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

L'OFFICIEL USA December 2024 - Julianne Moore Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA November 2024 - Salma Hayek Pinault Cover

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES USA October 2024 - Rupert Friend Cover

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES USA October 2024 - Joseph Quinn Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA September 2024 - Fall Fashion Cover Featuring Supermodel Sasha Pivovarova

L'OFFICIEL USA June 2024 - Nicole Kidman Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA June 2024 - Megan Thee Stallion Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA May 2024 - Jackson Wang Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA May 2024 - Natalie Portman Cover

The 7 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens to Try in 2021

Tags

Related Articles

Be Well

The 9 Best Natural Ingredients for Skincare, Hair Care, and Body Wellness

Beauty

What Does Clean Beauty Actually Mean?

Beauty

Laura Harrier Reveals the Secrets Behind her Glow

Recommended posts for you

Fashion

11 Beaded Bags to Add a Playful Twist to Any Outfit

Film & TV

8 Upcoming Celebrity Biopics to Add to Your 2025 Watchlist

Fashion

L'HISTOIRE: Thierry Mugler's Outrageously Elaborate Fall 1995 Couture Show

Fashion

Lily-Rose Depp Wears Vampy Red Chanel for 'Nosferatu' in NYC

Fashion

How Haute Couture Blends Drama and Ease in 2024

Travel & Living

Markarian Puts a Holiday Touch on This Chic Connecticut Hotel

Travel & Living

Experience Ultimate Luxury: Onefinestay’s Most Exquisite Stays and Dream Destinations

Pop culture

Looking Back on 16 Young Jodie Foster Photos