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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.
