The Ultimate Guide to Reef-Safe Sunscreen
November 5, 2024
As divers, we have the unique privilege of exploring the underwater world. With that privilege comes responsibility, especially when it comes to protecting the delicate ecosystems we visit. One simple yet effective way to help safeguard these environments is by using reef-safe sunscreen. But it can be confusing knowing where to start, with numerous ingredients to avoid and a dizzying array of sunscreens to choose from. Also, nobody wants to wear reef-safe sunscreen and look like a white ghost, do they? Thankfully, we have you covered with our ultimate guide to reef-safe sunscreen; from which ingredients to avoid and why it matters to the products we recommend you try.
Why Do Conventional Sunscreen Harm Reefs?
We often think of threats to coral reefs in terms of Ocean Pollution, climate change, and overfishing, but sunscreen might not come to mind as a problem. However, many conventional sunscreens contain chemicals that can be extremely harmful to coral reefs and marine life.
Two of the most common culprits are oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemicals found in many well-known sunscreen brands. These ingredients have been shown to contribute to coral bleaching, disrupt coral reproduction, and degrade coral reefs over time.
A study published in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology revealed that even small amounts of oxybenzone could cause serious harm to coral larvae, making it difficult for them to grow.
This issue is compounded by the volume of sunscreen that washes into the ocean each year, especially in popular snorkeling and diving spots:
It is estimated that around 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter the ocean annually
This stresses coral reefs that are already vulnerable to other environmental threats. Even a single diver’s sunscreen can contribute to this larger issue.
How Do Sunscreens Harm Marine Life?
It is not just coral reefs that are at risk. Sunscreen chemicals also affect other marine species, including fish, sea turtles, and algae. Here is a closer look at how these chemicals can harm marine life:
Coral Bleaching: Chemicals like oxybenzone can cause coral bleaching by damaging coral DNA and hindering their reproduction, which weakens coral and makes it more susceptible to disease.
Fish Health: Sunscreen chemicals can accumulate in fish tissues, causing reproductive and developmental issues that can impact the entire marine food chain.
Algae Growth: Sunscreen chemicals can inhibit the growth of algae, which forms the base of the ocean’s food web. This has a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem, affecting all the species that depend on algae for food.
Marine Mammal Toxicity: Sunscreen chemicals can also accumulate in marine mammals like dolphins and whales, potentially causing long-term health problems.
What Makes Sunscreen "Reef-Safe"?
Fortunately, there are alternatives to conventional sunscreen. Reef-safe sunscreen is designed to protect your skin without harming marine life and coral reefs. Reef-safe sunscreen usually contains mineral-based ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which physically block UV rays rather than absorbing them like chemical sunscreens. These minerals are non-nano, meaning their particles are not small enough to be ingested by coral or other marine organisms.
Harmful Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid
To ensure you are using a truly reef-safe sunscreen, it is essential to check the label for specific harmful ingredients. The following substances, known as the HEL list, are particularly damaging to coral reefs and marine life:
• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate
• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
• PABA
• Parabens
• Triclosan
• Nanoparticles or "nano-sized" zinc or titanium (if it does not explicitly say "micro-sized" or "non-nano" and it rubs in easily, it is probably nano-sized)
• Microplastics (such as "exfoliating beads")
These chemicals can interfere with coral reproduction, cause deformities, and even lead to coral death. Oxybenzone and octinoxate, in particular, are so harmful that they have been banned in places like Hawaii and Palau to protect local reefs.
How to Choose Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Not all sunscreens labeled "reef-safe" are created equal. Here are a few tips to help you find the right one:
1.Check the Ingredients
Look for sunscreens that use non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. Avoid products that contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or parabens, as well as other harmful chemicals. If you are unsure, research unfamiliar ingredients to determine if they are safe for reefs.
2.Avoid Aerosol Sprays
Aerosol sunscreens can contain harmful propellants and tend to wash off easily into the ocean. Stick to creams, lotions, or sticks that allow for better application control.
3.Read Labels Carefully
Be cautious of products that claim to be "reef-friendly" without fully backing it up with a safe ingredient list. Always check the ingredients before purchasing.
4.Consider Other Sun Protection
Reef-safe sunscreen is just one way to protect yourself and the ocean. Wearing sun-protective clothing, like a rash guard or wide-brimmed hat, can reduce the amount of sunscreen you need to apply.
Tips for Using Reef-Safe Sunscreen as a Diver
As divers, we need to be mindful of how our sunscreen choices impact the ocean. Here are a few additional tips to ensure you are protecting both yourself and the reef:
To minimize the amount of sunscreen that washes off into the ocean, apply it at least 15-30 minutes before getting in the water. This gives the sunscreen time to fully absorb into your skin.
- Use Broad-Spectrum Protection.
Reef-safe sunscreens typically offer broad-spectrum protection, shielding you from both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to choose a product that provides this level of protection.
If you have applied sunscreen earlier in the day, take a quick rinse before diving to reduce the amount of product that enters the water.
- Advocate for Reef-Safe Sunscreen.
Encourage fellow divers and your dive shop to use and promote reef-safe sunscreens. Spread the word about the importance of protecting the reef from harmful chemicals.
Why Reef-Safe Sunscreen Matters
As scuba divers and freedivers, we are more connected to the ocean than most. We have seen the beauty of coral reefs and marine life up close, and we understand how vital these ecosystems are. By making the switch to reef-safe sunscreen, we are taking a small but meaningful step to help preserve the underwater world for future generations.
Choosing reef-safe sunscreen is not just about protecting coral reefs. It is about recognizing that our actions, no matter how small, can have an impact on the environment. By spreading the word, advocating for safer practices, and leading by example, we can help protect the oceans we love to explore.
So next time you prepare for a dive, make sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen and share its benefits with others.
Brands to check out that are reef-safe:
Taking Action Beyond Sunscreen
Using reef-safe sunscreen is just one step we can take to protect the ocean. As part of SSI’s Blue Oceans Program, we encourage divers to think critically about their environmental impact. Participating in beach and underwater cleanups, advocating for stronger conservation policies, and educating others about the importance of ocean protection are all ways to make a difference.
SSI Blue Oceans Program
SSI’s Blue Oceans Program focuses on educating divers and the broader community about sustainable practices. We believe that small changes—like choosing the right sunscreen—can make a big difference. But our responsibility does not end there. By actively participating in conservation efforts, advocating for environmental protection, and leading by example, we can help ensure the health of our oceans for generations to come.