As two surfers who love the ocean, we make a conscientious effort to treat it with respect when playing on its turf. This includes using reef-safe sunscreen that is eco-friendly and not harmful to the ocean. With so many options on the market, how do you tell which is reef-friendly sunscreen?
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We’re going to dive into the components that make sunscreen dangerous to the ocean’s coral, as well as suggest some of the best reef-safe sunscreens on the market. Surfing, snorkeling, and swimming in the ocean is a privilege, and looking after the reef is just one simple way to say thank you.
Looking for the perfect gift for a surfer? Read our blog with suggestions here.
Contents
The Dangerous Components In Sunblock: Oxybenzone And Octinoxate
If you’re going out in the heat of a summer day without protection then you’ll quickly know the dangerous risks of UV rays. Sunscreen is one of the essential packing items for travel. It is also a top surfing ‘accessory’ that is necessary for a fun day out on the water.
However, two of the UV-filtering elements in sunblock are very hazardous for the ocean. These include oxybenzone and octinoxate. Global warming is already having a negative effect on corals as the warm water causes them to bleach and many sunblocks only worsen this effect.
Some sunscreens with these ingredients can induce the same bleaching properties. When corals absorb oxybenzone and octinoxate, it not only bleaches the coral but also puts them at risk of infection.
When you’re next shopping for surfing or ocean-friendly necessities, make sure that you add oxybenzone-free sunscreen to your list. Here are other key details to look out for;
- Sunscreen without oxybenzone and octinoxate in the listed ingredients
- Mineral-based sunscreen, with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, get the thumbs up as they are less harmful and don’t contribute to bleaching
- Any indication of “non-nano” means that the ingredient particles are above 100 nanometers in size and therefore can’t be ingested by coral
- Reef-safe labels are also a good indication (but double-check ingredients anyway)
Top 5 Reef Safe Sunblocks
You may be asking yourself several questions, like is Sun Bum reef-safe? The guidelines above should help, but here are a few that come highly recommended.
1. Manda Organic Sunpaste SPF 50
Manda Organic Sunpaste SPF 50
Loved as “nature’s best solution for sun protection”, Manda is free from dangerous chemicals. Even the packaging is environmentally-friendly, made from bamboo and recycled tin. The organic paste is made with thanaka, a pale yellow paste derived from pulverized tree bark.
In addition, the paste is 100% natural and good for your skin – while also being water-resistant and perfect for surfing. Apply the paste before and after being in the sun, and you’re sorted! Manda paste is particularly useful if you’re surfing in tropical waters that are warm enough to spend hours in.
Read more about the best places to surf in June here.
2. Sun Bum Original SPF 50
Buy Sun Bum Original SPF 50 here
It’s best to apply the sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before exposing yourself to the sun. It should be reapplied after 80 minutes to two hours. With this in mind, it’s best for shorter surf sessions.
The broad-spectrum sunscreen is designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. We can advocate that you “trust the bum” and choose the oxybenzone and octinoxate-free sunscreen when given the chance.
3. Blue Lizard SPF 50+
Buy Blue Lizard SPF 50+ here
A bottle is appropriate for sensitive skin and offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 50. The cream is fragrance-free and water-resistant, meaning that your time in the ocean will be completely undisturbed.
Take note that each bottle of Blue Lizard is slightly different and will offer different levels of protection and varying durations of protection. Make sure that you read up carefully and pick the correct bottle!
4. Raw Elements Organic SPF 30 Zinc Sunscreen
Buy Raw Elements Organic Zinc SPF 30 here
The cream is suitable for both adults and children, of all varying skin types. It’s even appropriate for daily use, with moisturizing qualities. In addition to being reef-safe, the sunscreen is also non-GMO and sold in recyclable packaging.
If you’re surfing nomads, like us, then you shouldn’t jump on the plane without your bottle of Raw Elements. The brand provides an easy way to keep the harmful rays off of your skin and the sunscreen out of your eyes.
5. ThinkSport Sunscreen SPF 50+
Buy ThinkSport SPF 50+ here
The liquid is absorbed quickly after being applied and doesn’t leave the skin feeling oily (like many sunscreens do). As a water-resistant sunscreen, you’re offered 80 minutes of guilt-free sun protection.
The mineral-based formula is designed with athletes – including water-based athletes in mind. It will make you feel like a pro no matter how much of a kook you are!
Hawaii Sunscreen Ban
Did you know that it’s been revealed that 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter the coral reefs each year? That’s a lot of oxybenzone and octinoxate. And that’s a lot of risk for the coral reef. While we highly recommend using eco-friendly sunscreen as best practice, Hawaii has raised the bar. In 2018, the state banned the sale and distribution of non-ocean-friendly sunscreen. But the law was only recently passed and made “official” in January 2021.
It’s said that their decision has introduced a new era of sun protection. We can’t help but applaud them – mentally and physically.
Hawaii is leading the way in safe ocean practices and insisting on reef-safe sunscreen. We encourage you to follow in their footsteps.
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