6 Eco-friendly, Cruelty-Free, Vegan and Reef Safe Sunscreen Brands

July 11, 2019 3 min read

We use sunscreen to stay safe at the beach from the sun’s harmful rays. But when we splash into the water, the chemicals contained in our sunscreen endanger marine life. Here are just a few of the negative effects of our sunscreen: coral reef bleaching, impaired photosynthesis, and growth of algae, defects in young mussels and impaired reproductive functions for both fish and sea urchins.

It may seem like an insignificant amount of sunscreen would enter the water off our skin. But when there are thousands of people at a beach that small amount adds up. The National Park Service estimates that 4,000 - 6,000 tons of sunscreen enter coral reefs annually.

Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid

Hawaii became the first state to officially ban sunscreens containing two of the most harmful ingredients of sunscreen: Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. Other moderately harmful chemicals used to filter the sunlight include Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene. The least harmful filters in products are the mineral-based ingredients of Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide.

While there is no definite standard, “reef safe” brands usually eliminate the two most toxic chemicals banned in Hawaii. However, you should also avoid moderately toxic ingredients when possible as well as several other non-biodegradable ingredients. Look for brands labeled “biodegradable,” which should also exclude PABA, 4-methylbenzylidene, camphor, and butylparaben.

Playing it Safe

Always remember that t-shirts, shorts, hats, and scarves also prevent the sun without any risk to the reefs. When you cover up in the hours with the most direct sunlight each day, you can reduce the need to use sunscreen. This keeps even the lesser toxic ingredients found in mineral sunscreen down to a bare minimum. Also, remember to apply your sunscreen at least 20 minutes before entering the water.

Here are our top picks for sunscreens that protect the reefs. We’ve also searched for biodegradable brands with cruelty-free testing and vegan ingredients to include in our handpicked eco-friendly sunscreen list.

Cruelty-Free, Vegan and Reef Safe Sunscreens

All Good Sport Reef Safe Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Active Ingredient: Non-nano Zinc Oxide 12%
Reef safe, cruelty-free, vegan and gluten-free
Includes organic green tea, rose hips and buriti oil

Badger Active Natural Mineral Cream SPF 30 unscented sunscreen

Active Ingredient: Uncoated Clear Zinc Oxide 18.75%
Top rated by the Environmental Working Group
Reef safe, biodegradable and cruelty-free, but not vegan: contains beeswax
Contains just five 98% certified organic ingredients

Hello Bello Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

Active Ingredient: Non-Nano, Uncoated Zinc Oxide 20%
Environmental Working Group approved
Reef safe, biodegradable, cruelty-free, vegan and gluten-free
No PABA, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, soy or peanut

MyChelle Sun Shield SPF 28

Active Ingredients: Non-nano Zinc Oxide 11.6% (ZinClear™) and Titanium Dioxide .67%
Environmental Working Group Partner
Reef safe, biodegradable, cruelty-free, vegan and gluten-free
No GMO, Parabens or Phthalates
Donates 1 percent of sales to Surfrider Foundation

Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen

Active Ingredient: Non-Nano, Uncoated Zinc Oxide 23%
Top rated by the Environmental Working Group
Reef safe, biodegradable, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, but not vegan: contains beeswax
No GMO, Soy or Nuts
Recyclable packaging

Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen