Latest news with #reefSafe
Forbes
10 hours ago
- Health
- Forbes
Safer Sunscreens: Selecting Healthy and Reef-Safe Products
Choosing sunscreen that is healthy and reef-safe can be challenging. As summer temperatures soar and we flock to beaches, pools, and outdoor recreation areas, choosing the right sunscreen is important but challenging. On one hand, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 100,000 Americans will be diagnosed with invasive melanoma in 2025. On the other hand, some sunscreen ingredients are linked to hormone disruption and other health harms. And then there's the fact that approximately 14,000 tons of sunscreen wash into coral reefs annually, contributing to the destruction of marine ecosystems. How can our sunscreen choices balance these concerns? Mineral Sunscreens Are Safer Than Chemical Sunscreens Under current FDA guidelines, only two active ingredients are classified as "Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective" (GRASE): zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These mineral-based compounds work by creating a physical barrier on the skin that reflects and scatters ultraviolet radiation away from the body. In contrast, the FDA has requested additional safety data for 12 chemical sunscreen ingredients, including avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene. This is because there is growing evidence that these chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and may pose health risks. Mineral sunscreens are also more reef-safe. Oxybenzone and octinoxate, two of the most common chemical sunscreen ingredients, have been identified as primary drivers of coral bleaching, a process that strips corals of their life-sustaining algae and leaves them vulnerable to disease and death. These chemicals also disrupt the endocrine systems and brains of fish. Mineral-based alternatives like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide pose no known harm to coral reefs or other marine life. Sunscreen Lotions Are Safer Than Sprays And Mists While spray sunscreens are convenient, they may be the worst choice for both human health and the environment. This is because aerosol delivery systems release significant quantities of sunscreen into the air rather than onto skin. These airborne particles can travel considerable distances before settling on surfaces, potentially contaminating areas far from where we applied the sunscreen. When used near beaches, lakes, or other water bodies, spray sunscreens directly introduce chemicals into aquatic environments without the intermediate step of skin contact. There is also a risk of inadvertent inhalation of spray sunscreen particles, especially when products are used on children. Additionally, achieving adequate coverage with spray formulations proves challenging, often resulting in uneven protection and increased sunburn risk. Picking The Best Sunscreens How can you tell which sunscreens are safe for your health and for reefs? Check the label. The Surfrider Foundation's "HEL list" (Harmful Elements List) provides a clear framework for ingredients to avoid: oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, PABA, parabens, triclosan, microplastics like 'exfoliating beads,' and nanoparticles. The organization emphasizes avoiding nano-sized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles, which may pose risks to marine ecosystems despite their mineral origin. If you're looking for specific brand recommendations, here are some expert guides: There are also helpful shopping resources like Clearya. This free platform functions as both a browser extension and mobile app, automatically scanning product ingredients against comprehensive databases of potentially harmful chemicals. You can scan sunscreens while shopping on major retail platforms like Amazon, Sephora, and Walmart, receiving instant feedback on product safety. Beyond Sunscreen: Comprehensive Sun Safety Strategies Although sunscreen is effective, it's important to remember that physical barriers are our first line of defense against UV radiation. Wide-brimmed hats provide excellent protection for faces, necks, and ears—areas often inadequately covered by sunscreen application. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants offer extensive coverage while remaining comfortable in hot weather. Avoiding direct sun exposure during peak intensity hours (typically 10 AM to 4 PM) can also significantly reduce overall radiation exposure. Seeking shade whenever possible provides natural protection. So, what's the takeaway here? Prioritize mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, choose lotion formulations over sprays, and prioritize comprehensive sun safety strategies that protect both our health and the precious marine ecosystems.
Vogue
6 days ago
- Health
- Vogue
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
New York Times
19-05-2025
- Health
- New York Times
Is ‘Reef Safe' Sunscreen Really Better?
Some of the sunscreen you slather on this summer will end up in lakes, streams or the ocean, even if you don't go swimming. And a growing body of evidence suggests that ultraviolet filters, the active ingredients in sunscreens, can harm creatures that live in the water. Some products are marketed as 'reef safe' or friendly to aquatic life. But has that been proved? We talked to a dermatologist, several ecologists and toxicologists, and a chemical engineer to find out the best way to protect your skin and the environment, too. Your sunscreen options There are two kinds of UV filters in sunscreens on the market today. Mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier on your skin that reflects UV rays like a mirror, while chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and convert the UV radiation into harmless heat. (Chemical sunscreens are also sometimes labeled 'organic,' but that's a chemistry term, not a claim of environmental friendliness.) Any sunscreen you apply will eventually end up in water. Researchers estimate that between 25 and 50 percent of sunscreen comes off during a dip. The rest goes down the drain when you shower or enters the wastewater system through the laundry when you wash your beach towels. Most standard treatment plants aren't effective at removing trace levels of UV filters from wastewater, said Dunia Santiago, a chemical engineer at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Spain who studies how treatment plants process contaminants. That means the chemicals are still in the water that flows out of the plant and into the world. And, since many UV filters don't biodegrade well, levels can build up over time in the environment, floating around, settling into sediment and being eaten by animals, especially in shallow areas popular with swimmers. What we know and don't know There's a growing body of evidence that both chemical and mineral UV filters have the potential to harm wildlife, including coral reefs, at high concentrations. A 2016 study on the potential for a chemical UV filter called oxybenzone to make coral more vulnerable to bleaching made a particularly big splash in the public consciousness, increasing demand for gentler alternatives and leading some places to ban the sale of some chemical sunscreens. In response, some manufacturers started marketing mineral sunscreens as 'reef safe.' But researchers generally agree you shouldn't put too much stock in these labels, which aren't regulated. Calling one UV filter safer than another 'implies that we have information to make a comparison, which we do not have,' said Sandy Raimondo, an ecologist at the Environmental Protection Agency who studies chemical contaminants. The science on UV-filter toxicity isn't rock-solid because the laboratory methods used to test them haven't been standardized, according to ecologists and toxicologists we interviewed. One important issue is the 'stickiness' of chemical UV filters. They cling to the surface of the water, the sides of tanks and the inside of tools designed to measure their concentrations. When researchers can't be certain of the concentration of a chemical in water, Dr. Raimondo said, the resulting data isn't reliable. While the data on mineral UV filters is more reliable, new formulations designed to minimize that ghostly white cast on the skin cause their own problems. Some manufacturers use so-called nano versions of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These even-tinier particles can get embedded in the tissues of plants and animals in ways that scientists are only beginning to understand, Dr. Raimondo said. Trying to fill in the blanks The E.P.A. is currently funding studies to fill the gaps in our understanding of UV-filter toxicity. Top priorities include resolving measurement issues and developing standardized methods to make comparisons easier. But President Trump's plans for deep cuts at the agency have put the future of many environmental studies in doubt. Even if those studies continue, they will probably take years to complete, and the agency could take several more years to conduct an official ecological risk assessment for any particular UV filter. Some researchers say that, even with our incomplete knowledge of the impacts of UV filters, the existing evidence on certain chemical UV filters is damning enough for us to switch to alternatives that use non-nano mineral UV filters. Indeed, the stickiness of chemical UV filters may mean that existing research underestimates their environmental toxicity. What you can do right now Thankfully, you don't have to broil to help the environment. Dermatologists and toxicologists agree on the best form of sun protection. But it's not mineral or chemical sunscreen. It's clothing. Sunscreen is an important component of protection, 'but it's not the only component,' said Dr. Henry Lim, a dermatologist at Henry Ford Health in Detroit and a former president of the American Academy of Dermatology. 'Staying in the shade, wearing photoprotective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are very, very important.' Cover as much real estate as you can with UPF rated clothing (that's the SPF equivalent for fabric). 'Sunscreen should be applied only in the areas that cannot be covered,' Dr. Lim said.
