The best reef-safe sunscreens of 2025 help keep oceans clean
Skin is the body's biggest organ, so it only makes sense that you'd want to use the best products on it, to track down those that are ultra-gentle plus safe for your body — and the planet. Reef-safe sunscreens tend to achieve both goals. According to the National Park Service, 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen washes off swimmers and into oceans worldwide every year. The National Ocean Service reports that common sun protection ingredients including the chemical oxybenzone — found in many popular sunscreen lotions and sprays in the U.S. — are contributing to the deterioration of coral reefs, which are essential for the globe's marine life. In fact, the effects of chemical sunscreen ingredients are dire enough that popular tourist destinations including Hawaii and Key West, Fla., have banned the sale and use of these products altogether.
The result is a spate of new and improved reef-safe sun protection lines that combine skin-nourishing ingredients with high-quality SPF and forgo the environmental harm.
Best reef-safe sunscreen overall
Other top reef-safe sunscreens we recommend for 2025
Factors to consider when choosing a reef-safe sunscreen
FAQs
Meet our experts
Update, April 25, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability and added Pipette Mineral Sunscreen as our new pick for dry skin. Our number one pick for the best reef-safe sunscreen remains unchanged.
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Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide is a common ingredient in mineral sunscreens. It's known to help with skin irritation and improve cell turnover. Titanium dioxide is another common ingredient to look out for — it helps protect your skin from UV rays and is gentle enough for even sensitive skin types. Additionally, you'll want to look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides.
SPF: The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Anything with SPF 30 will block 97% of UVB rays.
Mineral or chemical: This choice is highly individual and depends on your preference, but both are effective in helping protect your skin. Mineral sunscreens take a bit longer to absorb, but they're more suitable for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens are more lightweight and sink in quickly; plus they're usually more sweat resistant and water resistant.
Water resistant: In order for a sunscreen to be labeled water resistant, it must be tested to ensure that it remains effective for 40 minutes in the water, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Cruelty free: Look for 'cruelty-free' labels, read up on the brand's mission or research the brand's testing process. You can also review resources like People4Ocean to stay educated on cruelty-free brands. PETA has a list of brands that carry cruelty-free sunscreens.
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"Reef-safe" most commonly refers to sun protection made without the two most common chemicals found in chemical sunscreens: oxybenzone and octinoxate. Studies show that these chemicals cause coral bleaching, which often results in disease and death of the reefs, which has 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, hasn't harmed marine plants and wildlife.)
Whether or not you opt for reef-safe sunscreen, remember that any SPF is better than no SPF. For further help choosing, check out our lists of best sunscreens for your body and best sunscreens for your face.
Reef-safe sunscreens can work as well as and — some experts believe — even better than those that 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 ultraviolet 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," said dermatologist and Kiehl's skin consultant Dr. Michelle Henry, who recommends applying chemical sunscreens 15 to 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 is important. Always look for something that is broad-spectrum, meaning it covers both types of damaging rays," she said.
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 three hours, or every two in direct sun activities," Shamban said.
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Dr. Ava Shamban, MD, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic dermatologist
Dr. Michelle Henry, MD FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon
Dr. Harry Fallick, DO, reconstructive plastic surgeon and founder of TIZO
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