feel dry. Most remarkably, 93% of panelists agreed it doesn't leave a white residue on skin . Though it feels "invisible" on skin, it also earned raves for providing great sun protection: "When using it I did not burn, and I felt protected from the 100 degree sun rays and heat."

Hawaiian Tropic AntiOxidant+ Sunscreen Lotion

Those on the hunt for sun protection at a value price point minus the two chemical actives banned in Hawaii will appreciate this drugstore hero that excelled across the board in a recent GH Beauty Lab study. Hawaiian Tropic lotion not only earned perfect scores for not drying or irritating skin, it rated highly for easy absorption, not feeling tacky or oily and not leaving white residue on skin. In addition, its "beachy" scent was a hit, even with testers who tend to be critical about fragranced products. "It worked perfectly," a tester commented.

Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Sunscreen SPF 30

The winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s most recent face sunscreen test, Vichy topped the charts for almost every attribute we tested for. It earned the best score for being easy to apply, making skin feel hydrated, and not being sticky or leaving a white cast, thanks to its well-balanced formula containing chemical sunscreen actives. Not only did 100% of testers agree that it had an appealing texture, it also ranked highest at effectively protecting skin from sunburn . "It blended in easily and didn't leave a white film and was also very moisturizing without being greasy," a tester said. Another chimed in: "My skin looks/feels more healthy and vibrant after using this."

Hawaiian Tropic Matte Effect Sunscreen

For a lightweight, more affordable option for facial sunscreen, this GH Beauty Lab top-tested Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen rated well for not inflaming skin and leaving behind a grease-free matte finish. The fast-absorbing lotion ranked well among testers for not running into eyes and not leaving a visible white residue (it employs only chemical sunscreen actives in its formula). Users also appreciated its pleasant and mild scent. "It went on smooth, soaked in quickly and had a nice 'vacation-y' coconut scent with no sticky oily feel," said a tester. "Works much better than anything I have used,” said another.

Birnur (she/her) led the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at t he Good Housekeeping Institute from 2007 to 2023. In addition to overseeing product testing and GH Seal applications, she conducted our annual Beauty Awards selection process and was an active leader in GH’s green initiatives, including the Sustainable Innovation Awards and Raise the Green Bar Summit. In addition to earning M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering, she also has a professional certificate in sustainability management from Columbia University. 

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Your Guide to Sun Protection

The 16 Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens of 2024

The Best Mineral Sunscreens

The Best Natural and Organic Sunscreens

The Best Tinted Sunscreens

The 12 Best Self-Tanners of 2024

The Best Sunscreen Sticks

The Best Hand Creams With SPF

The Best Face Sunscreens

How to Treat Sunspots on Your Face

The Best Sunscreens for Kids and Babies

Expert-Approved: Best Sunscreens for Men

CONFIDENCE, COMMUNITY, AND JOY

• Skincare Ingredients A-Z
• Skin Concerns
• Hair Removal
• Moisturizers
• Tools and Techniques
• Hair Concerns
• Hair Styling
• Fashion Trends
• What to Wear
• Accessories
• Clothing and Apparel
• Celebrities
• Product and Brand News
• Trends and Innovation
• Amazon Picks
• Gift Guides
• Product Reviews
• Mental Health and Mood
• The Byrdie Team
• Editorial Guidelines
• Editorial Policy
• Terms of Use and Policies
• Privacy Policy

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

The 6 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens of 2024

Protect your skin.

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

The importance of protecting our skin from harmful UV rays has been known for decades—but the understanding of how many sunscreens on the market can cause significant damage to marine life is relatively new. According to Lea d'Auriol , founder of international non-profit Oceanic Global , oxybenzone and octinoxate (common active ingredients in SPF products) are major contributors to coral bleaching. “More than 25% of all marine life depends on healthy coral reefs for survival, ” she explains. Coral bleaching is so harmful that Hawaii and several other regions around the world have banned these ingredients.

The good news is more and more companies are making sunscreens that are“reef-safe.” But bear in mind that the term " reef-safe sunscreen " is not regulated, which means just because a product says it won’t cause harm doesn’t actually mean it is actually reef-safe. “It is important to check the active ingredients label to ensure that reef-harming chemicals are not included,” explains d'Auriol. “As a general rule, options without oxybenzone and octinoxate are a good first indicator of more ocean-friendly options ,” she says.

Still, checking labels can be time-consuming, so we did the research for you. We compiled a list of 24 SPF products that didn’t contain reef-damaging ingredients, then put them to the test both in The Lab as well as at home. We evaluated them based on how easily they spread across the skin and absorbed, how they felt on the skin, how water-resistant they were, whether or not they created a white cast, and most importantly, how well they protected their skin . Next are the six we felt were best for you.

Where We Stand

How we tested, other options we tested.

• What To Look For

Why Trust Byrdie

Best overall, pipette mineral sunscreen.

• Transfer 4.8 /5
• Opacity 5 /5
• Water Resistance 5 /5

Lightweight, creamy texture

Fragrance-free

Fast-absorbing

Doesn’t create white cast

Comfortable feeling on the skin

Pretty water-resistant

Not transfer proof

While SPF is a skincare routine staple, finding a great one can be challenging. Many are thick, hard to rub in, leave a white cast, etc., but this one is as close to perfect as it gets—and of course, it’s reef-safe. We were thoroughly impressed with how nice and easy it was to apply this sunscreen. Its lightweight, creamy texture is easy to rub in and absorbs quickly without leaving a dry or greasy feel behind. Though it comes out of the tube in a whitish color, it doesn't create even a minor white cast —a major win considering that it’s powered by zinc oxide, which often does. 

While we did find in testing that it transfers a little onto clothing, we love that it’s pretty water-resistant and remains well intact after swimming or sweating . If you’re looking for an affordable, reef-safe SPF that’s easy to apply, comfortable on the skin, and doesn’t leave a white cast, we absolutely recommend this one.

Who It's For

This sunscreen was specifically formulated for babies and children, meaning it's gentle enough to use on even the most sensitive of skin types . If you find that sunscreen formulas irritate your skin or your eyes, this is a great choice for everyday protection.

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Budget

Hello bello mineral spf 50+ sunscreen lotion.

• Transfer 4.5 /5
• Opacity 4.8 /5

Lightweight, lotion texture

Easy to blend into the skin

White cast disappears after rubbing product in for a few seconds

Feels comfortable on the skin

Very resistant to transfer and water

Has a strong fragrance

Considering how much SPF you need to use in order for it to effectively protect your skin from the sun (roughly one ounce to cover the entire body, according to the American Academy of Dermatology ), it’s a product that can be really pricey to continuously repurchase. That’s why having an affordable go-to is so important, and this one is fantastic. The formula contains cocoa seed butter and avocado to nourish the skin, it boasts 80 minutes of water resistance, and it’s dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic .

The creamy lotion texture rubs into the skin with ease and absorbs quickly. After rubbing it in for a few seconds, any remnants of a white cast disappear, and the skin is left feeling comfortable and non-greasy . It’s also impressive in terms of how well it resists transfer and water. 

One con to note about this formula is that it has a strong, lemony fragrance that some people might find overpowering, especially if they’re not a fan of lemons. But considering all of its other positive attributes and how affordable and accessible it is, this product absolutely still earns the Byrdie stamp of approval.

We love this formula for drier skin types, as it contains multiple ingredients to add hydration to the skin (including shea butter , calendula , coconut oil , and more). This is also a great reef-safe pick for those who burn easily, as it has the highest SPF protection on this list (55+).

Active Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

• Byrdie/Jessica Juliao

Best for Sensitive Skin

California baby super sensitive spf 30 lotion.

• Feel 4.5 /5
• Transfer 3.8 /5
• Opacity 4.5 /5
• Water Resistance 4 /5

Formulated without many potential irritants and allergens

Comfortable on the skin

Water-resistant

Non-greasy finish

Texture is a bit thick

Does leave a white cast for a while

Those with sensitive skin know that finding a sunscreen that’s effective and non-irritating can be tricky. We love this one because it’s safe for the oceans as well as sensitive skin and baby skin . It’s free from tons of potential irritants and allergens , like most nuts (except coconut), gluten, soy, dairy, fragrance, and chemical SPF.

While the texture is pretty thick and takes a bit of effort to rub in, it’s smooth and creamy, and it feels comfortable once applied . It’s also non-greasy and super resistant to water. It does create a noticeable white cast when first applied, but we found out that it fades pretty much completely after about 30 minutes . If you’ve struggled to find sunscreens that are non-irritating on your skin, this one is absolutely worth giving a try.

Since it's our best pick for sensitive skin types, we also recommend it for those who are allergic to common skincare ingredients, like plant oils and fragrances . This formula is squeaky clean, making it perfect for those who are sensitive to common irritants.

Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.8, 2.9, 6, 19 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Fast-Absorbing

Suntegrity skincare natural mineral body sunscreen.

• Opacity 4 /5
• Water Resistance 4.5 /5

Doesn’t leave a residue on the skin

Has a slight fragrance

Working hard to fully rub your SPF into your skin isn’t a pleasant experience, making absorbency one of the key factors we evaluated during this test. While many options boasted impressive absorption capabilities, this one was the best at melting into the skin with almost no effort required . The fluid lotion consistency makes it easy to spread around the body, and it absorbs into the skin in the blink of an eye without leaving behind a thick, chalky, or greasy residue . Though it does create a hint of a white cast upon the initial application, we found in testing that the cast quickly fades after just a moment or two.

We were also impressed with how well this sunscreen resists transfer and running when it comes into contact with water. If you’re particularly picky about finding sunscreens that don’t feel like the dry, heavy, hard-to-blend products of the past, we highly recommend checking this one out.

This option is oil-free, making it a great choice for those with oily skin or body acne . Many sunscreen formulas contain ingredients that can clog pores and potentially irritate the skin, but you won't find that in this pick.

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 3, 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Lightweight

Hawaiian tropic mineral sun milk body lotion spf 50.

• Transfer 5 /5

Comes in packaging with a pump

Non-sticky finish

Has a minor white cast

We’d be comfortable betting that many people who neglect to wear sunscreen on a regular basis do so because many SPF formulas are unpleasant to apply and wear throughout the day—but not this one. This liquid-y formula pumps out of the bottle easily, blends into the skin with minimal effort, doesn’t leave an annoying chalky or oily residue on the skin, and doesn’t transfer or run when it comes into contact with sweat . Seriously— it lasted through swimming, a workout, and the sauna despite its thin texture and weightless feel on our skin.

We do generally prefer unscented sunscreens, and this one does feature that typical beachy scent that many heritage SPF brands are known for—but it does smell nice and nostalgic . And while it does create a minor white cast, that cast is fairly undetectable after about 20 minutes of wear. If you’ve been searching for a weightless, reef-safe sunscreen, this is the one for you.

If you hate having to keep two different formulas on hand when you're headed to the beach, we recommend picking this one up. Although it's advertised as a body sunscreen, it can also be used on the face without causing irritation .

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 3.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Beach Days

Blue lizard sensitive mineral sunscreen spf 50.

Silky texture

Very water-resistant

Consistency can be a bit runny

Leaves a slightly tacky finish on the skin

Although proper SPF protection is important on an everyday basis, it’s especially important when you’re spending extended periods of time in direct sunlight. This sunscreen is a great option for beach days because it’s reef-safe (of course), features a color-changing cap that goes from white to blue or pink when exposed to UV rays to indicate it’s time to reapply, and it’s water-resistant . It has a gentle, liquid-like formula that can be a bit runny and hard to control out of the tube, but the weightless texture makes it easy to spread and comfortable on the skin . It absorbs within seconds before setting down to a radiant finish with almost no white cast in sight.

What impressed us the most about this formula is how well it performed during water-resistance and transfer-resistance tests. It stayed put almost completely, making it a great option for those who frequently do outdoor activities—especially days at the beach or pool . Plus, we love that it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin .

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Overall, our favorite reef-safe sunscreen is the Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 . It’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, fragrance-free, water-resistant, and doesn’t create a white cast, all while remaining affordable. But if you have sensitive or reactive skin, we highly recommend the California Baby Super Sensitive Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen for you.

In order to determine which reef-safe SPF is best, we put 24 options to the test in The Lab as well as at home in the real world over the course of four weeks. In our lab facility, we tested the formulas to determine if they transfer onto clothing, whether or not they’re water-resistant, how well they absorb into the skin, and if they created a white cast. At home, we used the products consistently to determine the same things (as well as how they protected the skin from the sun), but over a longer period of time and in practice in our daily lives. Some other key factors we took into consideration when judging each product include:

• Active ingredients
• Immediate and long-term benefits
• Feel upon application
• Scent/fragrance

Coola Mineral Body Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Although we appreciate that this body SPF is fragrance-free and packed with antioxidants, the texture is quite greasy, and it does create a white cast.

Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen

While this product is marketed as a clear sunscreen, we find that it does create a white cast, and it feels a bit heavy on the skin.

Manda Organic Sun Paste

We love that this formula has a unique paste texture and is pretty water-resistant, but it takes some warming up in between the hands in order to get it spread evenly on the skin.

What to Look for When Buying a Reef-Safe SPF

• Water-resistance: Lea d'Auriol recommends opting for SPFs that are water-resistant because this makes them less likely to wash off of your skin into the ocean. Plus, the better your sunscreen remains on your skin, the more protected you are from the harmful effects of the sun. The Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen 50+ is our favorite water-resistant option.
• Level of protection: It’s important to consider what level of protection you’re getting out of your SPF, regardless of whether it’s reef-safe or not. According to the American Academy of Dermatology , you should use a product that has an SPF of 30 or higher. They also recommend opting for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Our top pick is the Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 —it has a high SPF, offers broad-spectrum protection, and is water-resistant.

There’s a growing movement to opt for reef-safe sunscreens—but why? Perhaps you’ve heard of coral bleaching, but what does it mean? According to d'Auriol, “Coral bleaching occurs when changes in the corals (rising temperature, lack of nutrients, exposure to toxins, etc.) cause coral to become stressed. Stressed corals expel the symbiotic, food-producing algae that live in their tissues. Exposing their white skeletons (kind of like taking off your sweater when the room is too hot).” While bleached corals aren’t dead, they are more at risk of becoming diseased or dying—which in turn impacts the marine ecosystems that rely on the coral for survival. Chemicals in sunscreen can be toxic to the coral and also alter the pH in their environments, increasing the risk of the coral becoming stressed and bleaching. Why is this important? Maintaining the health of corals is essential to other marine life, explains d'Auriol. “Over 25 percent of all marine life depends on healthy coral reefs for survival,” she says.

There is no regulated “reef-safe” definition, but in general, experts tend to consider reef-safe SPFs to be those that are formulated without chemical ingredients, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, that are harmful to ocean life.

According to d’Auriel, when buying reef-safe sunscreen, check that none of the following ingredients are included: oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, 4-methyl benzylidene camphor, PABA, parabens , triclosan, any nanoparticles (or ‘nano-sized’ zinc), titanium, and any form of microplastics like exfoliating beads.

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty. To better inform her for this article, she spoke with an expert on the topic:

• Lea d'Auriol , Founder of International Non-Profit and Partner of UN World Oceans Day, Oceanic Global .

Related Stories

These 13 Body Lotions With SPF Softened Our Skin and Protected Us From the Sun

The 12 Best Korean Sunscreens for a Healthy, Protected Complexion

The 9 Best Facial Sunscreens 2024, Loved by Editors and Testers

The 16 Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin, Researched and Dermatologist-Approved

These 11 Dermatologist-Recommended Sunscreen Sticks Make Sun Protection Easy and Mess-Free

14 Derm-Approved Sunscreens to Calm Rosacea Flare-Ups

The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens Out-Perform the Rest, Per Testers and Derms

We Tested the Best Moisturizers with SPF—Here Are Our Top 8 Picks

The 18 Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens to Keep You Sun-Safe, According to Dermatologists

Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen: Which One You Should Use, According to Derms

The 12 Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin

Does "Reef-Safe" Sunscreen Actually Protect Our Oceans? We Asked Derms

Supergoop's Play Everyday Lotion Is the Ultimate Daily SPF

The 12 Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers for Hydration Without Clogged Pores

The 14 Derm-Approved La Roche-Posay Products Your Skincare Routine Needs Now

Supergoop's Glow Stick Leaves Skin Dewy, Glowing, and Protected

These Are the 10 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens, According to Derms

Our fascination with "clean" beauty was never just about putting certain ingredients on our skin. It was also about reducing waste, lessening our impact on the environment , and being more responsible with our consumption. 

In that vein, the idea of reef-safe sunscreen sounds pretty damn good.  Coral reefs not only sustain vital underwater ecosystems ( about 25%  of all marine species), they  do  us a solid here on land.  They protect coastlines from storms and erosions, are an  important  source of food, and contain chemical compounds  that have  been used  in treatments  for leukemia, lymphoma, and cardiovascular diseases, among others. 

• Brooke Jeffy, MD , board-certified dermatologist and founder of BTWN , a skin-care line specifically formulated for children, tweens, and teens
• Jeremy Fenton, MD , Jeremy Fenton, MD, is a board certified dermatologist and medical director of Schweiger Dermatology Group.
• Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD , board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York
• Naana Boakye, MD, MPH , board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bergen Dermatology
• Neil Farnsworth, MD , is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Houston, TX.
• Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD , is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Houston, TX.

However, the research on sunscreen ’s effect on our coral friends is still new and evolving, so products calling themselves “reef-safe” have no real way of knowing if they are , indeed,  reef-safe.  That said, we’d rather err on the side of caution and shop with the reef in mind, so we tapped the pros to help us understand what reef-safe sunscreen  really  means and give us a few recommendations for our next sunscreen purchase.

How does sunscreen impact the ocean? 

When you get in the ocean, your sunscreen inevitably washes away into the water to some extent. The problem is that many sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone,  octinoxate , and octocrylene. These chemical ingredients absorb UV radiation, Dr. Sartor says, but unfortunately,  they may  also  bleach coral reefs, impair the growth and photosynthesis of algae, and harm the overall health and reproduction of ocean wildlife. Once a coral reef dies,  it rarely  comes back , and entire ecosystems depend on its vitality. 

{{post.sponsorText}}

Studies are still underway to determine  just  how much damage these ingredients are doing to underwater ecosystems (and  there are certainly  other factors like climate change).  Still, early lab-based research with these ingredients has been enough to raise environmentalists' concerns. 

"How these lab-based studies translate into what  actually  happens in the ocean is unknown," Dr. Jeffy notes. "In studies, sea life is exposed to extremely high concentrations of these chemicals, which are unlikely to occur in normal conditions. It is also possible that even lower concentrations may have negative effects, but it's still unknown." 

Regardless, some destinations, including Hawaii, Key West, Aruba, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, aren't risking it in the meantime and require visitors to use reef—safe sunscreen. Despite the evolving research, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Boakye says it's safer to assume that reef-safe sunscreen is  still  better for the environment than non-reef-safe sunscreen. 

What is reef-safe sunscreen?

"Reef-safe" and "ocean-friendly" are unregulated terms, which  is to say  that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't set a standard for products to meet to use the word.  So technically, any brand can call their product "reef-safe." And because the research isn't complete, it's hard to say if "reef-safe" is even really a thing. 

"Given corals' importance and concern about their vulnerability to climate change, one can validly propose that potential risks may outweigh these ingredients' benefits to humans, especially when more effective alternative ingredients exist," says Dr. Farnsworth. 

If you're looking for sunscreen without  those  potentially environmentally harmful ingredients,  you can keep an eye out  for a few things.  "Sunscreens considered reef-safe  are those that  contain only physical blockers such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that reflect, rather than absorb, UV radiation," says Dr. Sartor. 

Looking for sunscreen labeled as "mineral" or "physical" is a good start. You can also look for the term "non-nano," meaning that the sunscreen particles are large enough not to be as easily absorbed by your skin or coral. "Preservatives, fragrances, and another UV-blocking chemical agent, octocrylene, have also been scrutinized," adds Dr. Jeffy.

Physical and mineral sunscreens will have a bit of a white cast to them, but that's purely a cosmetic concern. "A pale cast can actually be useful in helping one monitor how quickly one is sweating or swimming one's sunscreen off," says Dr. Farnsworth. 

If you're headed to Hawaii or want to be cautious while waiting for more evidence to emerge (again, better safe than sorry), here are a few of the pro's favorites: 

“Alastin Hydratint or SilkShield are my favorites for every day because they are cosmetically elegant and leave minimal cast,” says Dr. Sartor.

This “reef-friendly” mineral formula is also made with 98% organic ingredients and contains vitamin E for extra moisture and environmental protection.

Dr. Garshick also likes this lightweight mineral sunscreen which also contains antioxidants and a patented Enviroscreen technology to protect against UVA/UVB, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jeremy Fenton recommends this mineral sunscreen because of its high concentration of zinc oxide. It’s also “nicely moisturizing and doesn’t leave your face looking white and pasty,” he says.

Dr. Farnsworth likes this hypoallergenic mineral sunscreen because of its affrodable price point (being environmentally friendly shouldn’t have to come at a premium).

Dr. Jeffy likes this SPF 35 mineral sunscreen as a daily sunscreen because it’s lightweight enough for those prone to acne and has a light tint that blends nicely with all skin tones.

“This sunscreen is safe for the whole family, contains zinc oxide, and is especially great for those who are active and spend a lot of time outdoors as it is water resistant up to 80 minutes,” says Dr. Garshick.

This non-nano zinc oxide also checks a few environmentally-friendly boxes, notes cosmetic chemist Dr. Shuting Hu . “Aside from the ocean-friendly formulation, the packaging is made from sugarcane waste which reduces plastic consumption.”

Dr. Hu recommends this mineral SPF 30. “This sunscreen is 100% microplastic free and comes in fully biodegradable jars, making it another really great, environmentally friendly option,” she says.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick recommends this “reef-safe” formula because it’s paraben-free and fragrance-free, making it a great option for sensitive skin. “It is a great option for summer days as it is also water-resistant,” she says.

Loading More Posts...

The Beach Is My Happy Place—and Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too

Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal.

4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician

These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim Shorts—According to Some Very Happy Reviewers

{{ successMessage }}

Please wait a moment...

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

The 10 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The Pipette Mineral Sunscreen exceeds expectations.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks

Our Testing Process

What to keep in mind, your questions, answered, why shop with us.

InStyle / Jessica Juliao

Does your idea of the perfect vacation center around days spent at the beach, sprawled out on an extra-large towel with a good book, only to get up and take a dip every few hours to cool off? Or perhaps you like to take a more active approach, spending the majority of your time on a board, in the surf, or snorkeling below the surface. Whatever the case may be, we assume that sunscreen is part of your beachside beauty routine. After all, over the past few years, people everywhere are finally beginning to understand that sunscreen is essential. 

But did you know that, if you’re someone who likes to spend a lot of time in and near the water, the type of sunscreen you use is important, too. The reason? The chemicals in your SPF can rinse off and affect the ecosystems where you swim. That’s why Hawaii became the first state in the US to ban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2018. Since then, reef-safe sunscreens have become more and more popular, with seemingly endless brands entering the space.

With so many reef-friendly sunscreens on the market, it can be hard to know which ones work the best. To save you from sifting through thousands of reviews, we went ahead and tested the 24 most popular reef-safe sunscreens. We paid attention to everything from texture and residual cast to water resistance and fragrance. In doing so, we were able to narrow down the top 10 reef safe-sunscreens. At the top of the list, you’ll find the Pipette Mineral Sunscreen - Broad Spectrum SPF 50 . While technically developed for children, the formula far exceeded our adult expectations, cementing it as the best overall reef-safe sunscreen we tried.

Best Overall

Pipette mineral sunscreen.

• Transfer 4.8 /5
• Opacity 5 /5
• Water Resistance 5 /5

Since it’s developed for kids, this sunscreen is incredibly gentle. 

Because this isn’t noncomedogenic, it can clog pores.

The Pipette Mineral Sunscreen - SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Sunblock with Non-Nano Zinc outperformed the competition with its ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formula that quickly sinks into skin, doesn’t leave a white cast , and doesn’t transfer onto clothes. 

“This sunscreen applies very smoothly because of the consistency, and it’s easy to blend into the skin,” our tester shares. “It feels very lightweight on my skin, and there’s absolutely no white cast upon application, nor any pilling.” In addition to sinking seamlessly into skin, we find that this reef-safe sunscreen leaves skin looking semi-matte without making it feel dry. 

One more thing: While the SPF isn’t marketed as being water resistant, we found that when splashed with water, it doesn’t run. Still, per the American Academy of Dermatology’s Sunscreen guidelines , it’s best to reapply after taking a dip to ensure you’re fully protected for hours to come. With so many amazing attributes, it was difficult to determine a con for this sunscreen — but alas, it isn’t noncomedogenic, so there is a small possibility that it can clog pores even though it feels nearly weightless.

Size: 4 oz. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 50 | Water-Resistant: No, though it passed our splash test

Best Budget

Hello bello mineral spf 50+ sunscreen lotion.

• Transfer 4.5 /5
• Opacity 4.8 /5

It absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a white cast. 

It gets a bit sticky once wet, and it has a strong lemony scent.

Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen is another product formulated for children that adults can most definitely benefit from. In addition to being dermatologist tested, clinically tested, and hypoallergenic, this sunscreen has a fabulous consistency that sinks quickly and fully into skin. 

“It doesn’t feel greasy or overly thick and doesn't leave a white cast on my skin,” shares our tester. While it initially glides onto skin, we found that it does become a bit sticky when wet, but that feeling subsides pretty quickly.

One thing to keep in mind: This SPF is formulated without synthetic fragrances but it definitely has a scent. “This sunscreen has a strong, lemony scent. It's not terribly overwhelming, but it is fairly strong,” our tester admits. “It would be nice if the manufacturer forewarned shoppers on the tube that it’s scented.”

Size: 3 oz. | Scented: Yes (but not artificially) | SPF Level: 50+ | Water-Resistant: Yes

Best Splurge

Biossance sheer mineral sunscreen.

• Feel 4.5 /5
• Opacity 4 /5

A little bit of this soothing sunscreen goes a long way. 

The very wet consistency could be a recipe for a mess.

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen has a very thin texture — so much so that it’s quite runny and takes pretty much zero effort to squeeze out of the tube. The consistency, while a potential leaking/mess hazard, is what makes this sunscreen absorb so well into skin. Even when our tester used a tablespoon of the SPF (instead of the recommended teaspoon), she found that there was no white cast. “I’m very impressed with its ability to absorb into my skin,” she admits.

The absorbability and lack of white cast aren’t the only reasons this sunscreen stands out: Made with water lily and sugarcane-derived squalane, it also deeply hydrates skin and provides a cooling effect, so it can double as post-sun care if you spend too much time soaking up the rays or forget to reapply.

You may want to find another sunscreen if you’ll be engaging in water activities though, because it’s not water-resistant. “I would recommend this to someone looking for [high-quality] daily facial sunscreen, but I wouldn't recommend this as your go-to sun protection on long summer days at the beach,” our tester concludes.

Size: 1.69 oz. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 30 | Water-Resistant: No

Best for Body

Suntegrity skincare natural mineral body sunscreen.

• Water Resistance 4.5 /5

This body SPF is easy to travel with given its TSA-friendly size. 

The light orange scent may not be for everyone.

In our testing, we found Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen to work best for full-body protection because of its mineral-based formula that spreads like a dream, and the convenient, travel-friendly packaging. “This sunscreen blends nicely into my skin — it’s not dry, nor oily — it feels so smooth that I can’t even tell I'm wearing sunscreen,” our tester shares.

In addition to being super comfortable, we found that this SPF, while not marketed as water-resistant, does maintain its coverage in the presence of water. “This sunscreen seems to repel the water, making it roll off of my skin,” our tester adds, noting that spritzing her SPF-covered skin didn’t cause the product to run or drip. 

Lastly, as far as full-body SPFs go, this one has a more subtle scent. Though, it’s citrusy, so it may not be for everyone.

Size: 3 oz. | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 30 | Water-Resistant: No, though it passed our splash test

Best for Dry Skin

Blue lizard sensitive mineral sunscreen spf 50.

It absorbs quickly and dries down for a smooth, silky, hydrated finish. 

It smells a bit like rubber.

The Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 50+ is beloved for its fast-absorbing formula that leaves skin feeling hydrated and smooth. “It absorbs very quickly with minimal rubbing on my end,” our tester says. “It honestly took less time than some of my regular lotions.”

In addition to absorbing quickly, this sunscreen, which is infused with castor oil and vitamin E , doesn’t leave a white cast behind. Instead, it makes skin look (and feel) dewy and hydrated. “It was almost like a body oil feel and effect, but not in a bad way,” our tester explains. What’s more, we found that the lightweight lotion stands its ground — as advertised — against water. “The water didn't seem to make the sunscreen run at all,” she assures us.

The only thing that could make this SPF better, according to our tester, is if it had a more delightful scent. “It has a very faint smell that doesn't seem deliberate,” she says. “It reminds me of something synthetic that I can't exactly put my finger on, perhaps paint or something rubbery, but it's not overwhelming.” 

Size: 5 oz. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 50+ | Water-Resistant: Yes

Best for Sensitive Skin

California baby super sensitive spf 30 lotion.

• Transfer 3.8 /5
• Opacity 4.5 /5
• Water Resistance 4 /5

It’s formulated for kids, so you know it's on the gentler side.

It feels a bit sticky, and it's not water-resistant. 

California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion is a fan favorite for children and adults alike. According to our tester, the formula, which is infused with organic and sustainably-grown ingredients, blends in easily despite feeling a bit sticky fresh out of the tube. While it doesn’t dry down for an unnoticeable feel, she says that the creamy paste feels similar to applying a heavy moisturizer, so it’s not distracting or uncomfortable. Instead, it makes skin feel shielded. 

That said, the formula doesn’t fully hold its ground in the presence of water. While it doesn’t drip and run, our tester found that, once wet, it does feel more slippery and transfer more.

Size: 2.9 oz. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 30+ | Water-Resistant: No

Best for Dark Skin

Reef repair reef safe sunscreen spf 30+.

• Water Resistance 3 /5

The formula is very smooth, which makes it spread easily.

It’s not water resistant despite claiming to be.

Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 30+ might not look like the highest quality SPF on the market, but inside the tube you’ll find a lighter-weight reef-safe sunscreen that feels considerably better than most of its competitors. “The consistency is really smooth — it spreads easily compared to other reef-safe sunscreens I've tried and absorbs almost immediately without a white cast [anywhere in sight],” our tester says.

On the downside, this SPF smells… different. “It smells a little like a plastic beach ball — but only if you get really close to the skin,” our tester clarifies. “I imagine if I really lathered my whole body the scent might be slightly stronger and could potentially be unpleasant, but that's just a conjecture.”

The other shortcoming of this SPF is its lack of water resistance, despite its claims. “Despite saying this has an hour or more of water resistance, adding water did make the sunscreen run slightly, and I can imagine if I went swimming for a while, a lot of the sunscreen would run off,” our tester admits.

Size: 1.7 oz. | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 30+ | Water-Resistant: Yes, though it didn’t pass our splash test

Best Water-Resistant

Maui naturals surfer honey all natural sunscreen lotion spf 30.

It blends in effortlessly, absorbs quickly, and feels comfortable on the skin. 

It comes out of the tube a bit chalky.

Maui Naturals Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen first caught our attention due to its retro packaging, but it retained interest when we realized just how well it works. “This sunscreen applies really smoothly, and the texture is pleasant to rub across my skin,” our tester says — though she points out that it feels a bit chalky and looks grayish-purple out of the tube. “I’m impressed with how easily this sunscreen spreads,” she adds. “This absorbs quite quickly and doesn’t require much rubbing to get it to lose its white cast.”

Best of all, this water-resistant, reef-safe sunscreen, which smells like an orange creamsicle, lives up to its claims. “I was impressed with how water resistant it is,” our tester marvels. “When I rubbed the water around on my arm, it did not seem to dissolve the sunscreen and rather just made the water bead on top of it.”

Size: 3 oz. | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 30+ | Water-Resistant: Yes

Best Scented

Hawaiian tropic mineral sun milk body lotion spf 50.

• Transfer 5 /5

This tropical-scented sunscreen will transport you to an island with every application. 

The bottle design is prone to leaks.

If you actually prefer a scented sunscreen, you’ll swoon over Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50. Beyond its refreshing coconut scent, which our tester says smells like a pina colada, this SPF has a very thin consistency, which makes it easy to apply. 

“It quickly absorbs into my skin without need for frequent rubbing,” our tester says. Though, she notes that it seems to get darker as it fully dries down, so while it doesn’t initially have a white cast, after 15 minutes, she noticed a slight residue — but not enough to make her not recommend it.

Truthfully, the only downside of this SPF is the bottle design. While the pump top is a lovely addition, we found that it is prone to leaks, filling the cap with product. “Without the plastic safety cap, you would have quite a mess,” our tester admits.

Size: 3.4 oz. | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 50 | Water-Resistant: No

MDSolarSciences Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40

• Transfer 4 /5

It’s lightweight and creamy, and it doesn’t leave a white cast.

The stick is quite small and may not last very long.

Not trying to toss a bottle of reef-safe SPF into your bag only for it to leak all over the place? Opt for a stick. Namely, MDSolarSciences Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40. Formulated to be lightweight and creamy, the stick SPF applies beautifully, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave a white cast — not even on darker skin tones. 

“When first applying the product, I was worried because it looked like it would leave a white cast, but once I rubbed it in, it absorbed completely and actually left my skin with a nice glowy look,” our tester reveals, noting that most mineral SPFs, in contrast, give off a ghostly look on her darker skin.

While the small format makes it easy to toss in any purse for touch ups, we find that if you apply it regularly, it probably won’t last you more than a month or two.

Size: 0.6 oz. | Scented: No | SPF Level: 40 | Water-Resistant: Yes

To start, we spent about two weeks researching the top-rated reef-safe sunscreens on the market. After honing in on online ratings, we spent 48 hours putting the 24 most popular sunscreens to the test. We had all of our testers try the sunscreens so that they could analyze the performance of each and write down their insights during the process. In doing so, our testers rated every sunscreen on a scale of 1 to 5 in four key categories: Feel, transfer, opacity, and water resistance. Once the data was collected, we were able to narrow down the original pool of products to the 10 best reef-safe sunscreens.

Generally speaking, scented skincare products are more likely to cause irritation than their fragrance-free counterparts. When it comes to reef-safe SPF, it’s important to remember that just because a product might say that it’s made without synthetic fragrances doesn’t mean that it won’t have a scent. That’s because some products use essential oils, which in and of themselves have a fragrance. With this in mind, when shopping for reef-safe sunscreen look for fragrance-free and/or unscented formulas, as opposed to eagle-eyeing in on synthetic scents (or a lack thereof).

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, using an SPF of level 30 or higher is key to adequately protecting skin against the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Even with the right SPF level, it’s important to remember that no SPF (not even SPF 100) can fully block out UVB exposure. As such, you should seek shade whenever you can to shield your skin from excessive exposure, and remember to reapply every two hours. And if you’re really prone to burning, select a formula with a higher spf level, like Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50 .

Water-Resistance

Even if an SPF claims to be water-resistant, dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen after swimming. If you’re just sweating a lot, though, you can probably get away with holding out for the duration of the product’s purposed resistance (which is typically in the 80 minute range). Just because a sunscreen is reef-safe doesn’t make it inherently water-resistant. Luckily, we found multiple options that are, including Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen , BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 50+ , and Maui Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen .

What is reef-safe sunscreen?

“Reef-safe sunscreen, also known as reef-friendly sunscreen, are basically sunscreen products that do not contain octinoxate and oxybenzone,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry , of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan. “Although these ingredients act by blocking UV absorption, octinoxate and oxybenzone have been shown to be toxic and damaging to coral reefs. Thus, reef-safe sunscreens are more environmentally friendly options for sun protection.” 

One way to ensure that you’re buying a reef-safe sunscreen? Look for mineral formulas, as they’re made without the aforementioned chemicals.

What makes sunscreen reef-safe?

While oxybenzone and octinoxate are popular chemical sunscreen ingredients, they’ve been shown to cause coral bleaching which can obliterate reefs. “When we apply sunscreens containing these ingredients and then swim in waters where there is coral, the sunscreen gets into the water and poisons the coral,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sumayah Jamal , of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. Wearing sunscreens without either oxybenzone or octinoxate can help mitigate the problem and help coral reefs thrive.

Is mineral sunscreen reef-safe?

Usually, yes. In fact, mineral sunscreen is often thought to be synonymous with reef-safe SPF. That said, Dr. Jamal says it depends on the exact formulation. “Mineral sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are generally not toxic to coral, however, when they are formulated as nanoparticles they can still damage coral,” she explains. “Micronized or non-nanoparticle mineral screens are best for reef safety.”

How do I know if my sunscreen is reef-safe?

The easiest way to ensure you’re using reef-safe sunscreen is to choose a formula that’s clearly marketed as such. “Sunscreens with the Protect Land + Sea Certification Seal are considered safe,” Dr. Jamal says.

Another option, as mentioned before, is to look for mineral sunscreens. “[Just be sure to] go through the ingredient list to rule out octinoxate, oxybenzone, and octocrylene,” Dr. Henry says.

Does reef-safe sunscreen affect skin differently?

Reef-safe sunscreen (AKA mineral SPF) operates differently than traditional chemical sunscreen. “Mineral sunscreens work by staying on top of the skin and blocking UV rays by reflecting them to keep from entering the surface,” Dr. Henry says. “By shielding the epidermis from UV absorption, mineral sunscreens are also effective forms of sun protection. They reflect light and do not convert it to heat like chemical sunscreens, thus making them ideal for sensitive skin.”

What Is InStyle Picks?

Did you notice the InStyle Picks seal of approval at the top of this story? That means our team of testers has reviewed every product on this list using a unique methodology to ensure it's really worth your time, money, and attention. We may get samples for free to try but we never promise positive (or any!) coverage in exchange. Put simply: InStyle Picks are products we love, and we've put them to the test to be sure you will too.

Rebecca Norris has covered beauty for nearly 10 years. For this story, she compiled the insights and reviews of nine InStyle testers to determine the best reef-safe sunscreens. She also spoke with NYC-based board-certified dermatologists Dr. Sumayah Jamal and Dr. Michelle Henry to uncover what makes a sunscreen reef-safe, as well as how such formulas affect the skin.

Want more product recommendations? From best-in-class concealer to the black pants you need for work, check out all of our InStyle Picks content .

Related Articles

Best reef-safe sunscreens of 2023

These ocean-safe sunblocks will protect your skin and Earth’s vital coral reefs.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

When it comes to being out in the sun, wearing sunscreen is non-negotiable—and if you care about the oceans, you’ll want to reach for reef-safe sunscreen. Damaging UV rays fall into two categories: UVA and UVB rays, both of which can cause skin damage, like early aging or burning, and can eventually contribute to skin cancer. But many sunscreen brands have a problem: they include chemicals that are bad for the oceans and the planet. Fortunately, in the last few years, a host of new reef-safe (also called reef-friendly) sunscreens have become available to consumers. These ocean-safe sunblocks are accessible, affordable, and work just as well as traditional chemical-based sunscreens when used correctly. We rounded up nine of the best reef-safe sunscreens on the market to ensure you’re protecting your skin and keeping the oceans oxybenzone-free. 

Best overall: ThinkSport SPF 50

• Best spray: Blue Lizard Mineral Active Spray

Best high-SPF: Bare Republic SPF 100

Best set: coola kit with carrying case, best for acne-prone skin: nécessaire: the sunscreen.

• Best solid sunscreen: All Good SPF 50 Stick

Best tinted: Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer

• Best SPF lip balm:  Rubber Ducky Mineral Lip Balm
• Best budget: SunBum Sport Sunscreen

How we chose the best reef-safe sunscreens

I focus on outdoor travel and adventure, so I’m familiar with techniques to be a more sustainable and earth-friendly traveler. But perhaps more importantly, I have very pale skin and am an avid scuba diver, having dived on everything from Caribbean reefs to deep-water shipwrecks in Indonesia. I’ve been using reef-safe sunscreen for years, from budget brands from box stores to more expensive options bought at resort gift shops in a hurry. 

In addition to my personal experience with reef-safe sunscreens, I looked at dermatologist recommendations and online reviews from other buyers of various ages, colors, genders, and skin conditions. I looked at the active ingredients for each sunscreen and researched how harmful they are to marine ecosystems, comparing different definitions and standards of what “reef-safe” means around the world. I also spoke with multiple reef and marine experts to get their insight on the best methods for keeping reefs healthy while still protecting your skin. 

Things to consider when shopping for the best reef-safe sunscreens

Knowing what to consider when buying reef-safe sunscreens can be overwhelming, especially considering the various recommendations on what chemicals to avoid and understanding the differences between different blends and active ingredients—so we’ve narrowed down what to focus on to make shopping a bit easier. 

Decide what reef-safe means to you

When buying a reef-safe sunscreen, the most important thing to consider is what standard of “reef-safe” you’re going to use. Unfortunately, there is no global or federal standard for what constitutes a reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii’s congressional Rep. Ed Case introduced the Reef Safe Act of 2021, which would direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to come up with technical specifications for what the reef-safe label means. However, as of now, environmentally safe sunscreen means different things to different brands. 

Hawaii was the first state to ban the two main harmful chemicals (oxybenzone and octinoxate), but other organizations like Save The Reef suggest that you should also rule out sunscreens with chemicals like octocrylene and homosalate. 

Expect a thicker application

Sunscreens without those four chemicals will be mineral based. Mineral-based ocean-safe sunscreens (also called physical sunscreens) tend to be thicker and leave a thin white layer on your skin if not fully rubbed in because they act as a physical blocker, stopping the UV rays from touching your skin. Chemical-based sunscreens that meet Hawaii’s sunscreen standards likely will have some questionable ingredients but they’ll be easier to spread and less likely to leave a white filmy layer. Chemical sunscreens work by converting UV rays into something less harmful via a chemical reaction. 

Pay attention to the instructions

Because of how mineral sunscreens work, it’s very important to keep a layer of it on your skin at all times, whether you can see it or not. As such, you’ll need to pay close attention to the sunscreen’s application instructions, most of which will advise applying no less frequently than once every two hours. You’ll also need to use a slightly thicker application (brands like ThinkSport advise 1 ounce to cover an average adult). You’ll need to rub it in more and should wait at least 30 minutes or so before going in the water after application.

Protection level

Each sunscreen has a sun protection factor (commonly written as “SPF”), which indicates the level of protection it offers. For instance, it would take roughly 50 times as long to get a sunburn while wearing an SPF 50 product as it would with no protection at all. Of course, even the highest SPF options still require proper application and reapplication for them to work as intended. 

The best reef-safe sunscreens of 2023: Reviews & Recommendations

Why it made the cut: A high SPF and water resistance make this a great buy for swimmers who always forget to reapply, and the recyclable and sustainable packaging go the extra mile in being Earth-friendly.

• SPF: 50 
• Available formulas:  3-ounce cream, baby cream, or kids’ cream
• Active ingredient: Non-nano (small) zinc oxide
• Water-resistant for 80 mins 
• Biodegradable/recyclable packaging 
• Good for sensitive skin
• Vegan 
• Thick consistency
• A little expensive compared to chemical brands  

When it comes to the best reef-safe sunscreens, it can feel a bit like splitting hairs since so many are very similar. Most have a zinc-oxide base, are on the thicker side, and work in the same way (by physically blocking your skin from UV rays). So it’s impressive that ThinkSport manages to stand out among the similar competition. 

Not only does this blend offer a high level of protection (an SPF of 50 allows half as many rays to hit your skin as an SPF 30), but it’s also good for sensitive skin. The formula is vegan, mostly organic, and has none of the more than 180 chemicals that could hurt the environment. It meets not only Hawaii reef-safe standards but also the much stricter standards laid out by nonprofits and areas with stricter bans, like the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

ThinkSport doesn’t stop at removing potentially harmful chemicals from its products, however. It also uses recyclable packaging and makes annual contributions to various like-minded nonprofit organizations. It’s a little pricey compared to a box-store sunscreen spray, so opt for the cream version to make it last as long as possible.

Best spray: Blue Lizard Mineral Active Sunscreen Spray

BLUE LIZARD

Why it made the cut: A spray-on reef-safe sunscreen with a minimal white residue and a smart bottle feature to remind you to reapply. 

• Available formulas: Lotion, spray 
• Primary ingredients: Zinc oxide

Pros  

• Non-drying 
• Easy application
• Less of a white residue 
• Added oils to soothe skin 
• Scent is subjective 
• Bottle won’t last as long as a cream/lotion

A major complaint with reef-safe sunscreens is that their mineral-based ingredients tend to leave a white residue on one’s skin. Fortunately, this reef-safe spray sunscreen avoids that pitfall. While it does appear white as soon as it’s sprayed, the thinner layer means it quickly turns clear without any significant rubbing. 

Blue Lizard—a sunscreen brand based in Australia, where the UV rays are some of the strongest on the planet—gives all their bottles and sprays another interesting feature. The bottle caps turn blue when exposed to UV rays, a feature intended to serve as a reminder. If you notice the change in color, reapply your sunscreen. Blue Lizard also skips the usual chemicals used for aerosol sprays, opting to use air pressure for the spray functionality rather than CO2.

Bare Republic

Why it made the cut: An ultra-high SPF means your skin stays protected for longer, and the chemical-based formula helps avoid the white residue that comes with mineral blends.

• SPF: 100 
• Available formulas: spray, lotion, face-specific lotion
• Primary ingredients:  Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
• Vegan, not tested on animals 
• No white residue 

Cons  

• Some users report a fruity scent 
• Contains ingredients on some non-reef-safe lists

If you’re taking skin protection seriously, you’ll want to take every step you can to protect yourself, which includes using the highest SPF you can find. SPF isn’t a measurement, exactly—it’s an estimate of how many times longer it’ll take you to get burned when you’re wearing it versus not wearing it. So, in theory, it’ll take you 100 times longer to burn if you’ve properly applied this SPF. (Of course, a proper application still means reapplying as needed.)

Aside from offering SPF 100 protection, this coral- and eco-friendly sunscreen also has a natural scent (from the fruit-based ingredients) that’s generally subtle and pleasant. This sunscreen is compliant with Hawaii Act 104, banning the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate, but it does contain octocrylene, which may have a damaging effect on reefs. 

Why it made the cut: A travel-ready set with a face sunscreen, a lip balm, a body spray, and a post-sun serum to soothe skin, all tucked into a small secure case. 

• Available formulas: n/a
• Primary ingredients:  Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene
• Classic Body Sunscreen Spray: 2 oz 
• Classic Face Sunscreen Lotion: .85 oz 
• Lip Balm: .15 oz
• After Sun Lotion: 2 oz
• Includes extra products to protect skin 
• Comes with travel bag 
• Lightweight, easy on pores 
• Meets only Hawaii reef-safe standards (contains octocrylene) 

If you’re looking for a small reef-safe sunscreen set that meets TSA standards, you’ll want to consider using Coola products , which are among buyers who prefer plant-based products. The kit comes with four travel-sized products: an organic face sunscreen, an after-sun lotion to calm redness and overexposure, a small SPF spray, and a non-tinted hydrating lip balm. 

All four products are vegan and meet Hawaii’s reef-safe standards. The three SPF products are hydrating and light so they won’t leave you feeling oily or sticky. The after-sun lotion has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients. It’s ideal for use in the evenings to calm any redness you do notice, ensuring your face feels hydrated and even again the next morning. 

The kit is great for travel and the sizes are all well below the TSA carry-on maximums. The only downside is that while the products lack oxybenzone and octinoxate, they do contain octocrylene, which some organizations also have on their harmful ingredients lists. While the actual SPF product uses primarily organic and natural products that won’t irritate the skin (such as fruit oils and plankton extract), it’s the first two products that truly ensure against acne. Use the facial cleanser once you’re out of the sun to remove all irritants from your pores, and use the skin serum before going to bed to soothe any dryness or redness from being in the sun. It comes with a carrying case for travel.

Why it made the cut: This is the best reef-safe sunscreen for faces to protect your skin and even reduce wrinkles, but it won’t clog pores or get overly greasy.

Specs 

• Other available formulas: None
• Primary ingredients: Non-nano zinc, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide
• Size: 1.7 ounces
• Includes hyaluronic acid to reduce wrinkles 
• Meets very high environmental standards
• Unlikely to clog pores 
• Climate-neutral company 
• Easy-use pump applicator 
• Expensive 

Necassaire: The Sunscreen has quite the list of adjectives to justify the higher-than-average price for a reef-safe sunscreen for face protection. It’s hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic (won’t block pores), free of ingredients like phthalates and formaldehyde, and meets Sephora’s very high standards for being considered “Clean + Planet Positive.” It doesn’t include any of the ingredients on the Protect our Reefs banned list, but this face sunscreen does have natural additives like Vitamin B3 to help strengthen skin and algae, which add collagen and helps fight dry skin. 

Ingredients aside, this reef-safe face sunscreen has a leak-proof pump applicator and can be used as a standalone product or blended with a liquid foundation. Because it’s a mineral sunscreen it does leave a bit of a very thin white layer, but most buyers report that it’s minimal and easy to get rid of with just a little extra rubbing. 

Best solid sunscreen: All Good Sport Sunscreen Stick

All Good Makes Everything Better

Why it made the cut: An easy-to-carry solid sunscreen that won’t melt with extra ingredients to prevent drying. 

• Available formulas: Butter, lotion
• Primary ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide 
• Size: 2.75 ounces
• Easy to carry 
• No scent 
• Additional coconut oil and jojoba oil to prevent dryness
• Rolls on thick 

Sometimes, you don’t want to risk carrying a bottle of sunscreen around in your bag or luggage—it’s never a happy surprise when you reach into your backpack to find the cap was loose on your sunblock. So if you need to carry just a small amount of sunscreen with you, consider packing the AllGood SPF stick, which offers AllGood’s highly rated SPF stick. Though it’s less than 3 ounces, it seems to last a while and is quite easy to carry even when paddleboarding or mountain biking. 

One of the best things about this particular reef-safe sunscreen stick is that it’s nearly melt-proof, provided you don’t leave it exposed in direct sunlight. Because it’s a stick it does go on a bit thicker, so be prepared to massage it into your skin if you want to avoid the white layer common with mineral-based sunscreens. 

Why it made the cut: A light, hydrating SPF formula with reef-safe ingredients and extra soothing oils to help prevent dryness in the sun, plus a bit of extra glow for your cheeks. 

• Available formulas:  N/a, though there’s a body butter (without a tint)
• Primary ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, Argan oil, SunBoost ATB
• Adds subtle brightness/warmth
• Includes soothing/healing ingredients 
• Looks best with warm undertones

If you’re used to wearing a BB cream or tinted moisturizer with sunscreen at the beach, consider swapping that out for this ocean-friendly tinted option instead. It’s similar to a moisturizing BB cream, except that its sun-protective ingredients won’t harm coral. It’s a great option for buyers who aren’t quite ready to leave their usual makeup products at home in tropical areas but also don’t want those harmful chemicals to contribute to coral bleaching and ocean decline. 

The Argan Daily Moisturizer Tinted Protect + Perfect is SPF 47. It’s also free of synthetic fragrances and formaldehyde, and has antioxidants like argan oil and green tea—so it helps protect sensitive skin from getting dried out and wind burned in the sun. It’s a “one shade fits all” product, offering a warm glow for women and men regardless of skin color. 

Best SPF lip balm: Rubber Ducky Mineral Lip Balm

Rubber Ducky

Why it made the cut: With an SPF rating of 30 and all-natural ingredients safe by both Hawaii reef standards and narrower environmental standards, this is a highly rated, affordable lip balm to keep in your beach bag. 

• Available formulas: Only as a balm
• Primary ingredients:  Zinc Oxide 
• Size: .15 oz (pack of three or four)
• Higher SPF than most lip balms
• Water-resistant 
• Added beeswax and shea butter 
• Pleasant scent, no taste
• Great price
• Application less smooth than with chemical lip balms 

It’s not unusual to find lip balms with SPF properties, but most options only offer SPF 15. It’s harder to find one with an SPF as high as 30—and even more unusual to find one that uses reef-sage ingredients to create that level of sun protection. It’s petroleum-based, so it glides on like a “regular” lip balm, rather than having the thicker application associated with some reef-safe sunscreens. It’s also water-resistant, so you won’t wash it off if you apply and then drink water (or order a tropical cocktail) a minute later. In fact, that’s why the brand is called “ Rubber Ducky .” Its water resistance makes water roll off your skin (or lips, in this case) like water off a duck’s back.

As with many mineral-based sunscreens, it does leave a bit of a white tint. So you may want to rub it in a bit after each application. It doesn’t need to be your daily SPF lip balm (though you should have some kind of SPF lip balm every day), but it’s a good buy to throw in your beach bag or carry-on luggage if you’re finally taking that coastal trip you’ve been planning. 

Best budget: SunBum Original SPF 30

Why it made the cut: The standard bottle is two ounces larger than most sunscreens, and the non-mineral-based formula rubs on clear without the usually white cast from zinc oxide. 

• SPF: 30 
• Available formulas: Spray, face lotion, solid stick, lip balm 
• Primary ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
• Size: 8 ounce
• Good for sensitive skin (non-oily)
• Hypoallergenic 
• No white filmy layer 
• Contains some questionable ingredients  

If budget is your biggest concern when it comes to buying a reef-safe sunscreen, SunBum’s original blend may be a good choice. It’s the best reef-safe sunscreen value that meets Hawaii’s current reef-safe standards by being free of octinoxate and oxybenzone, but it does contain a few other chemicals some environmental groups say to avoid. However, it’s certainly at least better than using traditional sunscreens. And it’s hard to beat the value. The 8-ounce bottle is usually priced around $15, which works out to about $1.90 per ounce. Compare that to smaller 5-ounce bottles priced closer to $19 and it’s a clear saving.  

If you’d like to go the extra mile and buy a SunBum product without chemicals like homosalate or octisalate, opt for items from the SunBum mineral-based line . There are lotions in SPFs of 30 and 50, plus a spray and lip balm, all free of any questionably damaging ingredients. Of course, it’s a bit pricier per ounce; a 3-ounce bottle is usually priced at around $15. 

Q: How much does reef-safe sunscreen cost?

Reef-safe and Hawaii-safe sunscreens do cost a bit more than a mass-produced chemical sunscreen but it’s not drastically more expensive. And the shared human cost of destroying coral reefs will be far greater. Expect to pay around $12-$15 for a tube of reef-safe sunscreen, though, of course, the coast varies greatly based on where you are. It’ll cost a lot more to buy it at a hotel gift shop in Hawaii than it will if you buy it online in advance.

Q: How do I know if sunscreen is reef-safe?

Reef-safe generally means that it lacks two well-known chemicals, oxybenzone and octinoxate, both of which lead to coral bleaching—one of the final steps before coral dies. Dead coral means no fish and no reefs and, without reefs, the entire ocean food chain collapses. So while it may seem like one person’s sunscreen choices don’t matter, they do on a grand scale. And since Hawaii alone welcomes nearly 10.5 million visitors per year, all those chemicals in the oceans quickly add up.

Q: What does reef-safe sunscreen help protect?

Reef-safe sunscreen helps protect reefs, right? But what does that mean, exactly? Is it to help the creatures on the reef? The coral itself? I asked an expert to weigh in.  “Reef-safe and reef-friendly” are the terms used to qualify sunscreens that do not contain harmful chemicals for the ocean and, especially, for corals. “Mineral, UV-blocking ingredients like [zinc] oxide are harmless to corals,” says Emeline Bouchet, resident marine biologist at Maldives’ Velaa Private Island (home to the largest coral restoration project in the Indian Ocean).   “Corals are animals from the phylum of Cnidaria and live in colonies where each individual is called a ‘polyp’. A polyp has a mouth for feeding and, while feeding, corals can absorb the chemicals contained in the ocean through our sunscreen. Those chemicals can disturb the growth and reproduction and eventually the survival of corals.   “Twenty-five percent of marine life in the ocean depends on corals. Sunscreens have a major impact on corals and indirectly on all the marine life depending on them, but the chemicals are also directly absorbed by the fish when breathing.”   So, essentially, introducing chemicals into the ocean poisonous coral (which is alive) and, in turn, hurts all the marine creatures that rely on reefs.

Q: Are mineral sunscreens better than “normal” sunscreen?

Mineral (sometimes called physical) and chemical sunscreens do an equally effective job of protecting your skin when properly applied (and proper application means frequent reapplication). So, in terms of preventing sun damage, mineral sunscreens aren’t better (or worse) than “normal” sunscreens. But if by better you mean better for the environment, then the answer is a resounding “yes.”  Bouchet says that corals are very sensitive and it doesn’t take much to negatively impact them. “Corals are found in less than 1% of the oceans. We are living in a period called ‘the Anthropocene,’ in which most of the ecosystems on Earth are impacted by human activity—and the coral reef is one of them.” And coral bleaching, which is partially caused by the chemicals in non-reef-safe sunscreen, is a major contributor to reef decline. “Bleaching means corals are expelling the algae living in their tissue,” says Bouchet. “And without those symbionts, corals have a limited chance of survival. For example, in the Maldives, mortality has been recorded after a few weeks of exposure [to harmful chemicals].” Of course, chemicals in sunscreen aren’t the only threat to reef health—Bouchart points to the rise in global temperatures and the damage from producing and discarding plastics—but that’s all the more reason to wear reef-safe sunscreen options. Anyone who enjoys the beach, ocean, or marine world should make the small effort to use reef-safe sunscreens as the ocean already has enough health challenges without adding more harmful chemicals to the mix.

Q: Do you need to use reef-safe sunscreen in an area without reefs?

You should consider using reef-safe sunscreen even if you’re nowhere near a reef, advises Kathy FitzPatrick, the head coastal engineer in Florida’s Martin County . Or even better—use UPF clothing as your first barrier against UV rays.    “Since the science on what sunscreen is truly ‘safe’ is still emerging, the very best thing to do is to cover up with sun shirts, hats, and the like to reduce the amount of any chemicals you introduce into the water,” says FitzPatrick. “Beyond swimming on the reefs, when you shower, chemicals that are washed off can make their way to the ocean.”  FitzPatrick compares reefs to the rainforests of the ocean owing to their importance to the marine ecosystem—and to humans, especially in coastal areas. That’s part of the reason she advises doing everything possible to protect them, even if it seems as minor as one person’s sunscreen choices. “Reefs help protect coastlines from storm waves and have been found to contain potentially lifesaving pharmaceutical compounds. Like many other natural systems, oceans and coral reefs, in particular, are facing a multitude of stressors and degraded water quality from pollutants is one of them.”

Final thoughts on the best reef-safe sunscreens

Ultimately, unless you’re in a place with legislation limiting certain sunscreens, the choice to use reef-safe sunscreen or not is up to the buyer. While there are some downsides to most reef-safe sunscreens—primarily that they cost a bit more and can leave a white layer if not rubbed in thoroughly—they’re also the far more ecologically responsible choice. As long as the slightly increased cost isn’t a factor, most buyers should consider working one or two of the best reef-safe sunscreens into their summer routine, especially when they’re spending time near tropical shorelines. 

Like science, tech, and DIY projects?

Sign up to receive Popular Science's emails and get the highlights.

The Best Reef-Friendly Sunscreens That Protect Your Skin, According to Dermatologists

Here's everything you need to know about these eco-friendly SPF formulas.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

In 2015, a group of scientists including Dr. Craig Downs, PhD, Executive Director of the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, was tasked by the Federal Government to figure out why coral reefs in the U.S. Virgin Islands were dying. After ruling out the usual suspects like “sewage, fuel, pesticides, and road runoff,” says Downs, they realized that there were high concentrations of chemicals found in sunscreens in the water of the highly popular tourist beaches. Their subsequent study found that there was over 14,000 tons of sunscreen in our oceans , which they have now been able to directly link to irreversible damage to coral and other marine life.

Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen Spray

Sun bum mineral spf 30 sunscreen spray.

Best Fragrance-Free Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Coola organic mineral sunscreen spf 50.

Best Mineral Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Ren clean screen mattifying face sunscreen spf 30.

Most Innovative Sunscreen

Bare republic mineral gel sunscreen spf 30 sunblock body lotion.

Best Mineral-Safe Zinc Sunscreen

Thinksport sunscreen spf 50+.

Best Matte Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Neutrogena sheer zinc oxide dry-touch sunscreen lotion spf 30.

Most Comfortable Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Supergoop play 100% mineral lotion spf 50 sunscreen.

Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen for Travel

Babo botanicals clear zinc sport sunscreen stick spf 30.

Best Organic Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Badger active broad spectrum sunscreen cream spf 30.

Best Moisturizing Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Australian gold botanical sunscreen spf 50.

Best Sunscreens | Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin | Best Mineral Sunscreens | Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens | Best Face Sunscreens | Best Moisturizers With SPF Doctors who've looked at the research results agree that some sunscreen ingredients cause damage to coral reefs and contribute to the declining health of coral reefs worldwide. "Certain ingredients in chemical sunscreens have been shown to cause coral bleaching, which stresses the coral reef and makes it susceptible to disease and death," says Dr. Leah Ansell , a New York-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Columbia University.

Following the growing amount of evidence that what sunscreens we put on our bodies can have a devastating effect on the environment around us, Hawaii became the first state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2018, two known endocrine disrupting chemical ingredients that have been shown to drastically affect ocean life. Key West followed in 2019 and around the same time the Food and Drug Administration proposed a new rule to regulate common chemicals found in sunscreens , including oxybenzone and octinoxate, pending updated testing. (Though it should be noted that the FDA is more concerned with these chemicals’ effects on humans, rather than the environment).

If you want to minimize the damage that's being done to the ocean's coral reefs, Dr. Ansell recommends for non-nano mineral sunscreens, which are considered to be reef safe. "Avoid products that contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, two common UV-blocking chemicals," she says. "Nano-mineral sunscreens have tiny particles which may damage reefs, so be sure to choose a 'non-nano' mineral sunblock."

As a result of these new research findings, you’ve probably noticed more sunscreens promoting themselves as "reef safe". But what exactly does that mean and should you make the switch? It’s complicated. Ahead, check out the 12 best reef-safe and reef-friendly sunscreens. We’d be willing to bet you’ll find one you like so much, you won’t even miss your old chemical screen. The reefs will thank you.

This brilliant solve for gloopy, thick mineral sunscreen comes out of the can in a whipped cream consistency, which makes it easier to rub in and feel lighter on the skin. It still leaves a slight white cast at first, but is useful to see if you’ve missed a spot before it disappears.

Testing Notes: We love the ease of application of this sunscreen. It sprays out in a fine mist, which allows you to get those hard-to-reach areas like your back. It has thin consistency, but since it's mineral, it doesn't exactly blend into your skin. Expect to see a white-ish tint after using, which indicates you're protected from the sun. It also makes it easy to know when you need to reapply. We would only recommend this reef-safe sunscreen for those with fair to light complexions, unless you don't mind looking like Casper the Friendly Ghost at the beach.

Read more: Best Natural Sunscreens for Men

This fragrance-free zinc sunscreen lotion is top rated by the EWG because of the 70% organic formula and high quality plant-derived ingredients. Since there’s no added fragrance, it’s gentle enough to use on sensitive or irritation-prone skin.

Testing Notes: We found that it takes some vigorous rubbing to get this sunscreen completely blended into the skin, but your patience will be rewarded. We can really feel a difference when it comes to the ingredients in this sunscreen versus others. Antioxidant-rich nutrients like red raspberry seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract provide a moisturizer-like texture that actually makes us want to reapply. If a day in the sun leaves your skin feeling extra dry, you might enjoy this nourishing reef-safe sunscreen.

Wearing mineral sunscreen on your body is one thing, but how it feels on your face is another. This clean-ingredient formula contains zinc to help protect your face from UV rays but is non-greasy and contains rice starch to help soak up excess oil.

Testing Notes: Hate the feeling of greasy sunscreen? Us too. We love this sunscreen because it dries matte and doesn't contain dimethicone like other sunscreens, which gives some sunscreens that slippy quality. We found that warming the product up in your hands before applying it on your face helps it 'melt' into the skin. If you don't warm it up, it might be difficult to blend and leave behind a white cast.

Read more: Best Mineral Sunscreen for Men

This innovative clear gel completely does away with the white, chalky look of some other mineral sunscreens, but still has non-nano zinc oxide particles to give broad spectrum protection. It’s also chock-full of botanical oils to help moisturize skin as well as protect it.

Testing Notes: We love this reef-safe sunscreen for dry skin, thanks to the hydrating plant-based ingredients including aloe, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil. The gel-lotion texture is super lightweight and allows it to sink into the skin faster without having to rub your face off like you're scratching a lottery ticket. If you have oily skin, this sunscreen might be too rich for your skin type, but for dry skin, it's incredible to help prevent your skin from flaking after a fun day in the sun.

Almost as close to pure zinc as you can get (while still sinking into skin quickly and without a greasy film), this mineral-based sunscreen is approved by the EWG and Whole Foods. It’s best suited when you’re being especially active, because of the 80-water resistant factor which applies to sweat, too.

Testing Notes: We love using this sunscreen before any outdoor activity because it's sweat and water-resistant. Plus, it doesn't feel heavy on our skin, like it's sitting on the surface. The best way to apply it is in thin layers. If you squeeze out a giant glob of it, you might find it difficult to rub in. Applying it in thin layers ensures you are protected while also preventing the dreaded white cast that can happen with most reef-safe sunscreens.

Read more: Best Zinc-Oxide Sunscreens for Men

“Neutrogena makes a lot of good zinc sunscreens and has good science behind it,” says Dr. Bhanusali. We’re partial to this zinc formula which goes on smooth and dries to a powdery finish that doesn’t leave you with a grey film or sticky feeling (there is also a version specifically for your face).

Testing Notes: We're huge fans of the texture of this reef-safe sunscreen. It's not sticky or overly creamy and dries down to a sheer matte finish that won't lave your face looking shiny or greasy. The non-greasy formula is easy to spread on its own, but it blends even better if you apply it on top of your daily moisturizer. Within a few minutes, it'll feel weightless on your skin.

There are no chemical sunscreens in this formula, only a powerful combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It’s lightweight enough for your face, but protective enough to use on your body, too. It sinks in quickly without feeling heavy on your skin.

Testing Notes: We found that the texture of this sunscreen is really elegant compared to other mineral sunscreens, which can be quite thick. Despite its thin consistency, it doesn't lack in terms of coverage. A little goes a long way, but it's also easy to layer and reapply. We recommend putting some in your hand, rubbing them together and patting it on your skin before rubbing it in completely. This application method gives you complete coverage without having to work too hard to blend.

This EWG-approved, non-nano mineral sunscreen formula also comes in a lotion, but we especially like the stick because it makes sunscreen easy to apply on areas most prone to sunburn like ears, noses, and even lips. Plus, it makes reapplying every two hours less of chore.

Testing Notes: A stick isn't our preferred method of applying sunscreen. If you plan to be out in the sun for multiple hours, we definitely recommend using a liquid reef-safe sunscreen as your primary sun protection strategy. This sunscreen stick is great to keep handy if you're going on a bike ride or a long run and don't want to carry an entire tube of sunscreen when it comes time to reapply. Since it is a solid, we found that this sunscreen can be tricky to rub in, which causes it to leave a heavy white cast. To make it blend easier, we recommend rubbing the stick on the palm of your hands to warm up the formula a bit before rubbing it on your face.

With only five ingredients in this Protect Land + Sea certified formula , Badger sunscreen is as natural is you can find, but doesn’t sacrifice any sun protection. There’s a high concentration of zinc to protect from UV rays, but somehow still applies smoothly and doesn’t leave your limbs sticky.

Testing Notes: We love how simple this formula is, which gives us the confidence to reapply without worrying that it might irritate our skin. The addition of sunflower oil, beeswax, and vitamin E helps this sunscreen spread easily and absorb into the skin, but it also gives your skin a slightly shiny finish. Be warned that it can rub off on clothing or gear, so we recommend that you clean your hands before touching anything.

As mineral sunscreens climb higher in SPF, some can start feeling heavier and stickier with greater sun protection. That's not the case with this formula. It contains ingredients like squalane and red algae to help moisturize and protect skin, while also allowing it to spread easily and quickly.

Testing Notes: We love that this sunscreen doesn't smell like your typical sunscreen. It has a natural citrus scent that isn't too strong. Unlike other sunscreens, it dries down to an almost powdery finish. We wouldn't recommend this sunscreen for dry skin, but if you have oily skin, you'll love how this sunscreen instantly mattifies your complexion.

Drunk Elephant Umbra™ Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30

On the luxe end of the spectrum, this Drunk Elephant mineral sunscreen costs a bit more than others, but is ideally suited for everyday wear on your face. It contains zinc to help protect your mug from UVA and UVB rays, as well as ingredients like soothing aloe and jojoba oil to keep it moisturized.

Testing Notes: If you're worried about your reef-safe sunscreen leaving a white cast, we encourage you to give this one a shot. It comes out white from the tube but after rubbing it in for a minute or two, it's almost completely sheer. The only negative is that you do have to reapply it, especially if you plan on being in the water, as it's not water resistant. We love this one for daily sun protection, however, it's not our top choice for bringing to the beach.

Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

This EWG-approved formula from Coppertone is made of zinc oxide and natural botanicals, like tea leaf and sea kelp extracts. It’s also hypoallergenic and suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

Testing Notes: We love that this sunscreen is made with 100% naturally sourced zinc oxide, which is gentle on the skin, but we found that it never truly absorbs; it just sits on the surface of your skin. That being said, we found that it stays on your skin even after an hour of being in the water, which is quite impressive. As an SPF 50, it works to give your skin the best level of protection, but it does come at the cost of a heavy white cast. If you have a medium or deeper skin tone, you might want to skip this one.

.css-1c42clk{font-family:Knockout,Knockout-roboto,Knockout-local,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1c42clk{font-size:3rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.06rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1c42clk{font-size:3.125rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.06rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1c42clk{font-size:3.75rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.075rem;}}.css-1c42clk b,.css-1c42clk strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1c42clk em,.css-1c42clk i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;}.css-1c42clk a{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:#FFF200;text-decoration-thickness:0.19rem;}.css-1c42clk a:hover{color:#D2232E;} How Exactly Can Sunscreen Harm the Environment?

Ultimately it comes down to what kind of sunscreen it is. “The issue is more with chemical sunscreens because those are the ones that have been shown to accumulate [in the water],” says cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, whereas mineral-based sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide don’t, at least not in the same way. “[Chemicals] get absorbed by some of the marine life and cause damage and even death. Minerals sink to the bottom.” According to Downs, coral bleaching is the most visible effect of damage but it goes way beyond that. These chemicals can affect all aspects of an ocean ecosystem—from fertility issues in sea urchins and fish to killing off seaweed and other marine plant life. “Sunscreens are incredible herbicides, worse than commercial herbicides,” says Downs.

What’s the Difference Between Chemical and Mineral Sunscreens?

“In the simplest terms, mineral [also called physical] sunscreens deflect UV rays and chemical sunscreens actually absorb them and use heat to break them apart,” says dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD. Physical sunscreens also tend to be natural, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, whereas chemical sunscreens are synthetic. The easiest way to think about it is to picture the old-school lifeguards or surfers with pure white zinc on their noses. These physical blockers actually sit on top of skin, which is why dermatologists like Dr. Bhanusali actually prefer them. “They do a better job of protecting us, but the biggest issue is that people don’t always like them because they leave a barrier,” he says. That’s why chemical sunscreens were developed—they sink into skin easier and don’t usually leave a white, chalky cast. These days, however, formulations of mineral sunscreens are getting better and grind the minerals down to a microscopic size called nanoparticles to ensure they disappear on skin quicker and more easily without leaving a film or chalky look.

But nanoparticles aren’t perfect, even those of natural substances like zinc or titanium dioxide. “They tend to accumulate god knows where,” says Dr. Bhanusali. As manufacturers began to micronize particles smaller and smaller, “they went too far,” says Robinson. “There are potentially harmful effects as they seep into the skin,” which can be bad news for humans as well as marine life. “Nanoparticles still pose an increased toxicological risk because, just like in humans, they can be absorbed into the blood stream [of marine life],” says Downs. The impact is still being studied and may not be as extreme in some cases as chemical sunscreens, but is still something scientists like Downs are concerned about. “It’s the dose that makes the poison, so if you had 6,000 people go into [the same water] with nanosized zinc oxide, yes, I think there would be an impact,” he says.

What Makes a Sunscreen Reef Safe?

Keep in mind that “reef safe” is not a standardized term - it’s something come up by marketers. “Calling something reef safe implies you’ve actually tested that product on reef organisms and most companies don’t do that toxicity testing,” says Downs. When you see the words reef safe on a bottle, it usually just means it’s free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, which is a start but not the be-all-end-all. To be as safe as possible, the sunscreen should contain only non-nano mineral sunscreens.

"For a reef-safe option, men can opt for mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients," says Beverly Hills-based integrative aesthetics doctor Dr. Rahi Sarbaziha . "These sunscreens work by creating a protective layer that shields the skin from UVA/UVB rays." There are some independent agencies who have set up their own certification and testing processes to help identify sunscreens that don’t contain harmful ingredients. Protect Land & Sea , which Downs oversees, tests sunscreens for 11 potentially harmful chemicals as well as a slew of other things like parabens and other preservatives. The Environmental Working Group also has rigorous standards in what they consider safe to use. Look for their logos on packages to help easily identify products that they deem safe.

Can Using a Reef-Safe Sunscreen Really Make a Difference?

Cynics among us may wonder if saving marine life could be as simple as switching their sunscreen. There are multiple factors to consider, according to Dr. Bhanusali, like climate change and pollution, which also contribute to the deterioration of coral reefs and nothing is black and white. “The only thing that’s non-negotiable,” he says, “is that you have to wear something because extended UV damage over time can lead to skin cancers.” And if you’re still unconvinced, consider this: physical sunscreens can actually protect you better from the sun’s rays. Mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are broad spectrum protectors, which means they protect from UVA and UVB rays (not all chemical sunscreens protect you from both). So switching to a reef safe sunscreen could do your body good as well as the ocean.

Basically, says Robinson, you have to make the decision for yourself. “If you’re going swimming in the ocean, I would choose a product that is reef safe,” he says. “If you’re going to the beach and laying out, it doesn’t matter as much.” But consider that, as Downs says, “the poison is in the dose.” The harmful chemicals in sunscreens compound over time, so even one person making the switch could make a difference.

How to Choose A Reef Safe Sunscreen

One of the biggest reasons people stay away from mineral sunscreens is how they look (chalky) and feel (filmy) on their skin. That may have been true for the old-school zinc, but now formulas are smoother and easier to rub in, though may still take some getting used to. “Buy a few different sunscreens and try them all to figure out which one your skin likes best because all skin is different,” says Bhanusali. “People may have reactions to certain ingredients, so you have to play around with it.” Always choose a sunscreen that is at least broad spectrum SPF 30, as advised by the American Academy of Dermatology , and look for versions that are water resistant. Be wary of any product that doesn’t list an SPF rating, since those are substantiated and regulated by the FDA, even if some of the ingredients are not. And if you can’t find a mineral sunscreen you like, but still want to be reef safe, consider UPF clothing which still protects your skin from UV rays.

Meet the Experts

• Dhaval Bhanusali , MD, board-certified dermatologist
• Ron Robinson , cosmetic chemist
• Craig Downs, Ph.D, chemist and executive director of Haereticus Environmental Laboratory
• Dr. Leah Ansell , MD, board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Columbia University
• Dr. Rahi Sarbaziha , double-board certified integrative medicine doctor and aesthetics specialist

How We Selected

For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the top reef-safe sunscreens for men. Experts including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce have tried over 100 reef-safe sunscreens and evaluated them for their protection, texture, and finish, and if their ingredients lined up with the Protect Land & Sea's requirements for a reef-safe sunscreen. We also considered top-reviewed sunscreens that had at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust.

Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

.css-1fpt53b{height:1.25rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1fpt53b{overflow:unset;line-height:1.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1fpt53b{line-height:1.25rem;}}.css-1fpt53b:before{background-color:#D2232E;color:#fff;margin-right:0.625rem;width:1.25rem;height:1.25rem;content:'';display:block;} Men's Skin Care

7 Failsafe Razors for a Great Shave

Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizers With SPF

16 Hydrating Body Lotions for Smooth Skin

You Absolutely Need These Moisturizers for Winter

12 Expert-Approved Hand Creams

The 15 Best Eye Creams Men Should Buy Now

The 25 Best Body Washes for Men to Smell Great

17 Excellent Face Washes for Men

Save Your Sensitive Skin With These 10 Razors

10 Great Hair Creams That Provide a Natural Hold

13 Effective Face Scrubs for Clearing Your Pores

The Best Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin & the Environment

Enjoy the sun and the water this earth day with these sunscreens that are good for you (and the ocean)..

We independently selected these deals and products because we love them, and we think you might like them at these prices. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.

• Overall Best: Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen , $17.99 $15.29
• Best Budget-Friendly: BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen , $18.99 $14.42
• Best for Kids & Babies: Thinkbaby SPF 30 Sunscreen Stick , $11.49 $9.38
• Best for Sensitive Skin: California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion , $18.99
• Best Non-Greasy: Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion , $17.58

If you're planning a trip to a place with water and sun, of course you want to pack sunblock to protect your skin . But, some sunscreens contain chemicals that can be harmful to the delicate ecosystem of the ocean. So, if you want to protect your skin, and the environment, it's important to look for products that contain certain ingredients. That's why we've rounded up a list of the best reef-safe and reef-friendly sunscreens that you can feel confident wearing on your next vacation. Let's break down what you should look for and get shopping

What does "Reef-safe" or "Reef-friendly" Sunscreen Mean?

Sunscreens that are called "reef-safe" or "reef-friendly" typically do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two common UV-blocking chemicals which have been shown to cause damage to coral reefs, and the state of Hawaii has even banned the sale of sunscreens containing these ingredients. 

However, these terms are not regulated or managed by any organizations, so you can't always trust products that say they're "safe." Reports have shown that additional chemicals, like octocrylene , homosalate, avobenzone and oxybenzone , may also contain damaging effects, so read your labels. None of the picks below contain any of these ingredients.

What Else to Consider When Choosing a Sunscreen

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, according to the American Association of Dermatology, so it's important to reduce your risks and look for sunscreen with an SPF 15 (at least). Additionally, consider the water-resistance of your sunblock. A sunscreen  that stays on your skin longer is less likely to wash off when you're swimming.

So, keep on scrolling for the best reef-safe and reef-friendly sunscreens that will have a positive impact this Earth Day and beyond. Protect your skin (and the ocean, too), and enjoy your time in the water.

The Overall Best Reef-Friendly & Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Badger reef safe sunscreen.

According to the brand, Badger's reef-safe sunscreen is made with just 4 ingredients: zinc oxide, sunflower oil, beeswax, and vitamin E. It's easy to apply, will moisturize your skin while it's protecting it from harmful UVA and UVB rays, and it doesn't contain any synthetic ingredients.

• Size: 2.9 ounces
• SPF Level: SPF 40
• Water Resistance: 80 minutes

The Best Budget-Friendly Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Blue lizard sensitive mineral sunscreen.

A whole 5-ounce tube of Blue Lizard mineral sunscreen costs just $14, making it the best budget-friendly pick on our list. It's also free of active chemical ingredients, protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, and it's fragrance-free.

• Size:  5 ounces
• SPF Level:  SPF 50
• Water Resistance:  80 minutes

The Best Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen for Kids & Babies

Thinkbaby spf 30 sunscreen stick.

It's not easy applying sunscreen to kids and babies, which is why I love using this Thinkbaby sunscreen stick . Not only does it make application less challenging, it also offers UVA and UVB protection without harmful chemicals and ingredients, and glides on easily.

• Size:  0.64 ounces
• SPF Level:  SPF 30

The Best Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

California baby super sensitive sunscreen lotion.

Designed for sensitive skin and those with allergies,  California Baby sunscreen  is free of irritating chemicals and fragrances. It'll protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays and reviewers report that it goes on thick, but it's effective in preventing sunburns.

• Size:  1.8 ounces

The Best Non-Greasy Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Babo botanicals sheer mineral sunscreen lotion.

Formulated with 24 plant-based ingredients, including soothing and moisturizing shea butter, Babo Botanical's sunscreen is non-greasy for your face and body. One reviewer broke it down: "applies easily, doesn't irritate my skin, isn't greasy, doesn't transfer to clothes, and doesn't have a noticeable cast. This sunscreen checks all those boxes."

• Size:  3 ounces

The Best Moisturizing Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Raw elements face and body all-natural mineral sunscreen.

Containing hemp seed oil, beeswax, sunflower oil, and more, Raw Elements is a solid pick if you want your sunscreen to give you a little moisture. It even comes packaged in a bio-resin tube that's made from sugarcane waste, so it cuts down on plastic use.

The Best Smelling Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Suntegrity mineral sunscreen for body.

Not only does Suntegrity apply easily to your skin and keep it moisturized, it also smells like fresh oranges. Plus, it's free of UV blocking chemicals and packed with certified organic ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, green tea extract, and more. 

• Water Resistance:  Recommended to reapply every 2 hours

The Best Hawaiian-Made Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Maui surfer honey all natural sunscreen lotion.

Initiatives for reef-safe and reef-friendly sunscreens originated in Hawaii, so having a sunscreen that's made there and formulated with Maui grown essential oils, is a plus.  Maui Surfer  protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, smells like fragrant rosemary and lemongrass, and includes natural oils that moisturize your skin at the same time.

The Best Lightweight Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Coral safe reef safe sunscreen travel lotion.

According to Coral Safe , its sunscreen is approved by Hawaii and Mexico for eco-friendly sun protection. The lightweight formula is free of harsh chemicals, packed with organic ingredients, and reviewers report that it leaves your skin feeling silky smooth and moisturized.

• Size: 3 ounces

The Best Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen That Comes in a Travel-Friendly 2-Pack

Reef repair reef safe sunscreen, 2-pack.

If you're planning a trip, you'll want to pack these travel-friendly sunscreens . They won't leave a white cast, will protect your skin from UV rays, and having a 2-pack means you'll always have an extra on hand.

• Size:  1.7 ounces
• Water Resistance:  40 minutes

Looking for sunscreen that you can wear over your makeup? Check out these picks .

Your shopping bag is empty.

Free Shipping Worldwide on All Orders

7 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens For All Skin Types

Protecting our reefs and your skin! Discover the best reef safe sunscreen brands, ensuring both sun-filled fun and marine conservation go hand in hand.

True Reef Safe Sunscreen Brands

The marketing and labeling of products can be confusing, especially when it comes to sunscreen. Many major sunscreen brands claim to be "reef-friendly," but they often fall short in avoiding all compounds potentially hazardous to both our health and reefs.

While some brands avoid well-known toxic ingredients like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, they still use other active chemical ingredients harmful to coral reefs , such as Octisalate, Homosalate, Octocrylene and Avobenzon.

Considering this, we have excluded these so-called "reef-safe" brands from our list. Instead, we recommend sunscreens that only use Zinc Oxide and/or titanium dioxide, balanced with other natural and mostly organic ingredients.

Now, let's dive into our top 7 mineral-based sunscreen picks, carefully selected for their exceptional credentials and application qualities.

1. Best Value SPF50+

Investing in SPF50+ sunscreen, despite a slightly higher upfront cost, brings enhanced protection and potential health benefits. Additionally, its longer sun exposure duration reduces the need for frequent reapplication, resulting in less sunscreen washing off into the ocean.

Blue Lizard Sensitive

Blue Lizard Sensitive sunscreen provides robust sun protection with a high SPF factor of 50+, safeguarding the skin from harmful UV rays effectively. Considering its high sun protection, gentle formulation, ample quantity, and reef-safe properties, this option is excellent value for those seeking an effective and reliable SPF50+ mineral sunscreen.

• Milky texture, spreads easily.
• Non-irritating for sensitive skin.
• Scentless formula.
• Sun-induced color change on bottle prompts reapplication.
• No travel-friendly size available.
• Initially leaves a slight residue, but fades with rubbing.

2. Best Packaged Sunscreen

Tins are our top pick for travel containers as they are eco-friendly, compact, lightweight, space-saving, and reusable. Moreover, their sturdy and tightly sealed design minimizes the risk of leakage, preventing wastage and mess, making them an ideal choice for your sun protection on the go.

Raw Elements Face and Body

Raw Elements ' dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly packaging is commendable. Their Reef-safe SPF 30+ sunscreen, enriched with certified organic ingredients, is free from soy, gluten, and nuts, and contains no synthetic chemicals. Packed with nourishing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, it's an excellent choice for protecting both yourself and the environment.

• Eco-friendly packaging (recyclable, reusable, compostable, plastic-free).
• Convenient application (easier than tube).
• Certified organic.
• Small enough to fit in a pocket.
• Thick consistency.
• Requires warmth for easy application (challenging in cold environments).
• SPF 30, necessitating more frequent reapplication.

3. Best Tinted Sunscreen

Tinted sunscreens are an excellent choice for a flawless face glow. They contain pigments for light coverage, evening out skin tone and blurring imperfections, offering a polished look without heavy makeup. With sheer coverage, they enhance the skin's natural appearance, perfect for a "no-makeup makeup" effect.

Available in various shades, they suit different skin tones and prevent the white cast associated with some sunscreens. Tinted sunscreen simplifies reapplication, serving as both sunscreen and light foundation, crucial for all-day sun protection.

Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face

Face the sun with confidence! Australian Gold's mattifying daily sunscreen is not only compliant with the Hawaii Reef Compliant Act 104 but also enriched with soothing Eucalyptus & Red Algae, creating a unique blend of antioxidant-rich plants to combat free radicals and nourish the skin. This fragrance-free sunscreen doubles as a blemish balm foundation, providing seamless blending and improving complexion by reducing uneven color, fine lines, and wrinkles. It dries quickly, offers decent coverage without feeling too thick or greasy.

• Tint prevents white cast.
• Smooth consistency, non-greasy, blends easily.
• High SPF compared to other facial sunscreens.
• TSA-friendly size for travel.
• Leaves tint/residue on fingers.
• May require makeup remover to cleanse fully.
• Limited shade range.
• Can stain clothing.

4. Best Travel Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreen sticks offer precise and effortless application, directly on face, body, or specific areas without using hands. They're compact and portable, fitting in pockets, purses, or travel bags, allowing hassle-free reapplication. Unlike lotions or creams, they avoid spills and leaks, preventing messes in bags or on clothing. For a good reef-safe travel sunscreen, opt for a TSA-compliant 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) size to carry in your carry-on bag hassle-free.

Blue Lizard Sensitive Stick

This excellent sunscreen stick by Blue Lizard is reef-safe, free from parabens, fragrances, and dyes. Perfect for kids who dislike sunscreen, its stick form makes application easier. Goes on clear, no residue. A win-win for parents and kids!

• Easy stick application for kids.
• Clear, no residue.
• Gentle on sensitive skin.
• Convenient and portable.
• Limited coverage area.
• Potential for missed spots.
• Some may find a slight waxy texture.

5. Best Non-greasy Sunscreen

A matte sunscreen specifically formulated for oily skin is an excellent choice for individuals with acne-prone skin. Such sunscreens often have oil-absorbing properties, which help reduce excess oil and shine on the skin's surface. They are non-comedogenic, meaning they won't clog pores, reducing the risk of breakouts.

Australian Gold Botanical

The Australian Gold Botanicals range is formulated without Parabens, PABA, Phthalate, Petroleum, SLS (Sulfate), Dye & Oil, and is cruelty-free. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it an ideal makeup base. This mineral sunscreen truly delivers on its matte promise. It dries quickly, stays matte all day, and doesn't transfer or look oily. Impressive formula!

• Very affordable compared to other mineral sunscreens.
• Leaves no white cast on the skin.
• Non-greasy and non-sticky texture.
• Thick consistency, feels a bit heavy after reapplying.
• Challenging application near the hairline or on eyelashes, resulting in a noticeable white cast.

6. Best Sunscreen for Babies

For babies aged 6 months to 4 years old, a good sunscreen should be gentle, devoid of harsh chemicals and fragrances. Choose a baby sunscreen with zinc oxide as the sole active ingredient, providing broad-spectrum protection with at least SPF 30. Note that marketing sunscreen to babies under 6 months is regulated, and younger infants may need a doctor's prescription. To safeguard their delicate skin, it's best to avoid direct sunlight for babies under 6 months.

Thinkbaby SPF 50+

Thinkbaby sunscreen is a trailblazer, being the first to meet Whole Foods Premium Care standards, and since 2010, it has consistently held EWG's top rating. Being paraben-free, PABA-free, gluten-free, and vegan, this sunscreen guarantees no harmful chemicals and derives its fragrance solely from natural oils, ensuring a pleasant scent without any adverse effects.

• Not too thick SPF 50+ lotion.
• Highly rated by EWG.
• Gentle for sensitive skin.
• 6 fl oz and travel-friendly 3 fl oz (89 ml) size available.
• Leaves a slight white cast

7. Best Application for Kids

The ingredients in adults' and kids' sunscreens are often identical, with the primary difference lying in marketing and branding. However, when it comes to getting kids to apply sunscreen themselves or putting it on squirmy toddlers, making the application process fun and engaging becomes crucial.

Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator

Solar Buddies , the award-winning refillable sunscreen applicator, provides a mess-free and speedy application method. Its kid-friendly design encourages independent use, making kids more inclined to apply sunscreen willingly.

Say goodbye to messy sunscreen hands! Just fill the container with your preferred sunscreen, shake it towards the roller ball, and apply effortlessly. The sponge ring aids in smooth lotion application, preventing wastage from squeezing excess sunscreen.

For the best results, we suggest combining this applicator with Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Sunscreen .

• Kid-friendly application.
• Non-greasy hands.
• Minimizes sunscreen waste.
• Fully recyclable components.
• Travel-friendly 100ml capacity.
• Challenging with thicker mineral sunscreen.
• Potentially large for young toddlers' faces.

Why Use Reef Safe Sunscreen?

Approximately 25% of marine life relies on coral reefs for survival. Sunscreen chemicals, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, have become so harmful that locations like Hawaii, Florida, and several Caribbean islands have banned their sale.

These toxic substances cause detrimental effects on developing coral, including increased vulnerability to bleaching, DNA damage, abnormal skeleton growth, and severe deformities in baby coral. Once coral reefs perish, they cannot be revived.

Protecting our oceans and coral reefs is vital, and choosing reef-safe sunscreen is a responsible choice.

Is Your Sunscreen Reef-Friendly?

Regrettably, the term "reef-friendly" lacks regulation, leading to uncertainty about its validity. To ensure sunscreen or personal care products are truly reef-friendly, carefully inspect the "active ingredients" label at the back, excluding any reef-harming chemicals.

To determine if a sunscreen is "reef-friendly," look for the following characteristics and labels:

Inspect the label: Avoid products with harmful substances from the "HEL list," including Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, PABA, Parabens, and Triclosan.

Mineral size: Look for sunscreens that use non-nano-sized mineral particles. Larger particles are less likely to be absorbed by corals and are considered safer for marine ecosystems.

Packaging: Choose sunscreens with eco-friendly packaging, such as reusable containers, high recycled content, or biodegradable plant-based materials, to reduce single-use plastic waste.

Sunscreen formats: Opt for lotions and roll-on sunscreens while avoiding spray or misting variants, particularly those containing titanium dioxide, as inhaling it can pose health risks.

Alternatives To Mineral Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are optimal for the reef and your skin, but extended exposure can be costly in sunscreen usage. Combining sunscreen with UPF-rated swimwear , such as rash guards and full-suit skins , notably decreases the amount of sunscreen needed.

Elevate your swimming and snorkeling experience with a one-piece fullsuit, contouring to your body shape and minimizing drag. By wearing this Cressi fullsuit skin , you can significantly reduce your sunscreen usage.

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published

Explore Ocean Jewelry

Iridescent Shark Ring

Blue Opal Shark Ring

Baby Shark Ring

Couples Shark Rings

Matching Shark Rings

Azure Starfish Open Ring

Your Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide – 15 Sunscreens That Are Reef Safe

By Hawaii.com Team

Hawaii is the first state in the U.S. to ban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, ushering in a new era of reef safe sunscreen.

The new law went into effect January 1, 2021, prompting visitors and residents alike to trade in their non-reef-safe sun protection.

Why Reef Safe Sunscreen?

Conventional sunscreens typically contain chemicals, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate — two ingredients that have been linked to coral bleaching.

When coral bleaches, it loses its color and becomes vulnerable to disease. Bleaching places coral under significant stress and subjects it to increased mortality levels. According to the National Park Service, 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter coral reefs every year.

The now-banned chemicals that have been traditionally found in most popular sunscreen brands, are believed to be one of the contributing factors to the coral reef destruction. These brands include Coppertone, Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat, to name a few. However, we are starting to see a trend of these big brands creating new, less toxic sunscreen lines, such as Banana Boat’s Simply Protect, which is made without oxybenzone and parabens.

Trading in old sunscreen for reef safe versions. (Photo: Cindy Ellen Russel / Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

How to Know if Sunscreen is Reef Safe

Choosing the right sunscreen is important, not only to protect your skin from burns and cancer, but also to preserve our oceans and marine life. Selecting a sunscreen that is both effective and reef safe can be overwhelming.

Here is a check list to take along when shopping for sunscreen that will protect both your skin and the reefs, as well as a list of sun protection considered reef safe.

• Avoid sunscreens containing petrolatum, commonly known as mineral oil, which takes years to biodegrade, and are known to be harmful or fatal to aquatic life and waterfowl.
• Avoid sunscreens with high content of Titanium Dioxide. This mineral does not biodegrade and is found to react in warm seawater to form hydrogen peroxide which is harmful to all sea life.
• Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate, the two chemicals banned in Hawaii and linked to coral bleaching.

15 Reef Safe Sunscreens

The coral reefs at Hanauma Bay provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for marine life, making the Oahu landmark one of Hawaii’s top attractions. (Photo: Napua Heen / Hawaii.com)

Here is a list of sunscreens considered to be reef safe. Sunscreens made in Hawaii are marked with an * asterisk.

• *Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian SPF 50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen
• *Mama Kuleana Waterproof SPF 30 Reef-safe Sunscreen
• *Little Hands Hawaii SPF 35+ All-natural and Organic Sunscreen
• Manda Organic SPF 50 Sun Paste
• *Raw Love SPF 35 All-natural Mineral Sunscreen
• Thinksport SPF 50 Sunscreen
• All Good SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion
• Babo Botanicals SPF 30 Clear Zinc Lotion
• Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen
• Badger SPF 30 Unscented Sunscreen Cream
• Raw Elements SPF 30 Certified Natural Sunscreen
• Stream2Sea SPF 30 Mineral Sunblock
• Loving Naturals Clear Body SPF 30+ All-natural Sunscreen
• Banana Boat Simply Protect SPF 50+ Sunscreen (spray, not lotion)
• Olita Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Many of these reef safe sunscreens are available at your favorite retailer.

Visiting Hawaii

A Guide to the Best Luaus in Hawaii

Vaccinated travelers can bypass Hawaii’s quarantine beginning July 8

Mango on My Mind

5 Ways to Be a Better Traveler to Hawaii

What's popular.

Road Trip: Drive Around Oahu in a Day

Meet the Majestic Humpback Whale: Hawaii’s Ocean Giants

Visiting Pearl Harbor: Everything You Need To Know

Black Sand Beaches in Hawaii: A Complete Guide

Get hawaii travel deals by email for free.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

What Are the Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens?

You already have a lot to consider when buying a sunscreen : Will it break me out ? Is it safe for my kids ? Can I just get my sun protection from my moisturizer ? So while we feel a bit bad about giving you another thing to worry about, we can’t overlook the mounting evidence that the chemicals found in many sunscreens are destroying our oceans’ coral reef ecosystems — and entering our bloodstreams . (That said, we should also note that the FDA still allows these chemicals for use in sunscreen, and dermatologists continue to recommend chemical sunscreens for their other benefits.)

“Up to 6,000 tons of sunscreen are estimated to wash into coral reefs around the globe each year,” says Ashlee Piper , sustainability expert and author of Give a Sh*t: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet . “En masse, this can create an oil-slick-type situation that suffocates, bleaches, and kills reefs, which are crucial to the health of our planet and oceans.” Furthermore, Craig A. Downs, an ecotoxicologist and executive director of the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory , says that the same chemicals found in some sunscreens are also endocrine disruptors that, over time, can cause health issues in people, too. Which is why he, Piper, and the other experts we spoke with suggest using a sunscreen that’s as environmentally safe as possible (in addition to relying on umbrellas , hats , and clothing to guard against sun damage).

But unlike claims about SPF strength and water-resistance that are regulated by the FDA, Downs explains that “biodegradable” and “reef-safe” are mostly marketing lingo. There are no standards that a sunscreen has to meet to call itself reef-safe, so it’s important to look at the ingredient list. The best reef-safe sunscreens are made with natural, mineral sun blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. (When it comes to ingredients to avoid, Downs’s lab created a list that names substances in sunscreen , including parabens and chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, that are dangerous to the environment.) To make your safe-sunscreen search as easy as possible, we consulted with Piper, Downs, and two more experts, who recommended the following options.

Best overall reef-safe sunscreen

Both Piper and Tara Foley, founder and CEO of the natural beauty store Follain , are fans of this mineral sunscreen that’s also cruelty-free, water-resistant, and can be used on the face and body. It uses non-nanosized zinc oxide, which Downs and Joseph DiNardo , a retired research and development scientist in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, agree is one of the safest ingredients. Many sunscreen manufacturers use nanosized zinc particles because they blend into the skin quickly without leaving a white cast, but because they’re so tiny, Downs explains that the particles can also “enter into the bloodstream … especially with aquatic organisms.” Slightly larger non-nano particles, like the ones used in this formula, don’t pose the same risk.

Raw Elements, along with all of the sunscreen brands on this list, is a member of the Safe Sunscreen Council , a group of companies dedicated to raising awareness about the environmental dangers of sunscreen and developing safer products. DiNardo says he “would basically go with anybody in this group” when it comes to recommending sunscreens that are “environmentally safer [and] safer and more friendly to humans.”

Best reef-safe tinted sunscreen

A common complaint about mineral sunscreens is that, because they lack the chemicals that ease blending and absorption, they leave skin with a thick white cast. Fortunately, as the demand for safe sunscreen grows, brands are developing new, more cosmetically elegant formulas. Foley likes that this sunscreen (with non-nanosized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) is tinted, which she says “provides a slight glow and ensures there’s no white cast from the zinc sunscreen.” It also contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and a blend of natural antioxidants that can further reduce sun damage.

Best reef-safe SPF moisturizer

Another tinted option, Foley says this “provides serious protection from the sun” and is one of her store’s most popular face sunscreens. Raw Elements’ SPF moisturizer also features antioxidants as well as skin-soothing vitamin E. Piper likes that it’s packaged in a recyclable (or reusable) plastic-free tin.

Best reef-safe vegan sunscreen

If you want a vegan sunscreen, this water-resistant one (that’s also cruelty-free) is Piper’s favorite for when she’s swimming outdoors. The non-nanosized zinc sunscreen can resist water and sweat for up to 80 minutes.

Best reef-safe body sunscreen

Foley’s pick for the body, Suntegrity’s non-nanosized, cruelty-free, and vegan sunscreen goes on without feeling greasy and contains antioxidants like green tea to block free-radical damage from UV rays, she says.

Best spray-on reef-safe sunscreen

If you like the convenience of a spray-on sunscreen, this one from Babo Botanicals is another one of Foley’s top sellers. It’s got non-nanosized zinc oxide for protection, and comes in a continuous spray bottle so you can easily apply it to your whole body.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

• the strategist
• recommended by experts
• environmentally friendly

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• The 17 Very Best Protein Powders
• 10 Things That Delighted Us: From Cardboard Bed Frames to Compact Makeup Stacks
• All the Best Walking Shoes We’ve Ever Written About
• All of the Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
• The 11 Very Best Shampoos

Today’s Top Clicked

The Best Face Sunscreens, Tested & Reviewed By Our Editors

By Meaghan Kenny

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The most important step in every skincare routine: face sunscreen. Wearing and reapplying a daily sunscreen can help protect your skin from sun damage and prevent premature aging. Whether you're headed out for a day swimming at the beach or dodging puddles in the rain , sun exposure of any kind can be damaging, so finding a solid sunscreen routine is crucial. As important as wearing a facial sunscreen is, the greasy feeling, clogged pores, and oily shine some leave behind can make you want to skip that step altogether. That’s why it’s important to find a product you actually want to wear every day.

To help you discover your new favorite face SPF, our editors tested dozens of top-selling sunscreens on the market, wearing them on planes, to the park, the beach, the gym, and everywhere in between to see which performed the best. We tested a mix of both chemical and mineral sunscreens, as well as varying formulas—from invisible gels and sticks to tinted moisturizers. We also consulted an expert dermatologist to help guide our search, keeping key ingredients and SPF protection levels in mind. And we made sure to find options for every skin type—whether your skin is more dry, oily, sensitive, or requires a mineral formula, we've got you covered. Below, the 11 best face sunscreens to throw in your Dopp kit or beach bag this summer and beyond.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

What should I look for in a face sunscreen?

I asked Dr. Cybele Fishman , an aesthetic and medical dermatologist, for guidance on what to look for when shopping for a new face sunscreen. “SPF only measures protection to UVB, not UVA, and UVA is a risk factor for melanoma, as well as aging of the skin,” Dr. Fishman says. “So it's important to look for a sunscreen that says broad spectrum and is above SPF 30.”

How much sunscreen should I apply?

When it comes to how much sunscreen you should be using, Dr. Fishman recommends more than you might think—about a shot glass worth, or two tablespoons, every two hours to be most effective.

Are mineral sunscreens better for you?

Dr. Fishman prefers a mineral sunscreen for all skin types: “No one is allergic to zinc and titanium—they are inert. Oxybenzone is a common cause of contact allergy and is bad for coral reefs. Plus, mineral sunscreen blocks both UVA and UBV,” she says. But if your favorite sunscreen is made with chemical ingredients, don't worry: “The best sunscreen is the one you will actually use,” Dr. Fishman says. “So for me, the important thing is that you find something you like that has broad spectrum coverage (UVA and UVB) and is above SPF 30.”

More sun care recommendations:

Don't forget to put sunscreen on any exposed skin (face, neck, and hands) when you're in a car. Dr. Fishman warns that UVA gets through windows, meaning you need sun protection whether you're in the passenger seat on a cross-country road trip or driving to the grocery store.

Our top picks:

• Best everyday face sunscreen: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
• Best tinted sunscreen: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Field Flex
• Best mineral sunscreen: Supergoop Mineral Unseen Sunscreen
• Best sunscreen stick: Mustela Mineral Sunscreen Stick
• Best sporty sunscreen: Kinfield Daily Dew

Tested by : Meaghan Kenny , associate commerce editor

Type of protection : Chemical

Strength : Broad spectrum SPF 40

Stand-out features : Completely invisible, feels weightless, and performs well for all skin types and tones

Why we recommend it: Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is a long-time cult favorite among Condé Nast Traveler editors . It lives up to its name, going on as a completely invisible, smooth gel, no matter your skin tone. Designed for all skin types, this Supergoop classic works for anyone looking for a new daily sunscreen, and is both reef-safe and oil-free. It feels similar to a makeup primer on your skin and provides waterproof SFP 40 coverage. I've tested out dozens of face sunscreens over the years, and while there's lots of great ones on the market, I always come back to this reliable old friend. Bonus: It layers well underneath makeup, too.

Tested by : Megan Spurrell , senior editor

Type of protection : Mineral

Strength : Broad spectrum SPF 50

Stand-out features : Tone-adapting color coverage, protects against blue light and pollution, oil-free

Why we recommend it : You might have seen one of the several viral TikTok videos about the somewhat magical color-changing abilities of Colorescience's Sunforgettable mineral sunscreen. We decided to put it to the test ourselves and see what all the hype was about. At first, Traveler's senior editor, Megan Spurrel l, was a little skeptical of how liquidy the formula is (you need to pour it into the center of our hand as opposed to onto a fingertip.) She was pleasantly surprised, though, noting that this makes it easy to blend in and soak into the skin smoothly. “The color-changing feature, though, is sort of miraculous. It appears speckled white in my hand, but changes to my skin tone once on my face. There's no white cast, but subtle coverage, and my skin feels hydrated without being greasy. It's kind of amazing,” says Spurrell. It layers well under makeup, but it shines all on its own, making it a great face makeup replacement if a tinted moisturizer is more your thing. It's available in four shades—fair, medium, tan, and deep—which may not sound like an impressive range, but given its ability to perfectly adapt to your skin tone, it works for everyone.

Tested by : Mercedes Bleth , global associate director of social

Strength : SPF 40

Stand-out features : Leaves no white cast, feels so lightweight, and blends in effortlessly

Why we recommend it: If you're on team mineral sunscreen, you may have envied your friends who have been wearing and swearing by Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen for years—Mercedes Bleth, our global associate director of social, sure did. At last, her prayers have been answered. The SPF brand recently launched a 100 percent mineral version of its best-selling chemical formula. The texture is a little different than the original Unseen, which is a gel. The mineral version is more like a mousse (and has a very similar texture to Supergoop's Mineral Mattescreen ). With a velvety smooth texture, it blends in effortlessly (even underneath makeup) and leaves absolutely no white cast behind, a stand-out feature mineral sunscreen-wearers must see to believe. It's not one bit oily, so if "dew" is something you're looking for, you won't get it with this sunscreen. “It is truly, the perfect every day mineral sunscreen,” says Bleth.

Tested by : Hannah Towey , associate editor, transportation and travel news

Stand-out features : Gentle enough for babies and kids, can be used on the face and body, fragrance-free

Why we recommend it : If you're looking for a compact face stick to throw in a small beach bag or fanny pack, consider this small-but-mighty gem from Mustela. A sunscreen stick is great option for on-the-go travelers or busy parents—your hands stay clean and you can easily re-apply it. This has become a go-to for Traveler's associate editor of transportation and travel news, Hannah Towey : “For a mineral Zinc sunscreen made with 70 percent natural ingredients, this is about as sheer and lightweight as you can get. It does leave a faint white cast (hard to avoid when it comes to mineral sunscreens), but is quite easy to blend in.” We especially love that its safe to use on babies, children, and anyone with sensitive-skin, making it a packing list staple for family vacations. “If you're someone who, like me, has been wanting to make the jump from chemical to mineral sunscreens but would prefer to avoid that cakey white cast, this sheer formula makes the transition less daunting," says Towey. She even wore it while surging at Rockaway Beach this spring (its water-resistant for up to 80 minutes). Towey did note that its not a sunscreen she would layer under makeup—it’s much better suited for outdoor activities and beach days instead.

Tested by : Mercedes Bleth, global associate director of social

Strength : Broad spectrum SPF 30

Stand-out features : It smells amazing, is super hydrating, and leaves no white cast

Why we recommend it : A favorite of Bleth's for years , the Kinfield Daily Dew continues to earn a place among our top face sunscreens. If you're acne-prone, have sensitive skin, or are allergic to chemical sunscreen, this reef-safe, 100 percent mineral formula is for you. Its sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and feels a little bit thicker than your everyday sunscreen, making it an ideal choice for your most active days—swimming, surfing, or hiking. The hydrating, sport-ready sunscreen leaves your skin feeling hydrating and dewy without any streaks in sight. Oh, and it smells so so good.

Tested by : Matt Ortile , associate editor

Stand-out features : Neutralizes redness, helps reduce fine line and wrinkles, non-pilling

Why we recommend it : Here's an SPF that acts a whole lot like a moisturizer. Associate editor Matt Ortile appreciates how quickly and evenly this skincare-forward sunscreen from Dune dries down—and without feeling greasy, oily, or leaving a white cast. “The texture feels like any other great face moisturizer: lightweight and a tiny bit refreshing. Makes sense, since the bottle touts ‘72-hour hydration,'” he says. There's also a green tint to the sunscreen itself, which helps neutralize any redness on your skin. “Given its lightweight feeling and easy-to-apply consistency, this invisible gel sunscreen is great for everyday use,” says Ortile.

Tested by : Jessica Chapel , editorial assistant

Stand-out features : Packed with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E, layers well underneath makeup, and features an easy-to-open, leakproof bottle

Why we recommend it : If you're searching for a daily sunscreen packed with key skincare ingredients for extra hydration, this might just be your new favorite. “The formula feels different from other sunscreens I’ve used, probably due to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. It provides immediate moisture and takes a bit longer to dry down, but this can be a positive for anyone wanting to achieve a dewy look,” says editorial assistant Jessica Chapel . Hyaluronic acid helps leave the skin looking plump and glowy, making it a great ingredient for our friends with dry skin. La Roche Posay designed this formula with all skin types and tones in mind, all while providing SPF 50 protection. “My face was completely burn-free after spending all day in the park for one of the first warmer days in NYC of the season,” says Chapel.

Tested by : Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor

Type of protection : Hybrid of chemical and mineral

Stand-out features : Safe for sensitive, dry, and acne-prone skin; designed for the face and body

Why we recommend it : I've been a trusted devotee to CeraVe for years; the brand continues to win me over with its gentle everyday skincare products that keep sensitive skin top of mind (especially its Moisturizing Cream and Resurfacing Retinol Serum ). I had high hopes that its Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen would perform just as well—and it certainly didn't disappoint. Its made with a smart hybrid formula, blending both chemical and mineral sunscreen ingredients, to deliver great protection while still looking almost invisible on the skin. Its contains essential ceramides and niacinamide, meaning its treating my skin well while providing SPF 30 protection. The formula is liquidy and leaves a very slight white cast, but it blends in seamlessly and dries down pretty quick. It doesn't feel greasy and I've worn it both on its own and underneath makeup. Its water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so I'll be throwing it in my beach bag for trips down the shore all summer long. What I love most is that its designed for both the face and body. I usually don't like to use the same type of sunscreen on my face that I use on my body, as it typically will clog my pores or cause irritation, but here's my all-in-one exception to the rule.

Tested by : Rebecca Misner , senior features editor

Strength : Broad spectrum SPF 46

Stand-out features : Fragrance- and oil-free, pump dispenser, packed with niacinamide

Why we recommend it : Senior features editor Rebecca Misner raves about the EltaMD UV Clear sunscreen; its a crucial first step in her daily skincare routine rain or shine, with or without makeup. The lightweight, oil-free formula glides on easily and blends it quickly—without a white cast left behind. It has a very sheet tint—which helps even out your skin tone without covering it up and leaves a subtle glow behind. “It's sheer enough that my husband and teenage son both use it and don't feel like they're putting on makeup,” says Misner. She also likes that the 1.7-ounce bottle with a pump dispenser is great for travel—it doesn't leak and you can toss it right in your carry-on. Safe for acne-prone and sensitive skin, this EltaMD favorite contains high-purity niacinamide that helps reduce the appearance of discoloration and smooths the skin. “I notice I don't need to wear as much makeup when I use this. It’s the rare product that I find myself telling friends about!” she says.

Tested by : Hannah Towey, associate editor, transportation and travel news

Strength : Broad spectrum SPF 60

Stand-out features : Oxybenzone-free, water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, affordable price point

Why we recommend it : This weightless formula with prebiotic oat from Aveeno is moisturizing and refreshing, leaving you feeling glowy and hydrated. “It dries clear, doesn’t leave a white cast, and isn’t greasy or oily. I actually enjoy the feeling of putting it on,” says Hannah Towey. It's also oxybenzone-free, another bonus for Towey. It's water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice for the beach and outdoor activities—just be sure to re-apply throughout the day. It dries clear and truly hydrates the skin, so you can layer it underneath makeup without any pilling. “I’ve tried much more expensive sunscreens and consistently find myself going back to this Aveeno lotion every summer. I have sensitive, acne-prone skin and it doesn’t make me break out,” says Towey.

Tested by : Charlie Hobbs , associate editor

Stand-out features : Hydrating, oil-free, lightweight enough for daily wear

Why we recommend it : Rounding out our list of the best face sunscreens is another favorite of ours from La Roche-Posay. This daily moisturizer is ideal for anyone with dry or acne-prone skin—which has made it a favorite of associate editor Charlie Hobbs . “I have delicate, acne-prone skin (and have been on Accutane twice!) so it's important to me that what goes on my face is gentle and moisturizing—to have a morning moisturizer that's full of SPF is just wonderful. The skincare-first sunscreen boosts lots of key ingredients: essential ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin. Its designed to help protect and restore your skin's nature barrier, all while offering SPF 30 coverage. ”I love La Roche-Posay in part because it's always in my mother's medicine cabinet—sentimental—but it's also just plain old good and reliable," says Hobbs.

Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens of 2024

We are all becoming aware of the need to protect our ocean from the effects of climate change and single-use plastic. However, there is one item we use that seems harmless, but actually has a significant effect on marine life. Yep, it’s sunscreen! Scientists have found that most sunscreens contain toxic ingredients that harm sea creatures and bleach coral. Luckily, it’s an easy switch to a reef-safe sunscreen. This way you can protect your skin and the ocean!

• Why is sunscreen toxic?
• How to check my sunscreen?
• Why reef-safe sunscreen?
• Best reef-safe sunscreens

Why is Sunscreen Damaging to the Ocean?

When we apply sunscreen, the chemicals are later washed off in the ocean when we swim. They can even go down the drain during showering, which means they inevitably end up in the ocean too. In fact, it’s estimated that 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen end up in the ocean every year!

Coral Bleaching

Not only are these sunscreen chemicals harmful to sea creatures, but they are also a significant cause of coral bleaching. Coral bleaching occurs when corals become stressed by negative changes in conditions. This causes them to lose their beautiful colors and turn completely white. If this continues, the coral will eventually die. Reefs worldwide, including the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, have been affected hugely by coral bleaching. 

However, the good news is that coral can recover and regrow after bleaching. We have to change our regular habits, by swapping out regular sunscreen for reef-safe sunscreen.

Remember: Whichever reef-safe sunscreen you use, always remember to protect your skin by staying in the shade and wearing a hat.

Why is Coral Important?

We must protect and care for coral, as it generates nearly 50% of the world’s oxygen! Not only that, but coral reefs act as a habitat for around 25% of the world’s marine species. Fish and other marine life have less food and places to live when corals get damaged. The effect of this is a reduction in marine life, which can cause fishing and tourism problems, something that many coastal communities rely on for their economy. 

Did you know? The reef also acts as a natural barrier to prevent flooding.

Also read: How to Travel more Sustainable

How to check for Reef-safe Sunscreen and what ingredients to avoid?

The three main ingredients to watch out for in your sunscreen are Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, and Octocrylene. These are all popular ingredients that are believed to contribute highly to coral bleaching. Because of this, countries like Hawaii and Palau have banned these ingredients. (applause!)

By spreading awareness and reducing the consumer need for these products, there is hope that more countries will do the same. Check out petitions you can sign (like this one in Florida) or start a petition yourself.

Tip: Although some brands mark their sunscreen as ‘reef safe’, this is not always the case. As it is not a regulated term, the only way to truly be sure is to check the ingredients for yourself.

Why Choose a Reef-Safe Sunscreen?

Regular sunscreen not only contains toxic ingredients but is often made up of super tiny particles. This means they can be absorbed easily by both marine life and humans. Unfortunately, these particles are even smaller in sunscreen sprays and aerosols.

In contrast, reef-safe sunscreens eliminate all the toxic chemicals and replace them with mainly natural ingredients (which are better for your skin too!). These new sunscreens are also made with bigger particles to stop corals from absorbing them. However, make sure to always check the ingredients are ‘non-nano’ before buying; scientists say that they must be over 100 nanometers in order to not be absorbed by corals.

Tip: To help the planet, you can also buy reef-safe sunscreens that are plastic-free! There are plenty of options on the market that avoid using plastic packaging. If you can, look for products you can buy locally to save on emissions from shipping.

Read: How to travel plastic-free!

Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen Brands

Below are a handful of great reef-safe sunscreens from small companies helping to look after the corals and ocean. All products below are purchasable in Europe or the USA. Please consider using one of these on your next holiday.

1. Suntribe (EU)

Suntribe has a range of ‘non-nano Zinc Oxide’ reef-safe sunscreens. They also contain organic coconut oil to help moisturize the skin. The Suntribe sunscreen is sold in a tube made from sugar cane which is fully recyclable. Available at Suntribe . (Use ‘SaltinourHair’ at checkout to get 10% off!)

Get 10% discount at Suntribe , only for Salt in our Hair readers! – Use the code ‘SaltinourHair’ at checkout.

2. Raw Elements (US)

Another great option is Raw Element’s ‘non-nano Zinc Oxide’ reef-safe sunscreen. It’s packed full of natural and organic ingredients. Most of their products come in a recyclable/reusable tin. Available at Amazon US .

Buy Raw Elements Reef-Safe Sunscreen

3. SurfDurt (US)

SurfDurt has various options of ‘non-nano Zinc Oxide’ reef-safe sunscreen. Additionally, with every purchase of SurfDurt, a portion of the proceeds goes to a community project. This one below contributes to surf therapy for young children of color. SurfDurt comes in a bamboo and aluminum reusable container.  Available at Amazon US .

Purchase SurfDurt reef-safe sunscreen

4. Butter Me Up Organics (US)

This small zero-waste company has created a reef-safe sunscreen that is non-nano and made with Zinc Oxide. The product is made with organic shea butter, mango butter, and coconut oil. Delicious! Butter Me Up sunscreen is packed in a recyclable glass jar. Available at Amazon US .

See the Butter Me Up Sunscreen here

5. Sol de Ibiza (EU)

This small island company produces non-nano Zinc Oxide reef-safe sunscreen. Plus, 1% of all sales go towards various schemes that preserve and protect the natural environment. Last year, proceeds went towards the Ibiza & Formentera preservation. Sol de Ibiza’s eco-friendly packaging is made from recyclable aluminum. Available at Amazon EU .

Buy Sol de Ibiza Sunscreen

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Cheap Flights via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via Viator
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

20 Best Gifts For a Traveler: Ultimate Travel Gifts Guide

Teach english online & abroad: best tefl courses & jobs, travel safety: 17 tips on how to travel safe.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments are added.

Best Reef Safe Sunscreen For Hawaii Guide

Posted on Last updated: August 28, 2023

Home » Blog » Best Reef Safe Sunscreen For Hawaii Guide

When you visit Hawaii, you need to be mindful of the sun and protect yourself to avoid a serious sunburn. Choosing a good sunscreen will go a long way to keep you and your family safe, but you need to be careful which sunscreen you choose.

Hawaii is surrounded on all sides by ecosystems that can be harmed by the chemicals found in certain sunscreens and those should be avoided. There are many options to choose from that are reef-safe and Hawaii-approved, and we’ve included reviews of several after the FAQ.

You’ll be a part of the solution by making wise and informed decisions about sunscreen, which goes a long way to help preserve some of the most beautiful habitats in the United States. 

Before we get into the best reef-safe sunscreen for Hawaii, let’s address some of the most common questions about sunscreens.

Hawaii Sunscreen FAQ

Should you wear sunscreen in hawaii.

You should definitely wear sunscreen during a visit to Hawaii. As one of the most southern locations in the United States, you’re as close as the country gets to the equator. The sun is often completely unobscured and directly overhead during the day. Of course, this is one of the major attractions of Hawaii, but it’s a kind of sunlight travelers need to be prepared for.

As we’ll cover in a later question, consider sunscreen just one of the points in an overall plan to protect yourself from the strong UV rays you’ll experience here. The key to a happy, sunburn-free trip to the Aloha State is to be mindful of the sun at all times. 

Since you will more than likely be spending a lot of time out on beaches like Poipu Beach or hikes, wearing sunscreen is a must. Even more importantly, you should wear Hawaii reef-safe sunscreen when swimming or snorkeling at the beaches to protect the local environment and marine life. 

If you want to achieve that golden, glowing tan of the folks who call Hawaii home, sunscreen is a great way to gently do it and keep you protected at the same time.

Which sunscreens should you avoid?

To comply with Hawaii sunscreen laws, avoid any sunscreen that contains octinoxate, oxybenzone, mineral oil, or titanium dioxide. These chemicals have been directly linked to coral bleaching and eventual degradation of coral reefs worldwide.

You can read our up-to-date list down below of the best sunscreens that are Act 104 compliant. Take advantage of this wealth of information and choose a sunscreen that complies with the act.

Some of the biggest names in sunscreen have been known to sell products full of banned chemicals, but they are starting to come around. Most have since created Hawaii-approved products. 

The trend toward reef-safe alternatives for worldwide acceptance is promising, and it won’t be long before the banned chemicals are completely out of circulation.

For travelers with sensitive skin, be on the lookout for brands that tout the natural content of their products. The higher the number the better, and the more ingredients both active and inactive, the better. Your skin is important, and you need to take care of it when exposed to the intense sunlight on all the islands of Hawaii.

Avoid buying any sunscreen that is less than SPF 15 and greater than SPF 90. You’ll find that SPF 15 is not sufficient protection for the Hawaiian sun, and anything over SPF 90 is simply not necessary.

What are the laws about sunscreen in Hawaii?

Hawaii has taken measures above and beyond any other state to protect its environment and the surrounding waters. Through Hawaii Reef Act 104, the Aloha State has taken a crucial step in protecting marine life by limiting what sunscreens may be used on the islands.

As of January 1, 2021, the act bars the use of sunscreens that contain octinoxate and oxybenzone, the two main culprits in the degradation of coral reefs. It should be noted that many of the major, brand-name sunscreens still use these chemicals. Buyer beware and make sure to check the label of your sunscreen to make sure you don’t have any of the offending chemicals.

These laws are the first of their kind and are intended to protect some of Hawaii’s most cherished assets. You also benefit from this law by having a safer product that you can count on to protect your own self. 

If you already have a sunscreen product that isn’t Hawaii-approved, many retailers will allow you to trade them in for a discount or swap for one of the approved products. Hawaii wants what is best for the land they call home, the people who live there, and the visitors who come to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the islands.

Other locations have followed suit or created similar laws. These locations include other islands with habitats worth protecting, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Aruba. 

What remains unclear is how effectively this law can be enforced with the sheer number of visitors to Hawaii every year. A little public awareness goes a long way, though, and the state’s government and the Bureau of Tourism do very well to spread the information far and wide. 

The law primarily affected retailers in Hawaii and ensured that products with the banned substances would no longer be sold anywhere on the island. This leaves it up to visitors like yourself to be responsible and refrain from introducing the banned chemicals to the environment.

Tips About Buying Sunscreen In Hawaii

The best thing to do in order to stay compliant with the law and protect everyone and everything at risk is to pick up your sunscreen when you land in Hawaii or buy one online that you know for sure is reef-safe. This has the added benefit of supporting the local economy, which is heavily influenced by the amount of tourism dollars spent.

Most visitors will probably just need to worry about bringing one bottle. If you plan to stay for a week or two, you should be okay with just one. But if you’re planning to stay longer or up to a month, you will definitely want two.

When choosing a sunscreen, it’s wise to aim higher than SPF 30. Consider picking up something SPF 50 or over, but know that anything above 70 is likely overkill and you’re paying for marketing. We use SPF 70, and it works fantastic for us. We try to apply it more than once if we’re spending more than two hours outside, whether that’s on a non-shaded hike or on the beach.  

There isn’t much of a performance gain between 30, 50, and 70, so the step up to 90 or 100 isn’t worth any extra cost. Likewise, you shouldn’t spend your money on sunscreen under SPF 30, and anything under SPF 15 is inadequate protection for Hawaii. Trust us when we say that the sun in Hawaii hits a lot harder than in other parts of the United States. 

You’ll find that there are dozens of brands of Hawaii-approved sunscreens to choose from, but some of the local favorites include Kokua Sun Care, Mama Kuleana, and Raw Love. All of these brands bear the label Made in Hawaii and provide eco-conscious protection of SPF 30 and over. The good people of Hawaii, the coral reefs, and your skin will all thank you if you choose an approved brand and product.

The general advice about sunscreen is that you should reapply every two hours or so, but use your best judgment. If you’ve been enjoying your time in the water and drying off, you may need to apply more often. Growing up, we were always told to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before getting wet to let it all soak in. 

Hawaii is incredible, and you’ll want to see and do as much as possible during your time there, so do yourself a favor and apply sunscreen liberally. A sunburn can put a real damper on your time in paradise, and it’s completely avoidable. Put on more than what you may think you need. 

Keeping children safe from sunburn can be a full-time job during your vacation, but it makes for a much better trip for all involved if you take it seriously. Set reminders for yourself and stay on top of reapplying when necessary.

You can ensure safety by being mindful of when you are exposed to the sun and avoiding time outside between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. This is when the sun is at its highest point in Hawaii, and you’ll feel it barreling down on you. Since it’s not always easy to avoid those times, be mindful about putting on more sunscreen during this period. 

Even when the sun is obscured by clouds, you’re still getting hit with loads of UV rays. It’s important that you stay vigilant because a sunburn can sneak up on you if you feel as though you are safe because of the shade.

Be careful how much time you spend on or in the water or near the sand, as these conditions all reflect sunlight and increase the likelihood that you’ll get a sunburn. It won’t do any harm to err to the side of caution and reapply in as little as an hour between coats.

In addition to timing, consider wearing a wide-brim hat for optimal UV protection of your head, neck, and shoulders. If you can spend some time shaded by a tree or umbrella during peak sunlight, it can be an effective way to lower the risk of sunburn. Some hikes, like the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail, have very little to no shade, so wearing a head covering is a top priority. 

Utilize the surroundings at your disposal and prepare for any change in scenery by keeping protective clothing on hand. Sunglasses are another important layer of protection that should be included in your Hawaii packing list.

Make sure to get polarized lenses that provide 100% protection from all forms of UV light. It’s a great way to look great and keep your eyes safe, like sunscreen does for the rest of your body.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Best Reefsafe Sunscreens For Hawaii

Sun bum original.

Sun Bum Original specifically complies with the Hawaii 104 Reef Act. It contains zero octinoxate or oxybenzone and provides serious SPF 70 protection. This is one of the highest-rated and most reviewed water-resistant sunscreens on the list and a fool-proof choice for the safety of everyone who wears it and of course the marine life around Hawaii.

Be sure to apply Sun Bum Original once every two hours you plan to spend in the sun for optimal results. This advice applies to most sunscreens, but this is Sun Bum’s recommendation per the label. Better safe than sunburned. Sun Bum is what we use when we visit the beaches in Kauai and Oahu and we like that it doesn’t have a strong chemical smell.

Hawaiian Tropic Every Day Active

Hawaiian Tropic is one of the biggest names in sunscreen products, and they have created a few products that comply with Hawaii Reef Act 104. Every Day Active is one such product, and it contains no octinoxate, oxybenzone, or titanium dioxide.

It’s SPF 50, so you will be good to go without needing to apply it again for a couple of hours. Hawaiian Tropic Every Day Active was formulated with the end user and the planet in mind, and it’s PETA-certified cruelty-free.

You’ll love the continuous, clear spray that protects against UVA and UVB rays for up to 80 minutes.

Kokua Sun Care

Kokua Sun Care is a Reef Act 104-compliant sunscreen made right in Hawaii and sits on the state’s list of approved products. The primary active ingredient in Kokua Skin Care’s sunscreen is the mineral zinc oxide.

The SPF 50 formula will protect everyone in the family including the children for 80 minutes. The container is travel-friendly and TSA-approved weighing in at only 3 ounces. The combination of inactive ingredients such as kukui, macadamia, spirulina, and plumeria makes this sunscreen smell and feel like island time.

The brand gets its name from Kokua, meaning a selfless desire to help others, and this is apparent from its products. If you run out, you can also find this Hawaii sunscreen on the shelves of many of the island’s ABC stores. 

Reef Repair

Reef Repair sunscreen is a non-nano zinc oxide mineral sunscreen. It is octinoxate, oxybenzone, and completely chemical-free, making it a great choice.

Bonus ingredients in Reef Repair have the added benefit of moisturizing and protecting skin of all types. Thanks to Reef Repair’s water-resistant natural formula, you’ll enjoy 80 minutes of protection in the sun, sand, and surf. 

The super-clear, non-sticky formula makes application and reapplication a breeze. Apply every two hours for the best results but use your judgment if you’re enjoying time in the water.

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen comes in SPF 30 and 45 with aloe vera and green tea fragrances respectively. They utilize a non-toxic formula that is free of the chemicals banned by Hawaii law.

Like most options, this reef-friendly sunscreen offers up to an hour and 20 minutes of reliable protection from UVA and UVB sunlight. All of this is from a product that is 100% vegetarian, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, and from a company that has been protecting folks from the sun since 1979.

Be sure to check out Alba Botanica’s full range of sun care products, including sprays, lotions, and mineral sunscreens, as well as their after-sun products.

Mustela Mineral Sunscreen

Mustela is a French family-owned business that has been helping to protect travelers from the harmful effects of the sun since 1950. Their mineral sunscreen is a zinc-oxide product with 93% natural ingredients and zero banned chemicals as recognized by the Hawaii Reef Act 104.

Mustela’s commitment to the safety and well-being of your family extends to the environment with its pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030. They are also a Certified B Corporation, with an emphasis on being one of the best companies for the world, not just one of the best in the world.

Coral Isles Reef Safe

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense SPF 50 sunscreen that is Hawaii-compliant, Coral Isles Reef Friendly sunscreen is an excellent product at an affordable price point.

Every application gets you 80 minutes of broad spectrum, UVA, and UVB protection with a non-greasy, fragrance-free formula. The reef safe sunscreen is hypoallergenic and light, so it won’t bog you down and it’s water resistant so you can enjoy your time and dive right in.

In order to maximize the effectiveness of Coral Isles Reef Friendly sunscreen, reapply every couple of hours as needed. 

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The 16 Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens Of 2024, Tested By Experts

These mineral SPF products are gentle on sensitive skin

There are two broad categories in the SPF world: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone, works like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays. Physical sunscreens , on the other hand, contain active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and provide a barrier on the skin, working like a mirror to reflect the sun's harmful UV radiation, says dermatologist Kunal Malik, MD .

Best zinc oxide sunscreen

Best Overall Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

Eltamd uv sport broad spectrum spf 50 sunscreen.

Best Spray Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

Coola organic mineral sunscreen spf 30.

Best Tinted Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

Drunk elephant umbra tinte physical daily defense.

Best Gentle

Thinkbaby spf 50+ baby sunscreen.

Best Lightweight Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

Isdin eryfotona actinica zinc oxide sunscreen.

Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin

Hero cosmetics force shield superlight sunscreen spf 30.

Best zinc oxide sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

Blue lizard sensitive mineral sunscreen.

Best Drugstore Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

Neutrogena sheer zinc dry-touch spf 50 face sunscreen.

Best Reef-Safe Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

Ethical zinc mineral sport sunscreen.

Best Powder Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

Colorescience brush-on sunscreen mineral powder.

Both are fine options—as long as you're selecting a broad-spectrum formula that's water-resistant and has an SPF 30 or higher, according to the American Academy of Dermatology —but physical sunscreens (aka zinc oxide sunscreens) tend to be more suitable for those with sensitive skin.

You me be confused as to how to pick the the best zinc-oxide sunscreens, and we know it can be overwhelming. DW, here's exactly what to look for when shopping for the right zinc oxide sunscreen for your exact skin type:

What to consider

Active ingredients.

When it comes to finding a solid physical sunscreen (aka one with zinc oxide), do yourself a favor and check out the ingredient percentages on the bottle. For maximum efficacy, look for products with a minimum of 10 percent concentration zinc oxide , says Malik. Some formulas have as much as 25 percent zinc oxide—the higher you go, the more protection you'll get. Just note: The higher the concentration of zinc, the greater the (often-undesirable) white cast will be.

Many of the formulas on this list are also filled with other ingredients aside from just zinc oxide. For example, if you're looking for a hydrating formula, the Native Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide SPF 30 has glycerin, which helps skin retain it's natural moisture, and plant-derived oils that leave your skin feeling super soft. On the other hand, if you have acne-prone skin, the Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains extremolytes that revitalize and restore stressed skin.

As noted above, the AAD recommends looking for a broad-spectrum formula that has an SPF of 30 or higher for optimal skin protection. All of the options included on this list have an SPF of 30 and up, but it's important that you're applying your sunscreen correctly to get the full benefits of this SPF. According to AAD, you need a shot glass-full of sunscreen to fully cover your entire body.

Water Resistance

Not all SPF options on this list are water-resistant, but if you're constantly in and out of the water, you'll want to shop for one that is. A few options to look into: EltaMD UV Sport Body Sunscreen , which is a lotion formula that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and the Coola Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 , which is a spray version that is also water-resistant for 80 minutes. Many of these formulas contain stickier ingredients, such as beeswax, which makes them less likely to wash off in water.

How we chose

For the past year, Women’s Health editors, including contributor Brigitt Earley, associate commerce editor Lily Wohlner, and our beauty team, tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated zinc oxide sunscreens. Our team consulted two dermatologists and a group of anonymous testers to narrow down the best 16 best zinc oxide sunscreens for a wide range of skincare needs and preferences.

So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to discover the 16 best zinc oxide sunscreens for every skin type.

Dermatologists everywhere rave about EltaMD's broad-spectrum sunscreen. The water-resistant formula (good for a full 80 minutes) is non-greasy and suitable for all skin types. Plus, you can buy it in a tube or a convenient pump. Just note: It doesn't contain quite as much zinc oxide as other formulas, but it's close—and because of this, it won't leave as much of a white cast.

Our tester, who has sensitive skin, says she's always had to be cautious about the products she uses, but this one has never disappointed her. She tells us the lotion goes on super smoothly and never leaves a white cast or a greasy residue.

Sunscreens come in all different versions—creams, sticks, sprays—and if you like the convenience of the latter, this vegan and cruelty-free pick from Coola is the product for you. Though it contains 70 percent organic ingredients, the broad spectrum and fragrance-free formula is water-resistant for 80 minutes and boasts 14.2 percent zinc oxide.

Although most mineral sunscreens can be a bit hard to spread, our tester says this one applies like butter and soaks in immediately. And, because it's fragrance-free, it doesn't have that strong sunscreen smell either. It's like you're not wearing anything at all (but, trust me, you are).

Read More: Best Spray Sunscreens

Tinted sunscreens can help reduce the white case zinc oxide leaves on skin, making this pick by Drunk Elephant ideal for those with darker skin tones. Still, it contains a whopping 20 percent zinc oxide for fantastic sun protection. Also featured on the ingredient list: sunflower shoot extract to neutralize free radicals and raspberry seed oil to offer antioxidant protection.

Aside from the gorgeous tint, this product gives your skin the most natural glow, according to our product tester. She adds that whenever she wears it, she looks like she just got back from a beach vacation.

It may be formulated for babies, but the youngest set isn't the only group that can benefit from this sunscreen. The SPF 50 formula is perfectly suitable for adults, and is a great pick for anyone with sensitive skin. It contains 23.4 percent zinc oxide, but is free from potentially harmful and irritating ingredients like parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, and more.

It's definitely one of those zinc oxide sunscreens that's super thick and takes a good amount of rubbing to absorb, but once it's on, you're good for two to three hours before reapplying. Our tester often uses it while she's outside for a long period of time, like when she's mowing the lawn or swimming, because you don't have to re-apply it that often.

Because they act as a physical barrier on skin, zinc oxide sunscreen can feel thick and heavy. Not this one. Ideal for faces, this formula is ultra-lightweight, so it's easy to spread and won't leave as much of a white cast on skin. Still, it contains 11 percent zinc oxide—more than the minimum recommended amount.

As someone with oily skin, our product tester loves that this formula is super lightweight and not greasy at all compared to other mineral sunscreens. She adds that she likes the smell, too.

If you struggle with acne, it's hard to find daily defense against the sun—so many formulas cause pores, leading to flare-ups. But this gel-cream formula, by Hero Cosmetics, is fully non-comedogenic, weightless, and totes shine-free, so it's gentler on sensitive, acne-prone skin. Still, the reef-safe SPF 30 sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection and more than 17 percent zinc oxide.

As an added bonus, it also has a green tint, which blends into the skin to cancel out any redness caused by acne, sensitivity, redness, and more.

This formula is about as clean as you can get—the reef-safe product doesn't contain any chemical-based active ingredients, fragrances, or parabens. What is does have? 50+ SPF broad spectrum protection powered by 10 percent zinc oxide and 8 percent titanium dioxide. It also has another unique claim to fame: a color-changing bottle that alerts you when harmful UV rays are present.

Our tester wore this during prolonged sun exposure and did not get any color. She says that it rubs into her skin very evenly with no noticeable cast—she's able to put a sufficient amount of it on her face without looking crazy.

For a drugstore formula, this pick sure does contain a lot of zinc oxide. At 21.6 percent, this is one of the hardest-working formulas out there—especially considering the price point. It's also hypoallergenic and oil-free, making the SPF 50 pick a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

Our tester did note that, when she first applied it, it felt thick and hard to rub in. However, once it was absorbed, she loved how it looked. She notes that there's a very subtle white tint that makes her skin look super smooth and poreless without looking unnatural.

Always forgetting to reapply? This formula won't hurt the environment—it's reef- and ocean-safe—but offers up to four hours (!!) of water resistance. It's also billed as clear, so you're less likely to get that familiar white cast.

Our tester did tell us that this formula on the oilier side, so it's better for those with dry skin. However, she notes that its lasting powers are superb and she loves the light vanilla scent, too. Another pro? It applies super creamy but not too thick and it dries down very nicely, she notes.

Powder sunscreens are great for the scalp, since you can brush them on without leaving your strands a greasy mess. And they can be just as effective. This one boasts 22.5 percent zinc oxide and 22.5 titanium dioxide for maximum sun protection. Plus, it comes in four colors to suit your shade.

WH associate commerce and fashion editor Lily Wohlner is a huge fan of this powder, as she can take it on the go and apply throughout the day. "I'm always hopping from thing to thing in the city, and even when I'm not in direct sun, SPF is a must. This is always in my work bag when I'm out and about, and I can apply it over my makeup to make sure my skin is protected during long days of outdoor (and indoor!) events."

Badger SPF 30 Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream

It may be made with just five simple, 98 percent organic ingredients, but this reef-friendly formula also offers broad spectrum SPF 30 protection, 18.75 percent zinc oxide, and water-resistance for up to 40 minutes. It also contains vitamin E to help nourish and moisturize skin.

Our tester brought this on a seven-day cruise to Bermuda, and she said it kept her and her family totally protected. She even notes that it stayed on even after going in the ocean three-plus times.

Native Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide SPF 30

Native is known for their clean, yet sweet-smelling deodorants, and their sunscreen boasts the same claim to fame. The 20 percent zinc oxide-based formula is suitable for sensitive skin, goes on easily, absorbs quickly, and offers SPF 30 protection. And while it does come in an unscented version, fragrance-lovers will appreciate unique options like sweet peach and nectar and coconut and pineapple. Our tester loves the pineapple scent, adding that it smells like summer without feeling too overpowering.

Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen & Sunblock Face Lotion

Although no sunscreen blocks 100 percent of the sun's rays, experts say higher-number SPFs do block more of the sun's UVB rays. This one boasts an SPF 70, plus is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes to give you as much of a shield as possible. Still, it's oil-free and sheer—a claim to fame a lot of other zinc oxide formulas don't have. Our tester adds that, although it's thick, it absorbs nicely and doesn't leave a heavy-looking white cast (major ups!).

OneSkin OS-01 Shield

Meet the SPF you've been waiting for: OneSkin OS-01 Shield. It protects skin from advanced UV aging with 100 percent non-nano mineral broad-spectrum UV filters and a punch of powerful antioxidants. How it works? It claims to block aging cells and increase collagen levels in your skin with help from peptides and vitamin C. You won't believe how firm your skin feels when using this. Plus, it comes in a tinted and untinted version, so you can choose the best formula for your unique skin needs.

Undefined Beauty R&R Sun Serum

Serum sunscreens—fluid-y formulas that seep into skin seamlessly—are all the rage right now. And with good reason, they make wearing SPF something you'll actually want to do. This one—from Black-owned brand Undefined Beauty—was specifically designed to flatter all skin tones. That's why it's another favorite of our beauty director's: "This mineral formula is great for daily use or on days when you hit the beach or pool," Underwood says. "Just be sure to let it set before you put a top on though; the tint can sometimes transfer onto clothing if you're not careful."

Mama Sol 100% Mineral Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30

If dry skin is a concern for you, check this out. Mama Sol's hydrating formula is your new go-to. It serves as an SPF, makeup primer, or moisturizer replacement. Infused with Zinc, you'll feel its hydrating effects right when you apply it. And, it's made with clean ingredients, so this product is safe for expecting and nursing mothers, as well as those with sensitive skin. And that's not all—it even provides blue light protection from your screens, making it a must-have for your daily routine.

Read More: Best Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin

Meet the experts

• Kunal Malik, MD, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY
• Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD , board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY

What are the disadvantages of using zinc oxide sunscreen?

"Zinc oxide is one of the preferred and widely used sunscreens because of its safety and efficacy," says dermatologist Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD . They're usually very well tolerated and cause no significant side effects, making them a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

That said, there is one big downside: Zinc oxide tends to leave a white cast on skin, which is especially visible on those with darker skin tones. They can also rub or sweat off of skin more easily, necessitating more frequent reapplication, says Dr. Malik. And because zinc oxide acts as a physical barrier on the skin, they may even cause increased perspiration during physical activity, he adds.

Shop other sunscreens we love

Best Clear Sunscreens | Best Spray Sunscreens | Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens | Best Body Sunscreens | Best Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin | Best Sunscreens For Oily Skin

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

Lily Wohlner is the Associate E-Commerce Editor of Women’s Health. An expert in recommending the best products to add-to-cart, she knows what it takes for a product to receive a solid five stars (especially when it comes to beauty!). Starting her career as a freelance makeup artist, Lily has since moved to the editorial world, where she has generated content for brands including Oribe, NewBeauty, Dermstore, SkinStore, and LOOKFANTASTIC. When she’s not zenning out with a pore-clearing mask, the Lower East Side dweller is cheffing up a new recipe with her roommate or thrifting for the perfect pair of blue jeans. Follow her on Instagram . 

Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women’s Health. He is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle for several national media outlets and previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily. His work has appeared in Woman’s Day, Life & Style Weekly, Good Housekeeping, and many more. He also serves as a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and lives in New York City with his daughter.

Run! Brooks Sneakers Are On Sale On Amazon

Shop Zendaya’s Favorite On Sneakers

Amazon Outlet Store Sale April 2024: Up To 60% Off

The Best Athleisure Brands For Women Of 2024

Shop Brooklinen's 2024 Anniversary Sale

7 Dupes For Angel Reese's WNBA Draft Dress

Hoka April Sale 2024

Amazon Tiny Home Sale: Grab One For Under $14,000

Everything To Buy During The Sephora Savings Event

Solar Eclipse Glasses Are 33% Off On Amazon Today

The Best Body Sunscreens, Per Dermatologists

The Ultimate Dive Trip Packing List

Enjoy exploring new depths with comfortable swimsuits, fitted flippers, reef-safe sunscreen, and more.

Whether you’re a lifelong scuba diver or interested in becoming certified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), knowing what to bring for a dive trip is key for an enjoyable and stress-free day in the water. From reef-safe sunscreen to fitted fins, the proper gear can help keep you safe both in and out of the water.

“It’s all about having the right gear for you,” Julie Andersen, Global Director for PADI Worldwide and a diver for over 20 years says. “Redundancy isn't a bad word when diving — you should always have back up equipment to avoid dangerous situations.” 

Items like regulators and dive computers may seem like investment pieces, but they can be true life savers when you’re 130 feet underwater. On a recent trip, my dive partner ran out of oxygen faster than the rest of our group, so our dive master sent us back to the surface while she continued with everyone else. Without our own dive computer, we would have had a harder time gauging the length of our safety stop before resurfacing. Having your own equipment not only guarantees a safer dive, but it will also keep you comfortable and able to fully enjoy the underwater experience.

Packing Checklist for a Dive Trip

Here is everything you need to bring when you’re packing for a dive trip. Whether going for a liveaboard experience or single-dive adventure, this is the clothing, safety products, and gear you should be sure to pack — and some items you may want to leave behind.

Clothing and Shoes

Best swimsuit for women: carve designs lucie compression shorts, best swimsuit for men: bonobos throwback swim trunks, best rashguard for women: athleta point break rashguard, best rashguard for men: o’neill hyperfreak rashguard.

• Best Cover-up for Women: prAna Mantra Bay Tunic

Best Cover-up for Men: Chubbies Sun Hoodie

• Best Waterproof Shoes for Women: Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals

Best Waterproof Shoes for Men: Keen Solr Sandals

Accessories, best dry bag: sea to summit big river dry bag, best underwater camera: sealife underwater smartphone scuba case, best sunglasses: rheos anhingas floating polarized sunglasses.

• Best Hat: Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat
• Best Quick-dry towel: Sea to Summit Airlite Towel
• Best Reef-safe Sunscreen: Reef Repair Reef-safe Sunscreen

Best Deep Conditioner: Raw Sugar Mighty Hair Cream Leave-in Conditioner

Best motion sickness remedy: dramamine all day less drowsy motion sickness relief, best water bottle: ocean bottle recycled stainless steel reusable water bottle, technical gear, best regulator: scubapro mk25 evo/s620 ti dive regulator system, best dive computer: garmin descent mk2s, best mask: cressi f one frameless scuba snorkel mask.

• Best Wetsuit for Women: Scubapro Everflex Steamer  

Best Wetsuit for Men: IST Full Wetsuit

Best dive hood: scubapro everflex bibbed hood, best fins: oceanic viper 2 oh fin, t+l's top picks and tips.

Packing light is absolutely essential as there’s minimal space on the boat and you’ll also be sharing that with a number of other people. For a day of diving, your bathing suit is the most important item of clothing to consider. “The recommended bathing suit materials would be spandex or polyester,” Eleonora Greggio, a PADI Open Water Diver and Social Media Manager of Reef Oasis Dive Club in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, says. “This is because they help protect the most sensitive parts of the body with the wetsuit on: the neck, armpits, and behind the knees. These materials can reduce friction and further protect from UV rays.” 

Let’s be honest, when heading out on a dive trip, you don’t need to bring a lot more clothing with you than that — keep your post-dive outfit back in your hotel where it will stay safe and dry. Divers should only bring extra layers that provide sun protection and warmth as needed.

Buy at Carvedesigns.com

While diving, you’ll most likely wear a wetsuit to keep you warm and protected, so just about any swimsuit will work as your bottom layer. However, I love the extra warmth and comfort provided by these compression shorts. Paired with Carve Designs’ Sanitas Compression Top , this suit won’t shift around beneath your wetsuit, which minimizes uncomfortable bunching and increases your maneuverability. In warmer waters, or during shallower dives, you could even wear this compression suit and skip the wetsuit altogether, saving you packing space.

Price at time of publish: $62

Buy at Bonobos.com

While they aren’t compression shorts, these swim trunks won’t add an uncomfortably bulky layer beneath your wetsuit. You can choose between a five- or seven-inch inseam to get the perfect length that can easily slip right underneath your outer layer. They also come in a dozen colors and patterns, so you can enjoy a pop of fun while lounging on the boat.

Price at time of publish: $89

Buy at Athleta.gap.com

“Rash guards are a go-to item for divers in all scenarios, from sun protection on the surface to a dive skin underwater,” Andersen says. This Athleta rashguard is rated UPF 50+ for extra protection both in and out of the water. It’s also made of recycled H2ECO swim fabric that can stretch over your swimsuit for a perfect sleek outer layer. You could even wear this in the water for extra warmth or as a wetsuit alternative during warm-water dives. 

Price at time of publish: $85

Related: The Best Sun-protective Clothing for Women of 2023

Buy at Rei.com

This water-resistant neoprene rashguard feels just like a wetsuit, but with the comfort of a stretchy tee. You can wear this shirt both in and out of the water as its quick-dry material won't leave you cold and wet. The UPF 50+ rashguard also protects you from UV rays, so you can enjoy a full day out on the boat without worrying about harmful aftereffects. 

Price at time of publish: $100

Best Cover-up: prAna Mantra Bay Tunic

“When you’re diving in cooler to cold conditions, or diving continuously over several days in a row, staying warm and dry on your surface interval is a must,” Andersen says. While some divers may prefer separate bottoms and tops, I like to pack light, so this long tunic is a great cover-up for those long dive days. The three-quarter sleeves and mid-thigh length gives the perfect amount of protection and warmth and it’s stylish enough that you can even wear it off the boat to head to the nearest restaurant.

Price at time of publish: $79

While you can wear this UPF 50+ sun hoodie both in and out of the water, it’s still loose enough that you can wear it as a warming outer layer on top of your rash guard if needed. The moisture-wicking fabric dries quickly to make sure you aren’t staying chilly after a dive. It also includes a hood and thumb-holes so you can get warm and comfortable enough to wear this cover-up long after you leave the water.

Price at time of publish: $65

Best Waterproof Shoes for Women: Chaco Women's Z/Cloud X2

Buy at Amazon.com

Let’s be honest, on dive trips, shoes are among the last things we’re thinking about as you almost never wear them on the boat. However, a good waterproof shoe is a must on longer dive trips to keep you safe from slipping on deck. The Chaco Z/Cloud sandals have a rubber outsole that will give you the traction you need on the boat and on land. This pair is particularly comfortable as they have a single, open-toe strap, so you don’t have to wiggle your big toe into an uncomfortable strap as they get wet. 

For those looking for a bit more protection than an average sandal, these Keen Solr Sandals are the perfect next-level water shoe. They offer a closed-toe front for maximum protection, but have strapped sides so water instantly drains out. The Aquagrip rubber soles with slits in the tread also add traction that can prevent you from slipping on wet surfaces. 

Price at time of publish: $130

In addition to dressing appropriately for your dive trip, it can be great to have some personal items to enhance your experience. An underwater camera is great for capturing your dive while sunglasses and a sun hat make sure you’re staying protected as you travel between dive sights. “Sunscreen is also incredibly important after you dive or when you are exposed to strong sun rays,” Greggio says. “For fair-skinned people we would recommend at least a 50+ sunscreen protection and a cap for hot days to further protect yourself from the sun.” To make sure everything you take with you is safe from water, consider carrying all of your items in a handy dry bag, so you don’t have to rely on boat storage areas.

On your dive trip, the crew will likely take all of your belongings to store in a dry area of the boat, but it’s great to have a dry bag of your own for extra protection. Sea to Summit’s Big River Dry Bag has 20 liters of capacity, perfect for storing all of your daily essentials. Its 420-denier nylon is also reinforced with a TPU film that prevents the bag from tearing and offers an additional waterproof layer.

Price at time of publish: $55 for 20 liters

Instead of learning to use an underwater camera, Andersen recommends bringing the camera you already know best — your phone. “[Once] you have gotten comfortable underwater, and you’ve earned your PADI Advanced Open Water certification, you won’t want to go anywhere without a way to capture all of the incredible moments underwater,” she says. “Rather than learn a new device, I love taking my iPhone underwater, which is why I am very excited about a new option, the Sea Life SportDiver SmartPhone housing that I now take out for every aquatic adventure.” 

This case is compact, easy to travel with, and compatible with most Android phones and iPhones generation 7 and up. It’s also waterproof to 130 feet, which is the perfect depth for recreational dives.

Price at time of publish: $349

These polarized, unisex sunglasses are the perfect addition to your boating pack. Not only do they offer 100 percent UV protection, they’re also made with comfort grip nose pads that help prevent the frames from slipping (even if you’re lathered up with sunscreen.) With blue or green lenses to choose from, you and your dive partner can mix and match.

Related: The 13 Best Sunglasses for Travel of 2023

Best Hat: Columbia Bora Bora II Booney Hat

Buy at Zappos.com

It can be easy to suffer from sunburn during dive trips. We’re often so focused on getting in the water, we forget about the hours we’re sure to spend on top of the boat, perhaps fully exposed to the sun if you’re with a larger group or on a smaller vessel. This unisex sun hat is easy to pack and provides shade to your face and neck while the mesh interior wicks sweat away. The convenient drawcord will also prevent the hat from blowing away — an absolute must.

Price at time of publish: $30

Best Quick-dry Towel: Sea to Summit Airlite Towel

“From boat days to beach days, divers are always in need of a travel towel,” Andersen says. This quick-dry towel is cozy enough you’ll want to use it when you first come out of the water, but it won’t stay wet for the rest of the day. While the towel is 47 inches long, it folds up into a palm-size ball that slips into its own carrying case, so you don’t waste space in your dry bag.

Price at time of publish: $22

Best Reef-safe Sunscreen: Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50

Buy at Reefrepair.com

In addition to a good sun hat and rash guard to protect from the sun, divers obviously need to pack plenty of sunscreen. “It's important to keep your skin protected from the sun, but use products that are reef-safe and don’t damage the underwater environments you’re exploring,” Andersen says. This creamy, water-resistant formula by Reef Repair was specifically created for the diving industry to protect oceans from harmful chemicals . It also comes in perfect travel-sized bottles that you can bring along wherever you go. 

Price at time of publish: $18

Buy at Target.com

When you’re enjoying multiple oceanic dives, whether all in one day or over the span of a week, your hair can really start to dry out and tangle. “For extra protection, work a generous amount of biodegradable leave-in conditioner into your locks,” Andersen says. “The conditioner acts as a barrier to salt water absorption and makes hair easier to detangle post-dive.” Just like with sunscreen, you’ll want to utilize a reef-safe option like Raw Sugar’s Mighty Hair Cream, which is also vegan and cruelty-free.

Price at time of publish: $7

Buy at Bedbathandbeyond.com

Even the most seasoned divers can get seasick on occasion. The saltwater mists that can get into my system when rocking on smaller boats can definitely leave me green, especially first thing in the morning. Adding a pack of Dramamine to your dive kit is an absolute must if you run any risk of feeling nauseated on the boat. You don’t want to let an upset stomach ruin your day of diving, and just one pill lasts up to 24 hours, so you should be protected for the long day at sea.

Price at time of publish: $5

While many dive trips will provide plenty of snacks and water for your full day of activities, it never hurts to bring your own to ensure you’re staying hydrated. “Water is essential before and after the dive,” Greggio says. “It is incredibly important to drink sufficient water before diving so be sure to bring a water bottle with you. Remember that diving is considered a sport, and as such, you will probably feel incredibly hungry and thirsty when you finish which is why water and a snack are great.”

Price at time of publish: $55

Depending on which dive shop you’re using, most technical gear will be offered or even included in the cost of your dive trip. However, for frequent divers, or those who want to guarantee their gear is in tip-top shape, investing in certain pieces can be a great idea. And I don’t say investing lightly — most dive gear can be quite expensive, so only those who plan to dive for years to come should worry about collecting their own technical gear. “A mask and a wetsuit could be the best investment for a regular diver,” Greggio says. “This is because it is the most personal and can be different from person to person depending on diving necessities or face types. The type of mask also depends on the type of activity you will be doing underwater.” Purchasing your own items from wetsuits to regulators can be a great way to have a more comfortable, and more hygienic, dive experience.

A regulator is an investment piece for sure, but one that can be extremely beneficial to frequent divers. “Owning your own regulator allows you to have peace of mind that you are the only one who has breathed from it,” Andersen says. “[As a] bonus, you also don’t have to worry about adjusting the settings every time you dive. A regulator is a great investment that, with the proper maintenance, will be with your literal life support system for decades. I always recommend investing in this piece of gear thinking about the future of your diving as well, considering how you’ll dive, where, and how frequently.”  

Price at time of publish: $1,159

“Hands down, if you invest in one piece of dive equipment, choose a dive computer,” Andersen says. “Not only is it the most important piece of safety gear that a diver should have on them at all times, but the additional features of dive computers literally also makes them smart devices underwater.” This model has up to 30 hours of battery life and will log all of your dive details for you, including your heart rate and depth, to keep you safe throughout your dives. 

Price at time of publish: $1,020

While divers are trained to be able to clear our masks, and you can always pack items to help prevent your mask from fogging up , Andersen highlights the importance of a high-quality mask as your first step to ensuring a clear dive. “A high-quality, low-profile mask with soft silicon is a favorite among most divers,” she says. Masks like the Cressi F One fold flat for easy packing and are made with tempered glass that shouldn’t cause fogging. The quick-adjust buckles are also helpful and can even be adjusted underwater.

Best Wetsuit for Women: Scubapro Everflex Steamer Wetsuit

Buy at Scubapro.johnsonoutdoors.com

Sure, you can rent a wetsuit for any dive trip, but investing in your own guarantees you get a perfect fit that only you will enjoy. “Personally, I’d put buying a wetsuit a close second to a computer, as being comfortable and keeping your body temperature regulated is the number one factor in my dive’s enjoyment factor,” Andersen says. “I love to stay below the surface as long as possible, so having a wetsuit that fits well and keeps me cozy is absolutely key.” This suit comes in XXS-4XL in both long and short sizes, so divers can truly invest in their ideal suit that will last for years. 

Price at time of publish: $499

Buy at Shop709.com

This IST Full Wetsuit comes in men’s and women’s options with inclusive sizing and even different thickness for an optimal fit. “If your suit is too tight, you’ll be incredibly uncomfortable, and if it’s too loose, you can get cold quickly,” Andersen says. “And honestly, I also prefer to know that I’m the only person that’s been in my suit. Simply slipping into a suit that is your own will help you get in the water faster, know the correct amount of weights that you need, and be better able to enjoy your dive.” This suit is also just one pound (depending on the size), so it won’t take up too much space in your packed luggage.

Price at time of publish: $275

Related: The 19 Best Swimsuit Brands of 2023

“ The best way to keep your hair from getting snarled when scuba diving is to invest in a beanie cap or hood,” Andersen says. “Headbands, head scarves, and buffs usually aren’t enough to keep flyaways from escaping underwater, especially if you have bangs. A scuba beanie or hood secures your mane and prevents stray strands from getting in your face or wrapped around your equipment.” Scubapro’s Bibbed Hood comes are ideal for any diver and come in sizes ranging from XS-2XL. 

Price at time of publish: $95

Buy at Oceanicworldwide.com

Having a correctly-sized pair of fins can also make or break your diving experience. No one wants to lose a flipper as they jump into the water or resurface with painful blisters. To guarantee you always swim with the best pair for you, divers should consider personal flippers like this Oceanic Viper set that features an adjustable foot strap and streamlined foot pocket for the most comfortable fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included on a dive trip?

What’s included in your dive trip will depend on what your dive center offers and how many dives are planned. While most excursions include the cost of renting necessary equipment, other dive centers will charge extra for gear like wetsuits and masks. Often, the cost of a dive trip will include any park entry fees and even meals throughout the trip, so be sure to check with your particular dive shop to find out just what is included for your trip. Remember, whatever the cost, you should always budget for tipping your boat crew and divemaster. 

Can you do a dive trip right after certification?

If you want to go scuba diving, you should first become PADI-certified to ensure your safety. During your certification course, you’ll learn essential skills starting in a contained pool. Before you can complete your certification, you will also need to complete four open water dives. These dives can be anywhere your dive shop offers, so many choose to become certified on longer vacations to get the most out of the experience.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Taylor Fox is a Travel + Leisure writer and earned her Open Water PADI certification in Jakarta, Indonesia. She is an avid traveler who has enjoyed dive trips in Fiji, Belize, Costa Rica, and more. She has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over five years. For this packing list, she spoke to Global Director for PADI Worldwide, Julie Andersen and Eleonora Greggio, PADI Open Water Diver and Social Media Manager of Reef Oasis Dive Club in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

Related: The Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process .If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

• Beauty & Personal Care
• Sunscreens & Tanning Products
• Body Sunscreens

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

• Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
• Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
• Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
• A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
• Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
• Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

One-time purchase: $14.00 $14.00 ( $2.33 $2.33 / Fl Oz) FREE delivery Saturday, May 4 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35 Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Thinkbaby & Thinksport

Return this item for free.

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges

• Go to your orders and start the return
• Select the return method

On Amazon, these items can be purchased with most FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts). If you have a card, you can add it in checkout.

You can also purchase these items using a different payment method and choose to be reimbursed from your benefit administrator later.

Choose how often it's delivered

Skip or cancel any time, unlock 15% savings, potential savings, added to cart.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen – Safe, Natural Sunblock for Sports & Active Use - Water Resistant Sun Cream –UVA/UVB Sun Protection – Vegan, Reef Friendly Sun Lotion, 6oz

3 Ounce (Pack of 1)

( $3.25 / Ounce )

6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

( $2.33 / Fl Oz )

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• SAFE, NATURAL PROTECTION: Thinksport sunscreen provides effective sun protection for athletes, sports and active use. The broad spectrum UVA & UVB sun cream is suitable for daily use on sensitive skin, offering gentle defense against the sun’s rays
• EASY APPLICATION: The hydrating sun cream is quick and easy to apply, and protection begins instantly. The fast absorbing SPF 50+ sun lotion won’t leave your skin feeling oily or sticky, and has no unpleasant chemical scent.
• CLEAN MINERAL FORMULA: The first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements, Thinksport vegan, Leaping Bunny certified sun creams contain no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals.
• WATER RESISTANT: Ideal sunscreen for sport and other activities that make you sweat. Our sun cream provides the highest water resistance per the FDA, offering continuous protection for up to 80 minutes in the pool or sea before the sunscreen should be re-applied.
• SUNCARE BY THINK SUN: Thinkbaby, Thinkkids, and Thinksports have got your family covered with gentle, reef-safe and worry-free ingredient based sunscreens, made to be effective for delicate and sensitive skin without sacrificing protection

Similar item to consider

Frequently bought together

Similar items that may deliver to you quickly

From the brand

OUR MISSION

Addressing the growing concern of harmful chemicals leaching from consumer products through the development of alternative products.

We are guided by the Precautionary Principle for everything that we build. With over a decade of leadership in product safety, THINK works with leading institutions and scientists to develop products. We don’t jump on an ingredient or material, just because it is free of another ingredient.

What makes our products unique?

Nobody wants to buy something that is just safe. You want products that are rich in function. In our process of building solutions, we are continually looking for ways to innovate products. As an example, we pioneered the ability to transform from baby bottle to sippy cup to straw bottle.

What problem are we solving?

In selecting our materials, THINK produces products that have very long lifecycles and passed along to the next little one. We also select materials that can be recycled, including our packaging. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Non-Toxic Personal Care

From the manufacturer.

Product Description

Enjoy the sun with your baby year-round with Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ which is made with highly efficacious, gentle ingredients. Protect your little one with this zinc oxide mineral sunscreen which is effective for infants over 6 months and gentle on sensitive skin. Our mineral-based formulas go on smooth and absorb easily without leaving you feeling sticky or goopy. Ensures broad-spectrum protection that begins instantly with no unpleasant fragrance or chemicals. You can apply this sun cream to all areas that will be exposed to sunlight, including behind the ears, neck, hands, feet, and scalp. Reapply every two hours or more as needed. With a water resistance of up to 80 minutes, your little munchkin is allowed some protected fun in the sun. Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen was the first sunscreen to pass Premium Care requirements. Non-aerosol formulation, free from biologically harmful chemicals,. No PABA, parabens, phthalates, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals. No animal by-products or testing.

Product details

• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 3 x 2.88 x 6.75 inches; 6.4 ounces
• Manufacturer recommended age ‏ : ‎ 1 month and up
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ TSSPORT6
• UPC ‏ : ‎ 190283543285 796433761044 859871004187 631113216936 190283549430 731215429545
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Thinksport
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00K3JQO9Y
• #42 in Sunscreens

Compare with similar items

Videos for this product.

Click to play video

The ONE Thing I Didn't Like About the Thinksport Sunscreen

Sarah Larson ✅

thinksport SPF 50 Plus Sunscreen, 3 Ounce (Packaging May Vary).thinksport SPF 50Plus Protector so...

Merchant Video

Does this ThinkSport Sunscreen dry white?

🟠🟢 LGJ Reviews 🟢🟠

The BEST sunscreen! Non-nano zinc, reef safe - THINK!

Our Favorite Things Reviewed

Review: Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen

Important information

Ingredients.

PURIFIED WATER, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, POLYGLYCERYL-4 ISOSTEARATE, GLYCERIN, HYDROGENATED GLYCERYL ABIETATE, HEXYL LAURATE, CETYL DIMETHICONE, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, TOCOPHEROL, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL, RUBUS IDAEUS (RASPBERRY) SEED OIL, VACCINIUM MACROCARPON (CRANBERRY) SEED OIL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CARICA PAPAYA (PAPAYA) FRUIT EXTRACT, RIBES NIGRUM (BLACK CURRANT) EXTRACT, CITRUS PARIDISI (PINK GRAPEFRUIT) PEEL OIL, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, CAPRYLHYDROXAMIC ACID, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE.

Legal Disclaimer

PLEASE NOTE: Product image is representative of the product offered but may not have the exact attributes. Please read product description for the specific attributes of this product. The information above is intended for reference only. While we attempt to keep our information accurate, we cannot guarantee it is an accurate representation of the latest formulation of the product. If you have any concerns, please visit the vendor's web site. The information above are the views of the product's manufacturer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and different information than what is shown on the website. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product.

Looking for specific info?

Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Reviews with images

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

Disclaimer : While we work to ensure that product information is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our Web site. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product. For additional information about a product, please contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Amazon.com assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products.

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Turn Your Curiosity Into Discovery

Latest facts.

12 Facts About Beer Pong Day May 4th

15 Facts About National Gummi Bear Day April 27th

40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

Share this Fact: