Reef-Safe Sunscreen in Hawaii: Why You MUST Use it (and recommendations)

One of the best things about visiting Hawaii is getting to spend time in the ocean, snorkeling and swimming, experiencing the delicate undersea world. Reef safe sunscreen is an important part of this, especially as more and more people are coming to Hawaii for the first time and lathering themselves up with sunblock daily. Reef-safe sunscreen is just as effective, and can be more so, than standard sunblock and is much safer for the oceans.

Our oceans are vital to life on Earth, covering over 70% of the planet’s surface. Within these vast waters, coral reefs play a crucial role, supporting about 25% of all marine species. However, these underwater ecosystems face numerous threats, including an unexpected one: sunscreen. As you enjoy beach vacations and water activities, it’s essential to understand how your choice of sun protection can impact marine life. This guide will instruct you on the importance of reef-safe sunblock and how to make environmentally conscious choices, whether you’re here in Hawaii or someplace else.

NOTE: sunscreens containing certain reef-damaging chemicals (we’ll talk about it below) are no longer sold anywhere in Hawaii. Both the Big Island and Maui (including Molokai and Lanai) have laws in place preventing the use of reef-damaging sunblock, but Oahu and Kauai do not yet have these laws.

The Impact of Standard Sunblock on Marine Ecosystems

I think it’s safe to say that WE ALL care about the ocean and the life within and NOBODY intentionally wants to harm it. When it comes to damaging reefs and human interaction, simply not knowing can cause great harm. Each year about 2,800,000 pounds of sunscreen enter waterways around the planet. To appreciate the importance of reef-safe sunblock, you must first understand how conventional sunscreens harm marine environments. Whether you’re having a day out at Barking Sands Beach on Kauai or you’ve been in the sunshine all day long and are heading out for night snorkeling with manta rays, your choices will have an impact on the ocean.

Chemical Pollution

Many standard sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. While these effectively protect your skin from UV radiation, they’re harmful to marine life. When you shower or swim in either the ocean or swimming pool, these chemicals wash off and enter the water, where they can:

• Contribute to coral bleaching
• Disrupt coral reproduction and growth cycles
• Deform coral larvae, preventing healthy development

Yes, I noted swimming pools within this as well and yes, it’s important to use reef-safe sunscreen for pools too for a good reason. Just like how the chemicals can come off your body in the ocean when you’re swimming, the same thing happens in pool. The pool filter will then collect those chemicals and when the filter is cleaned, the chemicals are a part of the runoff that then enters the ocean. See, even swimming in a pool can have a negative impact on reefs.

Coral Bleaching

When corals are exposed to these different sunscreen chemicals, they often expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues. This process, known as bleaching, causes corals to lose their vibrant colors and primary energy source, potentially leading to their death. I’ve seen dead reefs and they are very sad looking. I was on a dive in the Florida Keys where I was able to see up close a reef that had been both bleached out AND shredded by boat anchors. Humans have an impact anywhere we go.

Bioaccumulation is another effect of not using reef-safe sunscreen. The harmful effects aren’t limited to coral and lots of other creatures also can intake the wash-off. Fish, sea urchins, and other marine organisms can absorb these chemicals, leading to:

• Disruption of hormonal systems and reproductive issues
• Accumulation of toxins up the food chain, eventually affecting larger predators and humans
• Ecosystem Imbalance; as coral reefs deteriorate, the entire marine ecosystem suffers. This can result in declining fish populations, loss of habitat for numerous species and have negative impacts on local communities relying on fishing and tourism

Finding a Good Reef-Safe Sunblock for Hawaii

One of the great things about looking for a reef-safe sunblock for Hawaii is that you don’t need to worry about it too much once you’re here. To protect marine ecosystems, it’s crucial to choose reef-safe sunscreens and both the Big Island and Maui County (Maui, Lanai, Molokai) have laws preventing dangerous products to be sold and used. On the other islands you’ll need to be more careful if you’re purchasing reef-safe sunblock once you arrive, but ultimately the most dangerous chemicals have been banned. Here’s how to identify them:

Ingredients to Avoid

As you’re looking for a reef-safe sunblock for Hawaii, watch out for the following ingredients on the labels.

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Parabens
• PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid)
• Nano-sized Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide

Ingredients to Look For

You’ll see lots of different sunblock products available online and in stores in Mainland USA and even on some Hawaiian Islands that seem like the right stuff to get. When you’re looking for a reef-safe sunscreen for Hawaii, watch for these notes which are must safer products for the ocean:

• Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
• Non-Nano Titanium Dioxide
• Natural oils and extracts (e.g., coconut oil, shea butter)
• Biodegradable formulas

Look for products labeled as “Reef Safe,” “Oxybenzone-Free” or “Hawaii Compliant”. These certifications can guide you toward more eco-friendly options to use anywhere you’re going to be getting in the water.

Recommended Reef-Safe Sunblock Products

I’m bad because I rarely use sunblock since I’m so dark skinned, but there are times when I remember that I’m not invincible. When I have to get new reef-safe sunscreen, I usually look online for whatever is following the most up-to-date guidelines. To help you make informed choices, consider these highly-rated reef-safe sunscreens (affiliate links included):

• ThinkSport SPF 50+ Sunscreen

Key Ingredient: Non-nano zinc oxide (20%)
Benefits: Broad-spectrum protection, water-resistant
Reef-Safe Features: Uses non-nano zinc oxide, biodegradable

• Badger SPF 30 Clear Zinc Sunscreen

Key Ingredient: Non-nano zinc oxide (18.75%)
Benefits: Certified organic, hypoallergenic
Reef-Safe Features: No harmful chemicals or nano-particles

• Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen

Key Ingredient: Non-nano zinc oxide
Benefits: Water-resistant, biodegradable
Reef-Safe Features: Meets stringent reef-safe standards

• All Good SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion

Key Ingredient: Non-nano zinc oxide
Benefits: Lightweight, broad-spectrum protection
Reef-Safe Features: Free from toxic and reef-damaging substances

• Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 30+

Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
Benefits: Dermatologist-recommended, fragrance-free
Reef-Safe Features: No oxybenzone, octinoxate, or parabens

Additional Steps to Protect Coral Reefs

While choosing reef-safe sunscreen is extremely important, you can take additional measures to protect marine ecosystems beyond just your sunblock. Whenever you can live life without adding any sort of chemicals, that’s a good day1

• Wear Protective Clothing: Use rash guards or long-sleeved swimwear to reduce the need for sunscreen. This not only protects the reefs but also provides better sun protection for you.

• Practice Responsible Reef Etiquette: Avoid touching coral when swimming or diving. Keep a safe distance to prevent accidental contact or damage. Remember that even seemingly harmless touches can introduce harmful bacteria.

• Support Marine Conservation: Donate to organizations working to protect coral reefs. Volunteer for local beach clean-ups or coral restoration projects. Stay informed about marine conservation efforts and policies.

• Educate Others: Share your knowledge about reef-safe sunscreens with friends and family. Encourage others to make eco-conscious choices when planning beach vacations. Use social media to spread awareness about the impact of sunscreen on marine life. I like to use my website to educate others about all kinds of things, and especially about making greener choices.

• Reduce Plastic Waste: Choose reusable water bottles and shopping bags. Avoid single-use plastics, especially when near coastal areas. Properly dispose of any plastic waste to prevent it from entering the ocean. TIP: Foodland has awesome multipurpose shopping bags that you can get all across the islands.

• Time Your Sunscreen Application: Apply sunscreen at least 15-30 minutes before entering the water. This allows the product to absorb into your skin, reducing the amount that washes off.

• Use Sunscreen Alternatives: Seek shade during peak sun hours (usually 10 am to 4 pm). Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses for additional protection.

• Support Reef-Friendly Tourism: Choose eco-certified tour operators and accommodations when traveling to coastal areas. Look for businesses that actively promote reef conservation.

• Minimize Chemical Use: Be mindful of other products you use near water, such as insect repellents or hair products. Opt for natural, biodegradable alternatives when possible.

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest research on sunscreen impacts and reef conservation. Be prepared to adapt your practices as new information becomes available.

Your choice of sunscreen and using a reef-safe sunblock may seem like a small decision, but it can have significant consequences for marine ecosystems. By opting for reef-safe sunscreens and following the additional protective measures I’ve outlined here, you can enjoy the sun and surf responsibly while helping to preserve the ocean’s delicate balance.

Remember, protecting coral reefs is not just about maintaining their beauty; it’s about preserving vital habitats that support a quarter of all marine life. Every time you choose a reef-safe sunscreen or take steps to reduce your impact on marine environments, you’re contributing to the conservation of these underwater wonders. As you plan your next beach vacation or water activity, take the time to select an appropriate reef-safe sunblock and educate those around you. Together, we can make a significant difference in protecting our oceans and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the vibrant life and beauty of coral reefs.

If you have any questions about either sun protection or visiting Hawaii’s beaches and reefs, or if you have a favorite reef-safe sunscreen product you want to share, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help others through solid information to have a great trip!