The 7 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens to Try in 2021
Dermatologists and estheticians alike have long heralded the benefits of slathering on SPF before taking a dip in the ocean. While plenty of sunblock might be what the doctor ordered, it isn’t always what’s best for the environment.
Beginning this year, the state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. The chemicals, 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’t your grandmother’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 Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen by Unsun Cosmetics, which was founded by Katonya Breaux (aka Frank Ocean’s mom) after being frustrated by the lack of clean sunscreen options for women of color.
Not all chemical sunscreens are inherently harmful, either. Sonrei’s Sea Clearly translucent gel sunscreen is specially formulated to be a reef-safe chemical SPF. The best of both worlds.
