Our guide to the best reef-safe SPFs
When it comes to shopping for {sunscreen}, we all know that we should be looking for ‘broad-spectrum’, ‘SPF30’ (at the very least!) and ‘water-resistant’ (if you’re a water baby). But if you want to do your bit to help the ocean and its delicate ecosystem, you need to be looking for reef-safe sunscreens too.
The problem is, ‘reef safe’ (or ‘reef-friendly’) isn’t a regulated term, meaning that brands and products can use the label pretty freely without any testing required. That’s why it’s important to do your research, check the ingredients list or, better yet, rely on your good pals at Cult Beauty to share their wisdom with you!
With that in mind, we’ve created a round-up of the best reef-safe sunscreens, to take all that hard work out of being kinder to Mother Nature. But first, let’s take a more in-depth look at what ‘reef-safe’ means and how you can tell if a sunscreen is reef-safe.
WHAT EXACTLY IS REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN?
The term ‘reef-safe’ (or ‘reef-friendly’) is generally used to refer to sunscreens that are formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, which scientists have linked to the bleaching of coral reefs and the disruption of the ocean’s local ecosystems, which puts marine life in critical danger.
Bonus points go to Hawaii who passed groundbreaking legislation in May 2018 banning the sale of SPFs formulated with oxybenzone and octinoxate! Woo-hoo!
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN
Stay away from oxybenzone and octinoxate
Get checking those ingredients lists and make sure your SPF is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate. They’re the big two, but if you want to really crack down on damaging ingredients, look out for octocrylene, homosalate and any form of microplastic too.
Check for nanoparticles
The vast majority of SPFs are formulated with nanoparticles (meaning they’re less than 100 nanometres in size). Because they’re so small, they break down and dissolve in the ocean, where they can be toxic to marine life.
Look for products containing non-nanoparticles instead (these are bigger than 100 nanometres), as rather than breaking down, these larger particles simply sink and become part of the ocean sediment, posing less risk to marine life. (p.s. They’re also gentler on skin, as they sit on the skin’s surface rather than absorbing in.)
Stick to mineral-based SPFs
This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but mineral-based SPFs containing ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium oxide are generally far better for the ocean than chemical-based products. That’s because a) they tend not to contain those harmful chemicals we’ve mentioned and b) they have larger particle sizes.
Avoid other chemical nasties
Where possible, go one step further and look for products that are free from parabens, silicones and sulphates, as these aren’t great for the environment either!
THE BEST REEF-SAFE SUNSCREENS
Here are Ryan and Connor (from the {Cult Concierge} team)’s pick of the best reef-safe sunscreens…
BEST REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN OVERALL:
6
36.10€
The crème de la crème of reef-friendly sunscreen has got to be Saltee’s {Face Daily Protection Formula SPF 50}. This is actually a chemical sunscreen, but it’s completely oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free, making it that little bit safer for ocean life. What’s more, it’s also vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free and responsibly sourced, with completely recycled packaging. The best bit? It’s pumped with nourishing ingredients like avocado oil and neroli oil, lending a perfectly-primed, glowy finish.
BEST REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN FOR FACE:
17
RRP: 20.89€Current price: 16.71€
You won’t find any oxybenzone and octinoxate lurking among the ingredients of Sun Bum’s {SPF 50 Face Lotion}. You also won’t find any gluten, sulphates, parabens or cruelty – tick tick tick tick tick! Lightweight, white-cast free and enriched with vitamin E, this daily {face SPF} is a holiday handbag must-have, and the essential last step in your daily {skin care} routine.
BEST REEF SAFE BODY SUNSCREEN:
5
20.30€
Ticking all the same boxes as its face equivalent, Sun Bum’s {Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion} is kind to the environment, kind to your skin, and – as with every iconic Sun Bum formula – kind to your senses too, as it smells completely and utterly delicious!
BEST REEF-SAFE MINERAL SUNSCREEN:
19
47.40€
Formulated with zinc oxide, Dr Dennis Gross’ {All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defence SPF30} acts like a parasol, keeping skin safe, but without leaving a chalky white cast. Crammed with antioxidants, the formula helps to delay signs of ageing while halting the onset of dark spots and visible sun damage. Suitable for all skin tones and types (this is great if you’re sensitive), it’s non-greasy, swiftly absorbed and, of course, reef-safe.
BEST REEF-SAFE CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN:
If you prefer the thinner texture of chemical sunscreen (although trust us, fast-absorbing mineral options do exist!), then Saltee’s {Body Sea & Sun Lotion SPF 30} is a stellar choice. Free from the big two, as well as parabens, this sunscreen isn’t just reef-friendly, it’s vegan, cruelty-free and responsibly sourced. Oh, did we mention its unique tan accelerator to enhance your natural glow?
BEST REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:
11
50.00€
Fragrance-free and formulated with 100% zinc oxide, the {Daily Deflector Mineral Sunscreen} is a reef-safe sunscreen that is a godsend for sensitive skin. Ectoin offers natural protection from pollution, roughness and scaliness, tasmannia lanceolata leaf extract calms and reduces redness, while non-nano zinc particles (believed to be the safest option for marine life and coral reefs) absorb and deflect UV rays.
BEST REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN FOR DARK SKIN:
4
20.30€
No one wants to be left with chalky white residue on their skin after applying sunscreen. That ashy look is never the one! Enter Sun Bum’s {Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion}. Fast-absorbing, non-sticky and never guilty of leaving a telltale white cast, it’s the perfect pick for dark skin tones. It’s also enriched with vitamin E, which works to neutralise free radicals and prevent skin from falling victim to dehydration, depleting collagen stores and premature ageing.
BEST REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN WITHOUT WHITE CAST:
4
RRP: 35.03€Current price: 28.02€
Super lightweight and easy to apply, the Lancaster {Sun Beauty Protective Water SPF50} keeps you protected from the sun without feeling heavy or greasy, and without ever leaving a white cast. Simply spritz it over your body (even on wet skin) and enjoy intense hydration and an accelerated tan!
BEST NON-GREASY REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN:
This mattifying sunscreen from REN Clean Skincare is the antithesis of greasy. Harnessing the power of rice starch, it absorbs oil and controls shine for a beautiful complexion. A real eco-friendly SPF innovation, the {Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30} is not only marine life and coral reef-safe, it’s also made from the highest level of recycled packaging possible. We’re obsessed!
BEST REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN SPRAY:
11
32.00€
With 70+% certified organic ingredients and without any parabens, gluten or cruelty, this reef-safe sunscreen spray from COOLA is ‘Hawaii Reef Compliant’, vegan and widely recyclable – meaning it’s great for your skin and your conscience! Featherlight, non-greasy and both sweat- and water-resistant, this is a spray you won’t want to be without this summer.
BEST VEGAN REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN:
466
16.95€
Reef safe? Check. Vegan? Check. Cruelty-free? Check! Giving you a lit-from-within glow (that never looks oily or greasy) {Glowscreen} is a vegan SPF-cum-primer from Supergoop! is suitable for all skin types and works to flood skin with moisture so that it’s left looking supple, plump and dewy – with or without {make up}. This is your soon-to-be glow-to!
BEST REEF-SAFE LIP SUNSCREEN:
127
So that’s your face and body SPF covered, but what about your lips? The days of leaving your lips to fend for themselves while your skin sits smugly protected under SPF are o-v-e-r, and your first port of call is Ultra Violette’s {Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm SPF50}. Packed with lanolin, shea butter and cacao seed butter, this reef-friendly lip sunscreen is crafted to leave behind a bit of tinted shine and a lot of protection.
