9 Reef Safe Sunscreens: Your guide to helping the planet
Looking for reef-safe sunscreens free from harmful chemicals for your next snorkeling trip in Palau? Well, you're in luck because our team of exceptional leaders has put together a comprehensive guide to their favorite coral reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreens, now including a fantastic option from ma Naturelle!
Miru's 9 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens
Sunbutter Skincare
ma Naturelle
Badger Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream
Blue Lizard
Manda Organic Sunscreen
CeraVe Sunscreen Stick
Raw Elements Eco Formula
ThinkSport SPF 50
Stream2Sea
Sunbutter Skincare
In 2016, Sacha Guggenheimer and Tom Hiney, marine biologist and conservation ecologist respectively, recognized the detrimental effects of chemical sunscreens on marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs.
While working on the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, they faced a dilemma between the necessity for sun protection and their commitment to preserving the marine environment. This led to the creation of SunButter™, a sunscreen that provides the highest sun protection factor without compromising skin health or the ocean's wellbeing. SunButter, Australia's first reef-safe sunscreen, emerged from their dedication, packaged in reusable and recyclable tins to further minimize environmental impact.
SunButter’s growth since 2019 is a testament to its pioneering approach in the skincare industry, marrying effective sun protection with environmental ethics. All products comply with Australia’s stringent sunscreen standards and encapsulate the company's mantra, "Protecting People & The Planet."
Through innovative formulations like their vegan surf zinc, SunButter sets a benchmark for eco-conscious skincare, safeguarding both human health and the vibrancy of marine life.
Ma Naturelle Sunscreen: Portugal's Pioneer in Reef-Safe Protection
At the forefront of our list is ma Naturelle's sunblock, distinguished as Portugal's first reef-safe, chemical-free sunblock, crafted in the beautiful coastal town of Nazaré. Available in SPF 30 and 50, this sunscreen champions an organic, reef-safe formula that ensures the protection of our oceans.
Developed for those who prioritize gentle, natural sun protection, Ma Naturelle combines biological organic ingredients with eco-conscious principles. Its innovative design features sustainable packaging complemented by an easy-to-use airless pump, enabling mess-free application and minimizing waste.
Offering broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, this water-resistant sunscreen is perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities, from swimming to exploring the rugged shores of Nazaré.
Its fragrance-free formula is meticulously formulated to cater to sensitive skin, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sun safely without compromising on environmental values.
Badger Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream
Founded on the belief in sustainable organic agriculture as a beacon for the future, Badger's SPF 30 Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream marries the founder, Badger Bill Whyte’s vision with practical, environmentally responsible skincare.
The cream is meticulously crafted from five simple, 98% organic ingredients, free from GMOs, and anchored by mineral zinc oxide for broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. It’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, catering to quick dips and light outdoor activities.
Designed to be as nurturing as it is protective, its antioxidant-rich, waterless formula features Vitamin E, organic sunflower oil, beeswax, and seabuckthorn extract, moisturizing and shielding skin without the use of harsh chemicals.
True to Badger’s commitment to the planet, the sunscreen is reef-friendly, cruelty-free, and housed in a tube made from 50% post-consumer recycled content, all produced using solar energy. This synthesis of product integrity and eco-consciousness reflects Badger’s holistic approach to healthful, sustainable living.
Blue Lizard Australian Mineral Sunscreen 50+
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen’s SPF 50+ mineral-sensitive sunscreen, co-developed with dermatologists, offers unparalleled protection against 97% of the sun's burning rays with a formula starting with Zinc Oxide for broad spectrum defense.
Its commitment to sensitive skin is evident through the exclusion of skin-irritating chemicals, parabens, and fragrances, relying instead on mineral ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide that act as tiny mirrors to reflect UV rays away.
Beyond safeguarding skin, Blue Lizard champions coral reef preservation by avoiding Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, aligning with their "We love the reef" philosophy. This paraben-free, fragrance-free formula boasts 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance, doubling the protection duration of its predecessor and standing as a testament to the brand’s dedication to health, skin sensitivity, and environmental responsibility.
Manda Organic Sunscreen SPF 50
Manda Organic Sunscreen SPF 50 stands out as a pioneering organic sun cream, distinguished by its incorporation of Thanaka, a natural protectant revered in Myanmar for over two millennia. This groundbreaking formula, extending from the success of MANDA’s Organic Sun Paste, achieves full body SPF 50 coverage through a smooth, creamy texture suitable for all-over application.
Crafted from the finest quality, food-grade, all-natural, and organic ingredients, MANDA Organic Sun Creme ensures a non-toxic, kid-friendly, and reef-safe option, devoid of harmful chemicals, synthetics, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.
Thanaka, derived from the wood of a tree indigenous to Myanmar, not only offers exceptional sun protection but also boasts anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and moisturizing properties, making it a cornerstone of MANDA’s sun care range.
In addition to its health benefits, Thanaka's use emphasizes sustainability and environmental regeneration, aligning with MANDA’s commitment to minimizing ecological impact. MANDA takes pride in its eco-friendly packaging, utilizing a unique bio-plastic tube made from bio-based sugar cane polyethylene, a renewable alternative to traditional plastics, ensuring the package is fully recyclable in existing streams.
This innovative approach reflects MANDA’s dedication to performance, environmental consciousness, and the promotion of natural wellness through sustainable practices.
CeraVe SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Solid Stick
CeraVe SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Solid Stick offers an innovative solution for sun protection, combining convenience with effectiveness in a reef-friendly formula. This oxybenzone-free sunscreen stick is designed for both initial application and easy touch-ups, providing broad-spectrum SPF 50 coverage with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect harmful UVA/UVB rays.
Its lightweight, 100% mineral-based formula is fragrance-free, oil-free, and ideal for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. Enhanced with three essential ceramides, it not only protects from the sun but also helps restore the skin’s natural barrier, ensuring moisture is locked in and the skin remains healthy.
With a water-resistant duration of up to 40 minutes and compliant with Hawaii's environmental regulations, which ban harmful chemicals to protect coral reefs, the CeraVe Sunscreen Stick is perfect for anyone seeking powerful, broad-spectrum sun protection that is easy to apply and leaves a clear finish, ensuring that you stay protected anywhere and at any time.
Raw Elements Eco Formula 30+
Raw Elements Eco Formula 30+ is crafted for the environmentally conscious consumer seeking effective, full-body sun protection. Utilizing only certified all-natural ingredients, this mineral sunscreen offers true UVA-UVB broad-spectrum coverage, ensuring comprehensive protection from the sun's harmful rays.
Designed to meet the demands of active outdoor lifestyles, it boasts exceptional water resistance for over 80 minutes, making it a reliable shield during prolonged aquatic activities. Yet, its gentle and moisturizing formula is perfectly suited for children, enriched with biologically active antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and extracts that continue to nourish and protect the skin long after sun exposure.
Embodying a commitment to environmental stewardship, Raw Elements has introduced packaging made from a biodegradable Bio-Resin derived from sugarcane waste, significantly reducing plastic waste and further safeguarding our planet. With SPF 30+ for broad-spectrum protection, this reef-safe formula is safe for all ages, does not run or sting the eyes, and is free from soy, gluten, and nuts, making it an inclusive option for comprehensive sun safety.
THINKSPORT SPF 50
ThinkSport SPF 50 stands out as an award-winning choice among athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and the environmentally conscious. Endorsed with a top rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), this sunscreen is a testament to ThinkSport's commitment to safe, natural, and effective sun protection.
Its formula, dermatologist tested and free from harmful chemicals, utilizes non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB defense, ensuring it's suitable for all skin types without leaving a greasy residue or significant white cast.
ThinkSport prioritizes health and environmental responsibility, offering an organic, BPA-free, biodegradable, and non-aerosol formula that is not only reef-safe but also free of PABA, parabens, phthalates, oxybenzone, avobenzone, and other toxic chemicals.
Manufactured in the USA, it boasts features like 80 minutes of water resistance, ease of application for both face and body, and immediate protection upon application. Constantly rated "1" by EWG since 2010, ThinkSport Safe Sunscreen is an exemplary choice for daily use by those who demand high-performance protection without compromising on safety or ethical standards.
Stream2Sea SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen
Stream2Sea SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen emerges as a paramount choice for eco-conscious individuals, blending potent sun protection with uncompromised environmental stewardship. Crafted with non-nano Titanium Dioxide for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB defense, it transcends conventional formulations by ensuring its reef-safe credentials through exhaustive aquatic toxicity testing.
This sunscreen not only shields human skin but also guards marine life, adhering to the highest standards for eco-friendliness with packaging derived from sugarcane resin—a sustainable and biodegradable alternative. Enriched with nurturing extracts like green tea, cucumber, and organic aloe, it offers a soothing, antioxidant-rich experience suitable for sensitive skin types.
Stream2Sea's dedication to conservation is reflected in every aspect of its product, making it an ideal addition to any environmentally responsible sun care routine, and a perfect candidate to be the ninth choice on a list committed to protecting both skin and sea.
Reef safety is essential to the animals that live in reef ecosystems and the people who visit them. An estimated 450 million people depend on reefs for their livelihood, and reef tourism generates billions of dollars each year.
Do you have a favorite reef-safe sunscreen that we didn't mention? Let us know in the comments below.
