TLDR: It's crucial to protect ourselves from the sun's harmful effects, but it doesn't have to be at the expense of our ocean ecosystem.
🌞 It’s summertime, we're greeted by the best weather of the year! Living on an island grants us round-the-clock beach access, but it also means constant exposure to the sun's harmful rays.
How can we protect ourselves from these dangers? Sunscreen, of course! However, not all sunscreens are created equal - and choosing reef-safe sunscreen is crucial.
❌ Unsafe Sunscreen Ingredients
While sunscreen protects our skin, it can unintentionally harm coral reefs, mainly due to oxybenzone, a common ingredient. When sunscreen washes off swimmers, it enters the ocean. Corals absorb oxybenzone and, when exposed to sunlight, it turns into a toxic substance. This poisons the coral, causing it to expel the algae it depends on for food and color. Without algae, the coral bleaches and eventually dies if conditions don't improve. Similar ingredients - parabens, and octinoxate - do a very similar process.
Healthy coral (left) bleached coral (right).
Even zinc oxide, often recommended as a reef-safe alternative, can pose risks if its particle size is below 100 nanometers. Nano zinc oxide particles can be ingested by marine life, leading to harmful reactions. Zinc oxide can also produce hydrogen peroxide, which is toxic to phytoplankton—a crucial nutrient for reef and coral species.
So don't just rely on what sunscreen is the cheapest or has the best packaging. By being mindful of our choices, we not only protect ourselves but also preserve the precious marine life around us.
✅ Safe Sunscreen Ingredients
Our local vendors prioritize the health of our oceans with their reef-safe sunscreen options. These carefully curated products are free from harmful chemicals; instead, they utilize natural-based ingredients to provide effective sun protection without harming marine life. We offer a range of reef-safe sunscreens that prioritize both your skin and the planet.
Kukui Nut Sun Mud SPF35 Water-Resistant Sunscreen 1oz $16
Written by: Gracie Butler
