Reef-Safe Sunscreens That Are Fab For You and The Planet
Reef-safe sunscreens are going to be the way forward! With Thailand’s marine national parks banning sunscreens that damage corals, it's a matter of time before everyone moves to sun protection that is better for the skin and the planet.
Chemical sunscreens in particular can affect coral reefs and marine life and as we get to know more about avoidable ingredients, it’s important to use products that protect ourselves as well as the environment.
It's not very hard to find the right sunscreen either. Now, plenty of brands around the world are making formulations that are kind to oceans while ensuring their users get adequate coverage too.
How do you find a reef-safe sunscreen that will work for your skin, you ask? Easy peasy! We’ve rounded up some of our favourite reef-safe and friendly sunscreens so you know exactly which ones to buy.
Supergoop!
SPF-obsessed is what Founder Holly Thaggard calls herself! On a mission to inspire everyone to be sun safe every day, the brand was amongst the first to stop using oxybenzone all the way back in 2007. And while being friendly to the ocean and reef life is important for Supergoop! they are also passionate about finding the right sunscreen for every skin type! Hence, you’ll find that the brand carries a range of sun protection for the body, face, tinted, non-tinted, sports and even family-friendly sunscreen. There is literally one for everyone!
Take their Glowscreen SPF 40 and the NEW Glowscreen Body SPF 40 as the perfect sun companions when out and about!
The Glowscreen Body is a subtly shimmery body lotion with SPF 40 that helps give skin an all-over healthy glow while protecting it from UV rays. This whipped, airy lotion comes with light-reflecting minerals and nourishing emollients for hydration, to give the skin a luminous glow. Fast-absorbing and water- and sweat-resistant, this SPF lotion is ideal for daily use.
The Glowscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen on the other hand is just the sun protection cum primer product that your face has been craving! This hydrating formula creates a perfectly dewy and luminous canvas for makeup, with built in broad spectrum UV protection. Psst...it also doubles as a highlighter if you need that bit of extra sparkle!
Chantecaille Seascreen 30 Mineral Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Mist
Chantecaille’s first-ever, reef-safe sunscreen mist is formulated without chemicals that compromise the coral reef systems. Free of damaging oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can bleach corals and cause them to become fragile and at risk, this new reef-safe SPF is a natural physical sunscreen formula for the whole family.
Infused with botanicals that soothe and care for the skin and mineral sun filters that protect against the sun’s harsh rays, its fine mist formula offers both UVA and UVB protection. A one-for-all formula, we love how it absorbs quickly and is water-resistant.
Also, sale of each product supports WildAid Marine and their work in Tanzania's Pemba Channel. These donations will help purchase key marine protection equipment, including binoculars, GPS units, digital cameras, and ranger uniforms, and provide the resources needed to use that equipment during regular on-the-water patrols.
Available over the counters at the Chantecaille Flagship Boutique at TANGS at Tang Plaza and Takashimaya Department Store.
CAUDALIE Anti-Wrinkle Face Suncare
The Anti-Wrinkle Face Sun Care SPF 50 by Caudalie features a new generation of sun care with a patented antioxidant complex containing grape polyphenols. With its rooted belief in sustainable beauty, Caudalie spent years of research on sun filters and launched, Caudalie Anti-Wrinkle Face Sun Care SPF 50 for maximum UVA/UVB protection using Caudalie’s system of 4 best grade filters - safe for both, the skin AND marine life.
This sunscreen offers the skin maximum UVA/UVB protection for a natural, radiant, long-lasting tan while preserving its youthful look. Made with organic grape water, you’ll notice how light and creamy it is! The non-sticky texture moisturises as it soothes sensitive skin and the summery fragrance will leave you with notes of frangipani flowers. Equally protective for the skin and nature, its water-resistant formula is highly biodegradable and non-toxic for the marine ecosystem.
As with all Caudalie products, no parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, mineral oils or animal-derived ingredients are used.
Dr. Dennis Gross All Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum
All-physical, oil-free, fragrance-free and reef-safe, this sun defense by Dr. Dennis Gross is perfect for all skin tones. Transparent zinc oxide and potent antioxidants provide safe, high-performance SPF protection to help prevent visible fine lines and wrinkles.
Powered by transparent zinc oxide and antioxidant-rich bearberry, sea buckthorn, lingonberry, and ferulic acid to defend against harmful UVA/UVB rays, it also protects against pollution, and blue light emitted from phones and computer screens.
Reef safe and great for sensitive skin you can also use this sunscreen as the perfect primer for your makeup!
Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50
Skinceuticals weightless 100% physical sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection with a transparent finish to your skin. Bonus points for a non-tacky finish and suitable for any skin type. The Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 is an ultra-sheer and transparent sunscreen fluid that offers broad spectrum protection even for sensitive skin. One of the best sunscreens for the face, it is formulated with broad spectrum 100% physical filters Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide and enhanced with artemia salina, a plankton extract to help boost skin’s natural defenses to UV- and heat-induced stress. This silky sheer fluid spreads easily and dries quickly, leaving no residue. Oh, and it's kind to the ocean too!
Heliocare 360° Fluid Cream SPF 50+
This clinical sunscreen has a unique formulation with advanced filters and Bioshield System that provides broad spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, Blue Light (High Energy Visible Light) and IR-A.
Enriched with Fernblock® FC for powerful antioxidant activity, and actives that repair sun damage, such as DNA damage and premature skin aging. Suitable for all skin types, the fluid cream texture is with moisturising excipients to contrast dryness.
Available at clinics only!
REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF30
The REN Clean Skincare’s Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 is a mattifying broad spectrum face sunscreen that has a silicone-free formula composed of naturally derived ingredients. It is also a reef-safe sunscreen!
Offering broad-spectrum UVA/UVB and blue light defense it is formulated for daily use and is gentle on even the most sensitive skin types. We love that it absorbs quickly without leaving behind a white cast!
Powered by 22% non-nano, naturally sourced Zinc Oxide, the cream forms a protective shield that sits on the skin’s surface, forming a non-comedogenic barrier without causing irritation. Enriched with powerful antioxidant Yellow Passionfruit Seed extract and soothing Rice extract to alleviate reddened skin, it also does away with sun-induced shine and excess oil. The result? A beautiful matte finish!
COOLA Organic Body Lotion, Broad Spectrum SPF 50
COOLA formulates with the freshest ingredients to ensure the most biodynamic results, free from pesticides and other nasty products. Using 70%+ Certified Organic ingredients, Coola is conscious of protecting you and the environment you live in.
This reef-safe sunscreen gives broad-spectrum coverage and comes with antioxidants for enhanced UV protection that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
The product also harnesses the power of plant cell actives to nourish and support healthy skin. This means you get naturally effective and sustainably sourced ingredients to achieve superior results.
Coola’s products are certified organic and contain non-GMO ingredients that follow sustainable farming practices, support local communities, and reduce the usage of pesticides that contaminate our bodies, waterways, and environment. As always, their SPF formula is free of synthetic fragrances, vegan, octinoxate-free and reef-safe.
