Keeping your skin protected from the sun is rule number one when it comes to wearing sunscreen, but the recent ban on harmful chemicals traditionally found in them—think oxybenzone and octinoxate—has more brands formulating reef-safe sunscreens. Even without coral reef bleaching ingredients, the best reef-safe sunscreens are still protective and can boast other skin-friendly benefits. So, rather than combing through countless reef-safe sunscreens and wondering which ones are good, we did the work for you. Here are the best reef-safe sunscreens you’ll want to slather on for your next tropical vacation.How to Tell if a Sunscreen is “Reef-Safe”
The easiest way to tell if a sunscreen is reef-safe is by its ingredient deck on the back of the bottle. Any good reef-safe sunscreen will be formulated without oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, and parabens. From there, other common SPF ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, should be listed as non-nano, meaning they are no larger than 100 nanometers. Stay away from sunscreens that contain nano zinc oxide, which is small enough for ocean life to ingest.How to Choose a Reef-Safe Sunscreen
A lot of personal preference plays into choosing the best reef-safe sunscreen for you, and several factors will likely dictate what separates a fair one from a good one.For starters, consider how much time you’ll be spending in the water. If it is ample time, look for sunscreens with a higher SPF and water resistance of 60 to 80 minutes, if not more. You’ll also want to consider the formulation’s texture. Lightweight and sheer formulations are more comfortable on the skin than thicker formulations, which can leave behind a white cast. Fragrance-free and unscented formulas are also a better water-safe option.For the most part, mineral sunscreens are reef-safe sunscreens. They’re also more compatible with acne-prone and sensitive skin types.Shop the Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens
1. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, lingonberry, sea buckthorn, ferulic acidSPF Level: 30This sheer hydrating, antioxidant-rich sunscreen protects against the effects of the sun and photoaging and never leaves behind a white cast.Beauty Insider Tip: Wear this oil-free SPF indoors, too, since it protects the skin from blue light damage.2. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Matte SPF 50
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, iron oxides, infraGuard, Lipochroman, Vital ET, and silicone powderSPF Level: 50Perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, this tinted mineral sunscreen gives the skin a flawless, non-greasy finish and protects it from UVA and UVB rays, pollution, and blue light damage.Beauty Insider Tip: Wear this with foundation for heavier coverage or on its own for a natural amount of coverage.3. ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Daily Lightweight Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, DNA RepairsomesSPF Level: 50If you’re looking for a quick-to-absorb yet ultralightweight sunscreen, look no further than this mineral one. It safeguards the skin from sun damage while also working to repair the signs of previous sun damage.Beauty Insider Tip: To ensure adequate sun protection, apply two fingers-length of product to the face and neck and reapply every two hours.4. MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50
Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, zinc oxide, green tea, cranberry fruit, pomegranate, ProVention-R technologySPF Level: 50Suitable for sensitive skin types, this no-white-cast sunscreen leaves behind a barely-there finish and delivers broad-spectrum protection for hours.Beauty Insider Tip: This SPF works head to toe, so use it as sunscreen for your face and body.5. Vacation Classic Spray SPF 30
Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, aloe vera, banana extract, niacinamide, vitamin ESPF Level: 30We like this lighter-weight sunscreen for its transparent finish and signature scent, making it easy to wear daily.Beauty Insider Tip: This sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and Hawaii reef-compliant Act 104.6. Soleil Toujours Clean Conscious Antioxidant Sunscreen Mist SPF 30
Active Ingredients: Algae extracts, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, green tea, aloe vera
SPF Level: 30
All-over sunscreen body mists, like this lightweight, non-greasy one, make it easy to protect the skin from the sun with broad-spectrum protection while hydrating and nourishing it.Beauty Insider Tip: Helps soothe and heal the skin thanks to anti-inflammatory properties.
The Bottom Line
No matter if you lean more towards a reef-safe sunscreen or still prefer a traditional one, the most important thing is to make sure you’re protecting your skin daily from the sun. Sure, reef-safe sunscreen is an eco-friendly way to go, especially if you’re spending time in the water, but at the end of the day, all sunscreen is better for your skin than none. Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and beauty expert with more than 16 years of experience. She previously held the title of Executive Beauty Editor at NewBeauty magazine, where she reported on beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health and wellness. She was also instrumental in the launch of the beauty supplement brand Hush & Hush. A self-professed beauty junkie and retinol and sunscreen pusher, Elise knows what’s new, what works and who’s the best to go for every procedure under the sun.
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