6 days ago
The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen Is Gentler on Skin—And the Planet
While the guidelines for delineating reef-safe SPF products are nebulous at best, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp says the best reef-safe sunscreens are 'usually free of ingredients potentially harmful to marine life like coral reefs.' Unlike many traditional sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate—two common culprits behind coral bleaching—reef-safe formulas skip the harsh stuff in favor of ocean-friendly alternatives that tend to also be gentler on sensitive skin. Most rely on mineral filters like non-nano zinc oxide, though there are a few chemical formulas that pass the test, too.
With that in mind, below are 10 of the best reef-safe sunscreens to swap into your routine. From easy-to-pack SPF sticks and lightweight body mists to tinted formulas that double as makeup, each one is vetted with input from leading dermatologists.
Vogue's Favorite Reef-Safe Sunscreens:
In This Story:
Best Overall: Ultra Violette Velvet Screen
Why We Love It: 'Made with zinc oxide, this mineral-based SPF 50 sunscreen offers a matte finish and contains Kakadu plum as a source of antioxidants and pentavitin, a plant-based carbohydrate complex that helps moisturize the skin,' explains Dr. Camp. It has a velvety texture that feels great on the skin—never sticky or chalky. And unlike a lot of sunscreens that leave behind a shiny, almost glittery finish, this one delivers a matte, skin-like effect that works like a real-life blur filter.
'Made with zinc oxide, this mineral-based SPF 50 sunscreen offers a matte finish and contains Kakadu plum as a source of antioxidants and pentavitin, a plant-based carbohydrate complex that helps moisturize the skin,' explains Dr. Camp. It has a velvety texture that feels great on the skin—never sticky or chalky. And unlike a lot of sunscreens that leave behind a shiny, almost glittery finish, this one delivers a matte, skin-like effect that works like a real-life blur filter. Chemical or Physical: Physical
Physical Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, kakadu plum, pentavitin
Zinc oxide, kakadu plum, pentavitin SPF Level: 50
50 Texture: Cream
Cream Size: 1.7 oz
Best Spray: Soleil Toujours Clean Conscious Antioxidant Sunscreen Mist
Soleil Toujours
Clean Conscious Antioxidant Sunscreen Mist
$36
AMAZON
Why We Love It: While the packaging alone caught our eye when we were first introduced to it, Soleil Toujours also has anti-aging benefits in addition to sun protection, thanks to its formula packed with aloe leaf juice, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman says, 'This is great for those looking for sun protection but also wanting to target concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and blemishes.' It goes on clear (no white cast, we promise!) and, because it's a spray, it's super easy to reapply every few hours.
While the packaging alone caught our eye when we were first introduced to it, Soleil Toujours also has anti-aging benefits in addition to sun protection, thanks to its formula packed with aloe leaf juice, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman says, 'This is great for those looking for sun protection but also wanting to target concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and blemishes.' It goes on clear (no white cast, we promise!) and, because it's a spray, it's super easy to reapply every few hours. Chemical or Physical: Chemical
Chemical Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, vitamin C, vitamin E
Aloe leaf juice, vitamin C, vitamin E SPF Level: 50
50 Texture: Spray
Spray Size: 6 oz
Best Scent: Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen
Why We Love It: An ode to her mother who lost her life to melanoma skin cancer, Trisha Trimble, the founder of Suntegrity, is not cutting corners when it comes to her brand's formulations. Designed for the body, this mineral sunscreen is made with 20% non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide, which Dr. Spearman says makes it reef-safe and effective. That said, she notes it's lightly scented, so those with sensitive skin may want to steer clear.
An ode to her mother who lost her life to melanoma skin cancer, Trisha Trimble, the founder of Suntegrity, is not cutting corners when it comes to her brand's formulations. Designed for the body, this mineral sunscreen is made with 20% non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide, which Dr. Spearman says makes it reef-safe and effective. That said, she notes it's lightly scented, so those with sensitive skin may want to steer clear. Chemical or Physical: Physical
Physical Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, cucumber extract, pomegranate seed oil
Green tea extract, cucumber extract, pomegranate seed oil SPF Level: 30
30 Texture: Cream
Cream Size: 3 oz, 5 oz
Best Drugstore: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Blue Lizard
Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
$11
AMAZON
Why We Love It: A drugstore classic (now with new packaging!), this is a great option if you don't want to spend a lot on sunscreen and (or!) have plenty of kids to slather. Dr. Spearman explains that it's formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it reef-safe, and a 'very good option for sensitive skin.' She also notes that it's water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so whether you're headed to swim practice or the beach, you're covered.
A drugstore classic (now with new packaging!), this is a great option if you don't want to spend a lot on sunscreen and (or!) have plenty of kids to slather. Dr. Spearman explains that it's formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it reef-safe, and a 'very good option for sensitive skin.' She also notes that it's water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so whether you're headed to swim practice or the beach, you're covered. Chemical or Physical: Physical
Physical Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, aloe vera
Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, aloe vera SPF Level: 50
50 Texture: Cream
Cream Size: 3 oz
Best Lotion: Vacation Mineral Lotion
Why We Love It: Not your mother's sunscreen—this chic mineral lotion from Vacation is 'a non-nano mineral formula with zinc oxide and includes ingredients like niacinamide and shea butter for nourishing and regulating the skin,' says Dr. Spearman. Unlike some of the brand's other formulations, this one is fragrance-free, which she notes is ideal for sensitive skin types.
Not your mother's sunscreen—this chic mineral lotion from Vacation is 'a non-nano mineral formula with zinc oxide and includes ingredients like niacinamide and shea butter for nourishing and regulating the skin,' says Dr. Spearman. Unlike some of the brand's other formulations, this one is fragrance-free, which she notes is ideal for sensitive skin types. Chemical or Physical: Physical
Physical Key Ingredients: S hea butter, niacinamide, cucumber extract, zinc oxide, vitamin E
hea butter, niacinamide, cucumber extract, zinc oxide, vitamin E SPF Level: 30
30 Texture: Cream
Cream Size: 3.4 oz
Best Tinted: Iris&Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50
Why We Love It: If base makeup feels like too much in the summer heat, might we suggest adding Weekend Skin to your routine? It comes in four sheer, radiant shades—pale pink glow, golden glow, bronze glow, and a universal glow if you want something more classic. You can also use it as a makeup primer if you decide to layer on more coverage. Aside from how good it looks on the skin, it's formulated with niacinamide, vitamin C, and it's reef-safe. 'If you have dry skin and uneven texture, this one is great,' adds Dr. Spearman.
If base makeup feels like too much in the summer heat, might we suggest adding Weekend Skin to your routine? It comes in four sheer, radiant shades—pale pink glow, golden glow, bronze glow, and a universal glow if you want something more classic. You can also use it as a makeup primer if you decide to layer on more coverage. Aside from how good it looks on the skin, it's formulated with niacinamide, vitamin C, and it's reef-safe. 'If you have dry skin and uneven texture, this one is great,' adds Dr. Spearman. Chemical or Physical: Physical
Physical Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, zinc oxide
Vitamin C, niacinamide, zinc oxide SPF Level: 50
50 Texture: Cream
Cream Size: 1.18 oz
Best Broad-Spectrum Formula: Dune The Bodyguard Invisible Gel Sunscreen
Why We Love It: 'Made with hibiscus fruit extract, neem leaf and flower extract, and vitamin E, this SPF 30 sea salt–scented, gel-based chemical sunscreen is reef-safe, offers broad spectrum coverage, and is water resistant for up to 40 minutes,' says Dr. Camp. And like the name implies, it's an invisible gel formula, so if you've ever had a beach vacation photo ruined by a white cast, you're in the clear (literally).
'Made with hibiscus fruit extract, neem leaf and flower extract, and vitamin E, this SPF 30 sea salt–scented, gel-based chemical sunscreen is reef-safe, offers broad spectrum coverage, and is water resistant for up to 40 minutes,' says Dr. Camp. And like the name implies, it's an invisible gel formula, so if you've ever had a beach vacation photo ruined by a white cast, you're in the clear (literally). Chemical or Physical: Chemical
Chemical Key Ingredients: Hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract, neem leaf extract, flower extract, vitamin E
Hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract, neem leaf extract, flower extract, vitamin E SPF Level: 30
30 Texture: Gel
Gel Size: 8.4 oz
Best Glowy: Kosas DreamBeam Mineral Sunscreen
Why We Love It: 'Available in peach or golden hues, this lightweight SPF 40 mineral sunscreen is also rated for UVA protection,' says Dr. Camp. Thanks to a formula that includes peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, it works well as a standalone product or a hydrating base under makeup. It now comes in two mini sizes too, making it perfect for travel or tossing in your bag for quick midday touch-ups (which you should be doing every two to three hours, FYI).
'Available in peach or golden hues, this lightweight SPF 40 mineral sunscreen is also rated for UVA protection,' says Dr. Camp. Thanks to a formula that includes peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, it works well as a standalone product or a hydrating base under makeup. It now comes in two mini sizes too, making it perfect for travel or tossing in your bag for quick midday touch-ups (which you should be doing every two to three hours, FYI). Chemical or Physical: Physical
Physical Key Ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid SPF Level: 40
40 Texture: Cream
Cream Size: 1.3 oz
Best Sunscreen Stick: Cay Skin Isle Invisible Sunstick
Cay Skin
Invisible Sunstick
$24
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Not only is this sunscreen stick TSA-approved and easy to apply and reapply, but Dr. Camp assures us it's safe to use on the lips and even over makeup without disturbing it. The stick is totally clear, so there's no white cast to worry about, and it's water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice for everyday sweating, outdoor activities, and even snorkeling through the coral reef if you're lucky enough to find yourself there.
Not only is this sunscreen stick TSA-approved and easy to apply and reapply, but Dr. Camp assures us it's safe to use on the lips and even over makeup without disturbing it. The stick is totally clear, so there's no white cast to worry about, and it's water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice for everyday sweating, outdoor activities, and even snorkeling through the coral reef if you're lucky enough to find yourself there. Chemical or Physical: Chemical
Chemical Key Ingredients: Sea moss, jojoba oil, aloe stem cells
Sea moss, jojoba oil, aloe stem cells SPF Level: 35
35 Texture: Balm
Balm Size: 0.5 oz
Best for Mature Skin: Augustinus Bader The Mineral Sunscreen
Why We Love It: Fans of The Rich Cream can breathe a sigh of relief—Augustinus Bader has finally ventured into TCF8-infused sunscreen. Dr. Camp explains that non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the active ingredients in this mineral-based, reef-safe SPF 50, which also contains microalgae extract and cotton seed extract. It leaves a nice sheer finish on the skin, though it may take a few sweeping motions to fully blend in without any white cast.
Fans of The Rich Cream can breathe a sigh of relief—Augustinus Bader has finally ventured into TCF8-infused sunscreen. Dr. Camp explains that non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the active ingredients in this mineral-based, reef-safe SPF 50, which also contains microalgae extract and cotton seed extract. It leaves a nice sheer finish on the skin, though it may take a few sweeping motions to fully blend in without any white cast. Chemical or Physical: Physical
Physical Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, microalgae extract, cotton seed extract, raspberry seed oil
Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, microalgae extract, cotton seed extract, raspberry seed oil SPF Level: 50
50 Texture: Cream
Cream Size: 1 oz
Everything You Need to Know
