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I looked at the active ingredients for each sunscreen and researched how harmful they are to marine ecosystems, comparing different definitions and standards of what “reef-safe” means around the world.
#Coola sunscreen baby skin#
In addition to my personal experience with reef-safe sunscreens, I looked at dermatologist recommendations and online reviews from other buyers of various ages, colors, genders, and skin conditions. I’ve been using reef-safe sunscreen for years, from budget brands from box stores to more expensive options bought at resort gift shops in a hurry. But perhaps more importantly, I have very pale skin and am an avid scuba diver, having dived on everything from Caribbean reefs to deep-water shipwrecks in Indonesia. I focus on outdoor travel and adventure, so I’m familiar with techniques to be a more sustainable and earth-friendly traveler. How we chose the best reef-safe sunscreens
Best SPF lip balm: Rubber Ducky Mineral Lip Balm. Best tinted: Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer.
Best solid sunscreen: All Good SPF 50 Stick. Best for acne-prone skin: Nécessaire: The Sunscreen. Best spray: Blue Lizard Mineral Active Spray. These ocean-safe sunblocks are accessible, affordable, and work just as well as traditional chemical-based sunscreens when used correctly. We rounded up nine of the best reef-safe sunscreens on the market to ensure you’re protecting your skin and keeping the oceans oxybenzone-free. Fortunately, in the last few years, a host of new reef-safe (also called reef-friendly) sunscreens have become available to consumers. Damaging UV rays fall into two categories: UVA and UVB rays, both of which can cause skin damage, like early aging or burning, and can eventually contribute to skin cancer. But many sunscreen brands have a problem: they include chemicals that are bad for the oceans and the planet. When it comes to being out in the sun, wearing sunscreen is non-negotiable-and if you care about the oceans, you’ll want to reach for reef-safe sunscreen.