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Where to find reef-safe sunscreen 

If you’re wondering where to find reef-safe sunscreen, why reef-safe sunscreen matters, or the best sunscreen for Hawaii, you’re in the right place.

I started learning more about reef-safe sunscreen a few years ago, thanks to all the information on this topic in Hawaii. Fortunately, I rarely wear sunscreen (more on that later), and if I do, I choose a natural brand.

Most natural brands do not contain these harmful ingredients, so I was relieved that I wasn’t contributing to the problem. Let’s dive into some facts about reef-safe sunscreen and the best brands of reef-safe sunscreen to buy.

The best sunscreen for Hawaii

Please remember that Hawaii is close to the equator, and you will probably need to use sunscreen even if you don’t tend to burn.

As a Hawaii Travel Agent and Travel Blogger, I warn people about this all the time. I’ve had several come back to me and tell me that I was right after they got burned. 

So, if you think you might burn, wear sunscreen! At least mid-day. That said, what kind of sunscreen should you wear in Hawaii?

Most chemical (aka regular) sunscreens contain a compound called oxybenzone. To put it simply. The oxybenzone damages coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

Those same chemicals are not only harmine to marine life but also you. You may think that a small amount of sunscreen doesn’t matter, but unfortunately, it does.

The best thing you can do to avoid damaging coral reefs and marine life is to avoid sun exposure at mid-day, wear protective clothing, or if you use sunscreen, make sure it’s reef safe.

But what is safer sun protection? Unfortunately, many traditional sunscreen companies are simply taking out these two ingredients but still contain ingredients that may not be reef-safe and are definitely not people-safe.

“Conventional” sunscreens can contain ingredients that are known to cause cancer. This is the opposite of what you want in sunscreen!

Remember that vitamin D is important, and you get it from sun exposure. However, you don’t want to get too much sun, particularly in Hawaii, where the sun is very intense.

Wearing a rash guard is another good option if you’ll be spending time outside in the middle of the day. Rashguards protect your skin from sun damage without having to use as much sunscreen.

Why does reef-safe sunscreen matter?

The destruction of coral is due to many things, and chemical sunscreen is only one of them. The main reasons that coral is dying are due to pollution, overfishing, and climate change.

Making small changes like reducing waste and choosing reef-safe sunscreen can go a long way. Imagine how much better things would be if everyone did this.

Hawaii passed a bill several years ago and would ban the sale of sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.

That’s a huge win for Hawaii and the coral reefs. The law finally went into effect in 2021. and it’s a huge step in the right direction. Hopefully, other states and countries will follow.

What to avoid with reef-safe sunscreen

If you do tend to sunburn, you’ll want to look into reef-safe sunscreen. If you are repeatedly slathering on sunscreen and getting in the water, it’s extra important to be mindful of what is in your sunscreen.

Being mindful of what you’re putting on your body is important for both the coral and your health. 7 other chemicals are known to be toxic to coral (and probably for you.)

It goes beyond the two banned ingredients. Look for sunscreen without:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octocrylene
• OABA (Aminobenzoic Acid)
• Enzacamene,
• Octisalate
• Homosalate
• Avobenzone

Fortunately, many of the larger skincare companies are making changes due to consumer demand. Well, maybe they actually care about the environment, but let’s be real, it’s most likely due to consumer demand.

There are also a lot of natural sunscreen companies that have been making reef-safe, human-safe sunscreen for a long time.

I recommend choosing these brands because they typically have better ingredients all around.

Where to find reef-safe sunscreen

You can find many of these sunscreens at big box stores, health food stores, and specialty stores. You can also find them on Amazon, which is my preferred way to purchase them.

I have found it less expensive to purchase reef-safe sunscreen on Amazon versus buying it somewhere like Whole Foods. Here are 7 brands of reef-safe sunscreen to choose from.

1. All Good Natural Kids Sunscreen Lotion

So, what is the best sunscreen for Hawaii? My favorite, hands down, is the All Good brand on sunscreen.

Why? All Good sunscreen is organic, cruelty-free, certified reef-friendly, and so much more.

The All Good brand participates in 1% for the planet, runs off solar power, uses recycled packaging, and participates in beach cleanups, among other environmental efforts.

Another important factor, it works very well!

Zinc-based sunscreens can leave a white film on your skin which can be annoying, but I have found that this one leaves less of a film than most other reef-safe sunscreens. Just make sure to blend it in well, and you should be just fine.

2. All Good Sun Butter Stick

The same brand as mentioned above also has stick sunscreen. I prefer using stick sunscreen because I don’t use it all over my entire body. I also like using stick sunscreen for kids because I find it easier to put on them.

If you’re visiting Hawaii, make sure to pack a bottle or two in your checked luggage or your liquids bag. Want more packing tips? Check out what to pack for Hawaii.

3. Raw Elements Natural Sunscreen

Raw Elements sunscreen has 97% organic ingredients, 100% natural ingredients, and is cruelty-free.

4. Badger Sunscreen Cream

I had to include this one because I love the name. Badger sunscreen is non-GMO, mostly organic, and completely natural.

5. Coral Safe

As the name implies, Coral Safe is another reef-safe sunscreen. This sunscreen is also 100% natural and is supposed to be good for snorkeling and scuba diving.

6. Coconut Joe’s

Coconut Joe’s has a few different sunscreen options that are very highly rated. They also have an after-sun lotion that isn’t dyed green and doesn’t have a lot of extra junk added to it.

Yes, the aloe vera gel you’ve been slathering on yourself has lots of chemicals and only a small amount of aloe (if you’re lucky.) Trade in the weirdly-colored green stuff for something more natural and better for your body.

7. ThinkSport

The Environment Working Group (EWG) gave ThinkSport sunscreen a perfect rating. It’s also made in the US and safe for kids.

Alternatives to Sunscreen

Remember that in most cases, sunscreen should be used sparingly. The best thing that you can do is to avoid sun exposure mid-day. You can also cover up (a rash guard or regular clothes) and find shade or bring it with you.

This handy chart from the EWG shows you great alternatives to wearing sunscreen.

If you’re wondering how safe your current sunscreen is, make sure to check it out on EWG’s Skin Deep database. While you’re there, check out the All Good brand too, they rate extremely well.

Where to find reef-safe sunscreen

I hope that you enjoyed this post about where to find-reef, safe sunscreen. If you’re planning a Hawaii vacation, make sure to check out some of my most popular Hawaii travel posts:

• The best pineapple farms to visit in Hawaii
• Is Hawaii safe?
• 10 things to know before going to Hawaii
• 20 things you should never do in Hawaii
• 100 things to do in Hawaii

The best sunscreen for Hawaii

Although I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, I am only taking on a few clients for 2021. You can contact me if you’d like more information. I would recommend starting with my Hawaii travel guide if you plan to DIY your vacation!

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