Last updated: June 2026 · The Earthling Co.
We slather on sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun’s rays — but when we wade into the water, some of the chemicals in conventional formulas wash off and harm marine life. Certain sunscreen ingredients are linked to coral reef bleaching, impaired photosynthesis, and reproductive problems in fish and sea urchins.
It might seem like the trace that rinses off one person couldn’t matter. But multiply that by the thousands of people at a popular beach and it adds up fast: the US National Park Service estimates that 4,000–6,000 tons of sunscreen enter coral reef areas every year. The good news is that switching to a reef-safe, mineral sunscreen is easy — here’s what to look for and six brands worth trying.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Sun protection is important for skin health — talk to a dermatologist about what’s right for you, and always follow the product’s directions.
What does “reef-safe” sunscreen mean?
Hawaii became the first US state to ban sunscreens containing two of the most reef-harming filters — oxybenzone and octinoxate. Several other chemical filters, including homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene, are considered moderately concerning. The gentlest options for reefs are mineral filters: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, ideally non-nano so the particles are too large to be ingested by coral.
There’s no official, regulated definition of “reef-safe,” so the label alone isn’t a guarantee. Most reef-safe brands at least eliminate the two filters banned in Hawaii, but it’s worth avoiding the moderately concerning ones too. Look for “non-nano,” “mineral,” and “biodegradable,” and steer clear of PABA, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, and butylparaben.
Reef-safe sunscreen: ingredients at a glance
1. All Good
All Good’s reef-safe sport lotions use non-nano zinc oxide and are reef-safe, cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free. They’re also infused with organic botanicals like green tea, rose hips, and buriti oil for a little extra skin care.
2. Badger
Badger’s mineral creams are built around uncoated clear zinc oxide and a famously short, roughly 98% certified-organic ingredient list. They’re reef-safe, biodegradable, cruelty-free, and highly rated by the Environmental Working Group — but not vegan, as they contain beeswax.
3. Hello Bello
Hello Bello’s mineral lotion uses non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide and is reef-safe, biodegradable, cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free. It skips PABA, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance, which makes it a popular family pick.
4. MyChelle
MyChelle’s Sun Shield pairs non-nano zinc oxide with a touch of titanium dioxide. It’s reef-safe, biodegradable, cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free, free of GMOs, parabens, and phthalates — and the brand donates a portion of sales to the Surfrider Foundation.
5. Raw Elements
Raw Elements’s certified-natural sunscreen leans on a high level of non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide and comes in plastic-free, recyclable packaging. It’s reef-safe, biodegradable, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, but not vegan due to beeswax.
6. Suntegrity
Suntegrity’s natural mineral sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide and is reef-safe, cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free, with no parabens or phthalates — a clean, straightforward choice for face and body.
Round out your clean, low-waste routine
We don’t make sunscreen ourselves, but we share the same values these brands do: vegan, cruelty-free, plastic-conscious, and kind to the planet. Once your sun care is sorted, the rest of your routine can match it. Our Daily Body Lotion soothes and replenishes skin after a day in the sun, our multi-use Hair & Body Oil nourishes from head to toe, and our plastic-free shampoo & conditioner bars rinse out clean without harsh ingredients heading down the drain. Explore the full low-waste range to keep the momentum going.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a sunscreen reef-safe?
A reef-safe sunscreen uses mineral filters (non-nano zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) and avoids reef-harming chemical filters — especially oxybenzone and octinoxate. Because the term isn’t regulated, always check the active ingredients rather than trusting the label alone.
Is mineral sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen?
For reef protection, yes — mineral filters are far gentler on coral than chemical filters like oxybenzone. Many people also prefer mineral formulas for sensitive skin. Both types can protect your skin effectively when applied correctly.
Are these sunscreen brands vegan?
Most are. All Good, Hello Bello, MyChelle, and Suntegrity are vegan. Badger and Raw Elements are cruelty-free but not vegan, because they contain beeswax.
Does The Earthling Co. sell sunscreen?
Not currently. We focus on plastic-free hair, body, and skin care, so we’ve rounded up trusted reef-safe sunscreen brands here instead. For the rest of your clean routine, explore our body and skin care.
What SPF should I use?
Dermatologists generally recommend a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, applied generously and reapplied every two hours (and after swimming or sweating).
Protecting your skin and the sea
Choosing a reef-safe, mineral sunscreen is a small switch that protects both your skin and the ocean. Pick one of the six brands above, cover up during peak hours, and round out the rest of your routine with clean, low-waste essentials. Start with our plastic-free shampoo & conditioner bars or browse the full low-waste collection.
