Coral reefs are rapidly disappearing, and your favorite sunscreen could partially be to blame.

Dermatologists and estheticians alike have long heralded the benefits of <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/broad-spectrum-sunscreen-beauty-skincare-travel">slathering on SPF</a> before taking a dip in the ocean. While plenty of sunblock might be what the doctor ordered, it isn&rsquo;t always what&rsquo;s best for the environment.

Beginning this&nbsp;year, the state of Hawaii&nbsp;has&nbsp;banned&nbsp;sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/toxic-unsafe-ingredients-hair-care-products">The chemicals</a>, which are found in most sunscreens sold in the US, are harmful to marine life and have been linked to coral bleaching. As the need to take action against climate change becomes increasingly urgent, switching to a reef-safe SPF is an easy way to do your part while still soaking up the sun.

Make no mistake, these aren&rsquo;t your grandmother&rsquo;s pasty zinc sunscreens. While mineral sunblock has garnered a reputation for leaving a white cast on darker skin tones, brands are finally formulating SPF that works on everyone. Take for instance the <a href="https://www.unsuncosmetics.com/products/unsun-spf30-tinted-mineral-sunscreen">Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen by Unsun Cosmetics</a>, which was founded by Katonya Breaux (aka Frank Ocean&rsquo;s mom) after being frustrated by the lack of clean sunscreen options for women of color.&nbsp;

Not all chemical sunscreens are inherently harmful, either. <a href="https://www.sonreiskin.com/collections/sea-clearly">Sonrei&rsquo;s Sea Clearly</a> translucent gel sunscreen is specially formulated to be a reef-safe chemical SPF. The best of both worlds.

PCA Skin Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45, $50

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35, $22

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, $30

First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral SPF 30, $34

Sonrei Sea Clearly Gel Sunscreen SPF 30, $35

Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen, $36

Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen, $29

The 7 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens to Try in 2021

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The 7 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens to Try in 2021

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