Why reef safe sunscreens are better for the environment AND better for you!
We’ve been told to slip on a t-shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat before going in the sun for most of our lives, however it is becoming increasingly clear that most of the sunscreen products we are “slopping” on are not safe for us or the environment.
Chemical UV filters, preservatives and nano-particles are commonly found in sunscreens, even though research is showing they are contributing to environmental pollution, and can be toxic to marine species, coral larvae, and even people.
It is estimated around 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen ends up in coral reef areas each year, a symptom of unsustainable tourism. The same ingredients that make sunscreen dangerous for coral reefs and the living creatures that inhabit them, can also be dangerous for you. We care about what we put into our mouths, so we should also care about what we put onto our body’s largest organ, our skin. Knowing what goes into the sunscreen is essential. Unfortunately, the term ‘reef safe’ is not regulated, so you can’t always trust products with this description. We have made a quick guide so you can look out for certain ingredients and make a more informed choice.
So pick up your current sunscreen product and check to see if it contains any of the following 12 ingredients
Oxybenzone. (benzophenone-3 or BP-3)
Avobenzone
Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate)
Octocrylene
Octisalate (2-ethylhexyl salicylate)
Homosalate
Ethylparaben
Butylparaben (butyl p-hydroxybenzoate)
Benzylparaben
Methylparaben
Triclosan
Phenoxyethanol
If you haven’t found any of these ingredients, that’s a great start and you have done well!
Additionally, it is a good idea to check your SPF product doesn’t contain nanoparticles of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Nanoparticles have been found to contribute to coral bleaching and negatively impact the development stages of many marine species.
We recommend choosing products that contain non-nano mineral ingredients. ‘Non-nano’ means the mineral particles are 100 nanometers in diameter or more. These larger particles sit on the skin and protect you from UVA and UVB rays but aren’t small enough to penetrate your skin or be absorbed by marine life and cause possible harm to cells.
It is also worth noting that spray sunscreens are much more likely to end up in the ocean or in your lungs instead of on your skin where they belong. This isn’t good for you or our environment and is a waste of your money. Instead of a spray or aerosol, choosing an oil-based sunscreen (which contains little to no water/aqua) in a balm, lotion or cream form is a much smarter choice. Oil-based products stay on your skin for longer which provides better protection for you and are less likely to wash off your skin and into the ocean.
If you did find some or all of the above ingredients in your sunscreen then keep reading to learn more about why you should consider switching to a safer and more YOU-friendly and environmentally friendly SPF product.
Below is a breakdown of the possible negative effects of the chemical UV filters and preservatives you may have found in your sunscreen.
Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate and Avobenzone have been linked to skin allergies and hormone disruption in humans and can damage the DNA of young coral reefs, disrupting their normal growth and development.
Octisalate seems to cause less harm than other chemical UV filters, however it is linked to skin allergies and is often used in combination with other more harmful ingredients like avobenzone.
Octocrylene has been linked to skin allergies in humans and to aquatic toxicity, with the potential to harm coral health.
Paraben preservatives can mimic estrogen and exert estrogen-like effects on the body and have been found in human breast cancer tissue. Parabens are currently being studied for links to breast cancer. Parabens have also been linked to coral bleaching.
Triclosan known skin allergen, possible endocrine disruptor and toxic to marine life.
Phenoxyethanol is a known skin irritant in humans. Acts as an anaesthetic in fish and coral larvae which can have a lethal effect.
In 2019, when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed its most recent updates to sunscreen regulations, it found that only two ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, could be classified as safe and effective, based on the currently available information. The FDA has requested the industry provide more data on the other 12 active ingredients in sunscreens in order for them to determine safety and efficacy.
With research showing that these sunscreen ingredients are contributing to reef bleaching, many countries have taken action in recent years and passed laws banning certain ingredients in sunscreens in order to try and protect their precious coral reefs.
Hawaii has now banned the sale of sunscreens containing Octocrylene, Avobenzone, Octinoxate and Oxybenzone. Thailand, Key West, Virgin Islands, Bonaire, Aruba and Palau have also introduced similar laws. Palau has some of the strictest laws, banning 10 different sunscreen ingredients including 4 chemical UV filters and triclosan, phenoxyethanol and paraben preservatives.
In Australia, the Queensland government has warned holiday goers planning to swim at the Great Barrier Reef to choose reef safe sunscreens, but has not yet introduced any bans. The ingredients of concern are so commonly used in Australian sunscreens that if there were to be a similar ban on these ingredients in the country, it would immediately cull a large portion of sunscreens currently on the market!
Keeping the ocean clean is a big priority for many of us. It is clear that there are many harmful chemicals that can find their way into our sunscreen if you are not paying attention. So, when choosing your sunscreen, don’t panic! Just take a closer look at the ingredients list to see if the above ingredients make an appearance.
Using mineral based sunscreen is one way to safely protect your skin from sun damage, but don’t forget the importance of wearing UPF rated clothing as another safe means of protection. Avoiding sun exposure when UV rays are at their strongest in the middle of the day is also a way you can reduce your risk.
Sur.Face Active products are designed to make you more compatible with nature. Our aim is to help our community care for and protect their skin with products that are non-toxic and effective. We are committed to the well-being of our customers and the environment, so we have sourced the highest quality ingredients, certified organic where possible, for all of our skincare products and never use harmful synthetic chemicals.
So next time you need to cover up that precious skin, be mindful and take the time to choose a sunscreen that’s safer for you, and safer for the environment.
Sur.Face Active x