Let’s do the world a solid and stop unnecessarily polluting our ocean. An easy way to do this is to use water-resistant reef-safe sunscreens, especially when you’re headed in the ocean.
Coral reefs around the world are having a tougher time thriving with worldwide ocean warming. Other things that can be catastrophic are the incessant chemicals spilling over the coral. This is especially problematic in touristy areas, where people don’t use reef-safe sunscreens.
There’s also reefs all over the world, so this isn’t just important while on vacation or in a tropical location. Water-resistant reef-safe sunscreen is good for everywhere and it also protects all skin from the burning sun.
So to celebrate protecting skin and the reefs of the world, I’m sharing a few of the best water-resistant reef-safe sunscreens. These products are budget-friendly, but are definitely more expensive than the traditional waterproof sunscreens. I’ve linked to the Amazon page to see each of these products and for a location-specific price reference and to see what it looks like.
Table of Contents
Beauty by Earth Mineral Body Sunscreen
I came across this company of USA made and owned products, which are reef-safe and good on your skin. This particular sunscreen is only SPF 25, but with its well-balanced ingredients its safe to use in and out of the water.
This is also a naturally scented product which doesn’t smell like typical sunscreen, although it does still contain some coconut smell. What’s interesting about this product and company is that there’s a discount to order the products on subscription to save some money. Or, if you don’t want to be in the sun but still get that glow, check out the company’s natural self-tanning products!
Ethical Zinc Mineral Sunscreen
Zinc-based sunscreens were some of the first I tried that were reef-safe—and the results were really mixed. The problem with most is that leave a thick white film over the skin. Ethical Zinc’s is a natural and clear formula so this doesn’t happen.
This Australia-made sunscreen has a 50+ SPF, which is the highest rating in Australia. Check out the link to see a clear list of its natural ingredients, how they’re derived and what their purposes are. Otherwise, try out the lotion yourself!
Solimo Sport Sunscreen Lotion
After surely reading and analyzing many other sunscreens and their reviews, Amazon developed its own reef-friendly sunscreen under the name Solimo. This sports edition with SPF 50, is free of octinoxate and oxybenzone, which are the known culprits of reef damage.
Not only does this product have all the natural ingredients and water-resistant capabilities to be a good sunscreen, it’s also a great budget option. An added benefit of this product, is that Amazon has aimed to reduce its packaging. This is done by limiting the extra air, and water in the product so there’s less shipping and packaging.
Badger Active Sunscreen $15
I came across this brand when I used to work at Whole Foods Market, so I knew the ingredients were safe. This product is made of 98 percent organic ingredients, with a clear zinc skin protectant. It’s only water resistant for 40 minutes in the water, but it’s a realistic time for swimming.
The bottle is made with a mix of new and post-consumer recycled plastic. Other products from this company stand true to their organic, non-GMO nature.
Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion
This list of water resistant reef-friendly sunscreens wouldn’t be complete without Sun Bum. The company has only been around since 2010, but it oddly feels so much older than that. From their marketing to product design and ingredients list, Sun Bum has been going strong for over a decade.
That notable yellow monkey face is sold wherever quality sunscreens are sold, yes even in the drugstores, chemists and pharmacies. The company now makes hair care and lip care along with its sunscreen products. The products aren’t just reef-safe, but also free of cruelty, sulfate, paraben, gluten and they’re vegan. The sunscreens also have a woody design, so they seamlessly blend into nature. I linked to the non-mineral formula, but the company also does have mineral options.
Two Peas Organics All Natural Organic Sunscreen
Organic products and supporting organic companies do more than just provide quality sun care. It also promotes other organizations which develop organic products and ingredients. Which will hopefully make for a happier environment and planet. Two Peas Organics has this wonderful SPF 30 All Natural Organic Sunscreen which does exactly that, take care of the planet and our skin.
This product does leave a white layer, but it can be helpful to see where the sunscreen has been applied or not. Due to its organic ingredients list, this sunscreen is also best for sensitive skin of all ages. So slop it on and enjoy the sun.
All Good Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Last on this list of water-resistant, reef-safe sunscreens is the company All Good with its Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. What caught my attention about this company is it’s not just a Certified B Corporation, it’s also 1% for the Planet, and Climate Neutral Certified. Those are a whole lot of important certifications, never mind its natural ingredients, this company is worth the price and the hype.
There’s also a whole lot of products on the All Good line, there’s a Tinted Mineral Sunscreen, lip balm sunscreen, Sunscreen Butter, Sunstick and kids options. There’s even an option to buy a few of these products as a package on Amazon.
To learn more about natural beauty, check out natural mosquito-repellant options and natural shampoos to find the best sustainable and natural options!
