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Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Does It Really Make a Difference?

ByEcoOceanEscapes

If you’ve been on a dive liveaboard recently or stayed at a sustainable surf resort, you may have been advised to bring only “reef-safe sunscreen”. This request is often included in trip dossiers and/or mentioned by dive/surf guides before heading into the water. 

These days, there’s a consensus amongst the ocean-loving community that reef-safe sunscreen is the way to go.

But does switching sunscreen actually protect coral reefs or is “reef-safe” just another feel-good label?

The truth is, sunscreen alone isn’t killing reefs (more on that below), but certain ingredients do contribute to the problem. And what you put on your skin does matter at a local scale in some marine environments. 

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about reef-safe sunscreen, including what it is and what ingredients are doing the damage. We’ll also discuss what other changes you can make during your ocean adventures to help protect coral reefs. 

Sunscreen in a tube beside a woman sitting on a beach

How Sunscreen Enters Reef Ecosystems

When snorkellers, divers and surfers enter the ocean, sunscreen washes off almost immediately. Yes, that includes so-called “water-resistant sunscreen”.

In heavily tourist coastal areas, especially shallow lagoons and at popular snorkelling/diving/surfing sites, the ingredients used in sunscreens can accumulate in the water.

Research suggests that between 6,000 and 14,000 tonnes of UV filters enter coral reef areas each year. Much of this is concentrated around tourist hotspots.

While sunscreen’s impact on reefs and marine life isn’t as dramatic as climate change-induced bleaching events, the localised effects can still be significant.

"Reef safe" sunscreen isn't a regulated term and brands can use it even if their product contains potentially harmful ingredients
“Reef safe” sunscreen isn’t a regulated term and brands can use it even if their product contains potentially harmful ingredients

The Ingredients Linked to Coral Damage

Studies have identified several common sunscreen ingredients that can harm coral and other marine life:

Sunscreen pollutants have been found in waters around the globe (including Antarctica) and this has led to some destinations banning or restricting certain ingredients. 

Shallow coral reef environments are often the most susceptible to damage from chemical sunscreens
Shallow coral reef environments are often the most susceptible to damage from chemical sunscreens

What “Reef-Safe” Actually Means

Here’s the catch: “reef-safe” isn’t a regulated term. Brands can use it even if their product still contains potentially harmful chemicals.

A more meaningful distinction is between:

  • Chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV rays and often contain reef-damaging ingredients
  • Mineral sunscreens, which sit on the skin and reflect UV rays

Mineral sunscreens using non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are currently considered the least harmful option for reefs. However, even mineral sunscreens can cause issues if used excessively in fragile environments.

A swimmer in clear, shallow water
A swimmer in clear, shallow water

Is Sunscreen a Major Threat Compared to Climate Change?

No, sunscreen isn’t a major threat to coral reefs when compared with the damage being caused by climate change.

The biggest threats to coral reefs remain rising ocean temperatures and coral bleaching, as well as destructive fishing practices, coastal development and pollution from agricultural/industrial runoff. 

But sunscreen is a local, controllable stressor and it can make a difference. In areas already under pressure, reducing chemical exposure can help reefs recover and remain resilient in the face of larger-scale impacts. 

Switching products is something that’s within all of our means – think of it as harm reduction for coral reefs.  

A bird's-eye view of surfers off a rocky coastline
A bird’s-eye view of surfers off a rocky coastline

When Reef-Safe Sunscreen Makes the Biggest Difference

In reality, the impact of chemical sunscreens is far lower in open ocean environments, such as offshore surf breaks and deep-water dive sites.

But does that mean you shouldn’t make the switch to a reef-safe option? Not at all! Even small actions matter. 

The chemicals in sunscreen wreak the most havoc in near-shore environments and shallow reef systems where water circulation is limited. Marine parks with high-volume tourism often bear the brunt of the issue, due to the sheer amount of sunscreen being used. 

Highly touristed marine parks are often the most susceptible to coral damage due to chemical sunscreen pollutants
Highly touristed marine parks are often the most susceptible to coral damage due to chemical sunscreen pollutants

Opting for Smarter Sun Protection

Rather than just switching to a reef-safe sunscreen and applying it in the same quantities, the most reef-friendly option is to use less sunscreen overall. 

Instead of going out in the water with exposed skin, consider wearing a rash guard or a long-sleeve surf top and leggings. Always wear a hat when surfing and use reef-safe sunscreen on any exposed areas of skin, such as your face and hands. 

For divers, plan your dives so you are spending as little time at the water’s surface as possible. And when you’re on a boat or at the beach, wear a hat and UV clothing, rather than lathering up again and again. 

When sunscreen is necessary, look for mineral-based formulas and non-nano zinc oxide, as these smaller particles can be toxic in high concentrations. Also, consider products that come in reusable or recyclable containers, rather than single-use plastic packaging. 

Choosing reef-safe sunscreen is a small step we can all take to protect coral reefs
Choosing reef-safe sunscreen is a small step we can all take to protect coral reefs

So, Does Reef-Safe Sunscreen Really Matter?

Yes! Choosing reef-safe sunscreen is a small, meaningful action that we can all take to reduce localised harm, especially in sensitive reef environments.

Granted, it won’t stop coral bleaching or climate change (which are the bigger issues). But it’s part of a broader ethic of responsible ocean use that we should all be embracing. 

If you surf, dive or snorkel regularly, your cumulative impact does add up. And why cause damage when you can just as easily switch to a reef-safe sunscreen option?

Aside from sunscreen choices, think about ways you can reduce the amount of sunscreen you use out in the ocean. By making simple changes, you’ll be protecting your skin, the reef and the ocean we all love so much. 

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