The health of our ocean is vital to our planet's biodiversity, and one way we can help preserve this precious resource is by choosing ocean and reef-safe sunscreen. Regular sunscreens often contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs and marine life. However, with a little knowledge and care, we can enjoy the sun safely while also protecting our oceans.

Understanding the Impact

Recent studies found that nearly three-quarters of sunscreens on the market contain ingredients harmful to coral and marine life. In particular, oxybenzone, a common ingredient in chemical sunscreens, can cause bleaching and deformities in coral. Moreover, they can also damage the DNA of species like mussels, sea urchins and dolphins and future generations. Since the oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface and coral reefs support 25% of all marine life, the stakes are incredibly high.

How to Choose an Ocean and Reef-Safe Sunscreen

When looking for ocean and reef-safe sunscreen, you can use these six tips:

Look for Mineral Sunscreens (physical UV filters): These contain natural ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (not to be confused with nano-zinc oxide or nano-titanium dioxide, which are harmful!). They work by physically blocking the sun's rays and are less likely to harm marine life.
Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. These are known to be harmful to coral reefs and marine species.
Avoid parabens like methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylbaraben, which are known to be toxic to marine ecosystems
Look for reliable certifications such as the Protect Land and Sea certification, which requires sunscreens to be tested in a lab to confirm they are free of known pollutants.
Water Resistance: For sports and water-related activities, look for a water-resistant sunscreen. This helps keep it from washing off into the ocean.
Sustainable Packaging: Opt for sunscreens with biodegradable packages, such as compostable cardboard, recyclable metal tins and glass pots, to lessen plastic pollution in our oceans.

Additional Tips: Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, or more frequently after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. Consult your local health authority for more detailed recommendations for your area.

Our Actions Make a Difference for the Ocean!

Besides choosing the right sunscreen, we can do more to protect our oceans:

Educate Others: Share information about the importance of using ocean and reef-safe sunscreens with friends and family.
Reduce Overall Sunscreen Use: Wear UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor)-rated and other protective clothing (wide-brimmed hats, UV sunglasses, rash guards), Divers Alert Network, the largest scuba diving safety association, says applying lotion to only the neck, face, feet and back of hands can reduce sunscreen loads into the water by 90 percent.
Seek shade, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when the sun's rays are less intense. According to Health Canada, the sun's UV rays are strongest between 11 am and 3 pm.
Use reusables when going to the beach! Avoid polluting our marine environments by bringing reusable bottles and snack containers, and of course, making sure to clean up after yourself.
Participate in Cleanups: Join beach or underwater cleanups to help remove trash and prevent it from harming marine life.

By making informed choices about the sunscreen we use, we can all contribute to the health and preservation of our oceans and the incredible life they support. Let's enjoy the sun responsibly and protect our planet for future generations!

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