Reef-safe sunscreens are a relatively new — but necessary — phenomenon. According to The National Park Service, each year 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen washes off swimmers and into oceans worldwide. The National Ocean Service reports that common sun protection ingredients (like the chemical oxybezone, found in many popular sunscreen lotions and sprays in the U.S.) are contributing to the deterioration of coral reefs, which are essential to the survival of much of the globe’s marine life. In fact, the toxic effects of chemical sunscreen ingredients is dire enough that some popular tourist destinations — including Hawaii and Key West, Florida — have banned the sale and use of these products altogether.
The result is a spate of new and improved “reef-safe” sun protection lines which promise all the high-quality SPF without any of the environmental harm.
What makes sunscreen reef-safe?
“Reef-safe” most commonly refers to sun protection made without the two most common chemicals found in chemical sunscreens: oxybenzone and octinoxate. Studies show these chemicals cause coral bleaching, which often results in disease and death of the reefs, the consequences of which have a profoundly negative impact on marine life and ecosystems. It’s important to note that the terms “reef safe” and “reef friendly” are not official definitions — more research is needed on the effects of additional chemicals, preservatives and dyes found in many commercial sunscreens. For now, many scientists believe “non-nano” zinc oxide sunscreens are the safest — “non nano” refers to larger zinc oxide particles that protect, but don’t penetrate, the skin (in studies, zinc oxide, which is found in many mineral sunscreens, shows no sign of harm to marine plants and wildlife). Whether you opt for reef-safe sunscreen or not, remember any SPF is better than no SPF (for further help choosing, check out our list of best sunscreens for body and best sunscreens for face).
Does “reef safe” sunscreen work?
Reef-safe sunscreens can work as well and — some experts believe — even better than those which contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. Many reef-safe sunscreens are mineral sunscreens, which means they use minerals like zinc oxide to create a physical barrier from UV rays (mineral versions are also most often the best sunscreens for sensitive skin). Unlike chemical sunscreens, these SPF products start working upon application: “Chemical sunscreens require time to bind with the skin to be the most effective,” says dermatologist and Kiehl’s skin consultant Dr. Michelle Henry, who recommends applying chemical sunscreens 15-30 minutes before sun exposure.
According to cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban, the most important quality to look for in an effective SPF is not the type, but the coverage itself: “Not all sun protectants guard against both UVA and UVB rays, which us important. Always look for something that is broad spectrum, meaning it covers both types of damaging rays,” she says.
Reef-safe sunscreens will provide adequate protection as long as they’re “a quality product at 30 SPF [or above], applied properly and as suggested every 3 hours, or every 2 in direct sun activities,” Shamban says.
The best reef-safe sunscreens 2024
Thrive Natural Care
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 50 | Mineral or chemical: mineral | Size: 5.8 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes | Reef Safe: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
From an environmental standpoint, Thrive’s sunscreen has a ton going for it: it’s reef-safe, made of ingredients that support regenerative farming and contained in a tube that’s comprised of 100% recycled plastic. What’s inside is just as good, a potent zinc oxide mineral sunscreen that absorbs into skin easily with zero white cast (at least on my fair-ish skin). The scent is a kind of citrus-hippie, which I don’t mind, but some users found a bit strong.
- Earth and reef friendly
- Natural ingredients
- Absorbs fast and easily
- No white cast
- Texture may be too greasy for some
Peter Thomas Roth
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxides | SPF: 45 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes | Reef safe: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Peter Thomas Roth’s award-winning, all-mineral, tinted facial sunscreen ticks all the boxes: it’s water-resistant, provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection, works particularly well to reduce redness and is non-irritating for sensitive skin. Plus it’s lightweight but still hydrating and skin-nourishing with a high-quality SPF 45. The tint also magically works for nearly every skin tone, though those with the fairest of skin may find it too dark.
- High-quality mineral sunscreen
- Lightweight texture but still moisturizing
- Tint works for most skin tones
- Reef safe
- Water-resistant
- Some reviewers find the tint too light
Supergoop!
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (7.5%) | SPF: 50+ | Size: 2.45 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes | Reef Safe: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This broad-spectrum sunscreen is sweat-resistant (for 80 minutes), lightning-fast absorbing and the gentle formula is great for all skin types (it’s especially excellent for kids). It’s designed to be used on both face and body, which makes it convenient and versatile — it’s the only sunscreen I pack on vacation) — especially since it comes in a number of sizes, including both a tiny travel-sized tube and a handy Supergoop Play Everyday jumbo-size, an 18-ounce tub with an easy-to-use, family-friendly applicator pump.
For more info, check out my in-depth review of Supergoop.
- Lightweight
- Fast absorbing
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen (protects against both UVA and UVB rays)
- Family-friendly (gentle/works for many types of skin)
- Moisturizing
- No white cast
- Texture may be too greasy for some users
Kiehl’s
This chemical sunscreen from Kiehl’s is free of reef-harming culprits but still provides powerful sun protection. It’s also lightweight, ultra-hydrating while helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sunspots, and smoothing the texture of your skin.
- Dermatologist-tested
- Suitable for all skin types
- Absorbs quickly
- No white cast
- Non-comedogenic
- Infused with skin nourishing ingredients like vitamin E
Epicuren Discovery
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 45+ | Size: 2.5 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes | Reef Safe: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
A luxurious, extra-silky mineral sunscreen cream that combines highly-protect zinc oxide with bee propolis and vitamin to nourish your skin, Epicuren’s formula is also a favorite of actress Tracee Ellis Ross: “It looks natural. Some sunscreens are not great if you’re a person of color,” she explained to Harper’s Bazaar in 2017.
- Blends seamlessly into deep skin shades
- Natural formula
- Broad spectrum coverage
- Lightweight
- Skin nourishing
SkinCeuticals
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 1 ounce | Water-Resistant: Yes | Reef Safe: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No
SkinCeuticals is among the gold standards in skin care and this ultra-moisturizing, high-SPF mineral sunscreen is no exception. It’s specially formulated for extra-sensitive skin. It’s also free of fragrances and chemicals and is made with plankton extracts meant to boost skin moisture.
- High protection
- Fragrance Free
- Gentle mineral formula
- Lightweight
- Absorbs easily
- Broad spectrum
- Nongreasy
- Pricey
- Small bottle runs out quickly
Supergoop!
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, 3%, homosalate 8%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 4% | SPF: 40 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes | Reef Safe: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you are looking for a sunscreen that also acts as a makeup primer OR need your sun protection to be completely invisible (i.e., no sheen), this one’s for you. It’s scent-free and weightless, and provides SPF 40 protection. A “clean” chemical sunscreen, this wildly popular formula is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. Though anyone can use it, it works particularly well for oily or acne-prone skin.
Supergoop has a range of sunscreens that we’ve tested; each is formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin.
- Invisible
- Weightless
- Good for oily and acne-prone skin
- Doubles as a makeup primer
- Matte finish (not the best for mature skin)
- Pricey
Cotz
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide | SPF: 40 | Size: 3.5 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes | Reef safe: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Cotz was founded in 2002 by reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr. Harry Fallick who set out to make a gentle, versatile everyday sunscreen his patients would actually use. The result is this water-resistant SPF 40 mineral sunscreen, which not only protects but soothes sensitive skin. The ultra-silky cream is reef-safe and free of dyes, fragrances, oils, preservatives, gluten and phthlates.
- Broad spectrum coverage
- Works for body and face
- No white cast on most skin tones
- Fragrance free
- Reef safe
- Some users don’t like the gloopy, thick texture
La Roche-Posay
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, iron oxides | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes | Reef Safe: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No
The award-winning La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen is considered among the best in the world. The texture is lightweight, almost watery (like a thin day cream), which soaked into my skin on contact.
Once on, the formula looked natural, with no greasy feel, no stickiness and no glossy sheen. In fact, this is my only complaint about the Anthelios face sunscreens: They’re matte, which is not always the best for mature skin. On the plus side, they’re fragrance-free, and, even when I went super close to my eyes, the cream didn’t sting. All in all, I’d give the application experience a 9/10.
You can read my in-depth review of La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen here.
- Lightweight
- Smooth, easy application
- Leaves skin feeling soft
- Reef safe
- Protects and nourishes skin
- Pricey
- Matte finish can be a tiny bit ghostly
ISDIN
SPF: 50 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Water resistance: Yes (but limited) | Mineral or chemical: Mineral | Active ingredients: Actinica Zinc Oxide Reef safe: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The name may be a mouthful, but dermatologists swear by this one. Doctors we spoke to particularly recommend it for patients who have known sun damage. Isdin’s Eryfotona Actinica is one of the best mineral sunscreens, is lightweight, won’t leave your skin feeling greasy, and has UVA/UVB protection. It also has DNA repairsomes and vitamin E to help fight UVA-induced skin damage.
- Good for sensitive skin
- Contains skin-repairing nutritients
- Broad spectrum SPF
- Fast absorbing
- Lightweight
- Scent-free
- Expensive
- Water resistant for only 40 minutes
Olivia Martin celebrates the art of living well in her lifestyle articles. She explores topics ranging from travel and fashion to home decor and culinary delights, offering inspiration for readers seeking a balanced and enjoyable lifestyle.
