It's time for sunscreen, but which one should I choose?

How to protect yourself and the environment.

Choosing a sunscreen that is safe for the environment is important to minimize the negative impact of sunscreen ingredients on marine ecosystems, coral reefs, and aquatic life. Here are some key considerations and recommendations for selecting environmentally safe sunscreen options:

Look for Reef-Safe Formulations:

• Choose sunscreens labeled as "reef-safe" or "reef-friendly," as they are formulated without ingredients known to harm coral reefs and marine life.
• Avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and homosalate, as these chemicals have been linked to coral bleaching, coral reef degradation, and harmful effects on marine organisms.

Mineral-Based Sunscreens:

• Opt for mineral-based sunscreens that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients. These mineral UV filters are considered safer for marine ecosystems and provide effective broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
• Mineral sunscreens form a physical barrier on the skin, reflecting and scattering UV radiation without being absorbed into the skin or releasing harmful chemicals into the environment.

Biodegradable and Non-Nano Formulations:

• Choose sunscreens labeled as "biodegradable" to ensure they break down naturally in the environment without persisting in water bodies or causing harm to aquatic organisms.
• Consider non-nano formulations, as nanoparticles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can be ingested by marine life and have the potential to bioaccumulate in the food chain. Non-nano mineral sunscreens have larger particles that are less likely to be absorbed by marine organisms.