Without nano-zinc particles and meant to last in the water, this a great all-around cream.īest Budget: Banana Boat Simply Protect Sunscreen SPF 50 at AmazonĬomes in at a drugstore price point and is easily obtainable.īest for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Positively Mineral Sunscreen at Amazonįragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dries matte so it’s a great option for sensative skin.īest Natural: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen at AmazonĪ naturally sourced lotion that is lightweight, oil-free, and water-resistant up to 80 minutes.īest for Face: Sun Bum Face Lotion at Amazon To help focus your search, here are our picks for the best reef-safe sunscreens available.īest Overall: ThinkSport SPF 50+ at Amazon “These are not only safe and effective, but are gentle enough even for sensitive skin.” “These reflect and refract light and heat away from the skin,” the doctor explains. To mitigate these dangers, look for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (sometimes called physical sunscreens), recommends Dr. Sadly, she says, it takes very little exposure to damage a reef in these ways: “even sitting on the beach and spraying sunscreen onto your body” can cause it to “settle on the sand and later get washed into the sea.” Oxybenzone can also damage the DNA of coral, leading to deformities and growth anomalies.” “Bleached coral will have reduced growth rates and decreased reproductive capacity. “When this chemical gets into the water, it causes the coral to bleach at a lower water temperature, meaning it bleaches quicker and easier,” she says. “Whether your sunscreen is damaging to a reef or not depends on the method it uses to protect you from the sun, and the chemicals used to make it,” explains marine conservation researcher Holly Appleby.Ĭhemical sunscreen contains a chemical called oxybenzone that absorbs UV, she explains. Some sunscreens contain ingredients that are harmful to reefs, but you can minimize your environmental impact by choosing your products with intention. Our tours offer environmentally friendly sunscreen when you join us for a bucket list experience. Alesandra Dubin for Trip Savvy on the best picks for environmentally friendly SPF and why you should care.

Best reef safe sunscreen