THESE DAYS MOST COASTAL DESTINATIONS TAKE PROTECTING THEIR ECOSYSTEM SERIOUSLY. Many destinations, like USVI for example created a law in 2019 banning unsafe sunscreens that threaten the delicate coral reef. The law bans the “Toxic 3 Os” which are octinoxate, oxybenzone, and octocrylene - essentially non-organic chemicals. “Safe” sunscreens will have more natural ingredients - look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. To make things easier than trying to remember these names, here’s our list of the top truly reef-safe sunscreens.
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1. THINK SPORT
A great option for all types of travelers is Think Sport. It’s great for active people-frequently in and out of the water, sweating, etc. It is probably the most water-resistant on our list, but that also means it’s quite thick, which can leave a white residue. Both mineral-based and non-toxic, this is a healthier option for you in addition to the reefs!
2. ALL GOOD
This option is actually tinted, which means it’s less likely to leave behind that annoying white residue. It claims to be both eco-friendly as well as body-friendly, so it’s really a win-win!
3. BADGER BALM
We love Badger Balm! It’s organic and really takes the “reef-safe” ingredients to heart. This one has won awards for being super safe, and comes in sport, cream, and baby formulas.
This is a great option for portability. Olita comes in a 3-ounce stick, which means it’s TSA-friendly, chemical-free, and fragrance-free in addition to avoiding the Toxic 3 Os. They also offer cream, tinted, and baby versions as well, and all are organic.
5. HELLO BELLO
Yes, this one comes with celebrity endorsements, BUT it’s still a great product. Hello Bello was founded by Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard and was made to be super safe for their family as well as the environment. It relies mainly on one of the good ingredients: zinc oxide and combines other all-natural ingredients for skin care.
Babo is unique on our list because it’s made of clear zinc, meaning no white residue! This one checks all the boxes: it’s vegan, fragrance-free, made in the US, hypoallergenic, paraben, and phthalate-free, and ethically sourced … It’s also approved for 80-minute wear in the water, and is sweatproof!
This one joins our list from Hawaii and even includes organic, antioxidant Hawaiian ingredients. Made for high performance, this natural zinc-based cream sets the bar for luxurious, protective sunscreen. You may even enjoy putting sunscreen on with this one!
We’re happy to help you protect the environment on your travels, as well as provide safer sun care options for you and your family. Bonus points for avoiding sprays and choosing options that come in biodegradable packaging. For more diverse options from the brands above check out our Amazon recommendations. Stay safe and have fun!