Protecting Coral Reefs with Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Coral reefs are vibrant ecosystems that support marine biodiversity, protect coastlines, and contribute to local economies through tourism and fishing. Unfortunately, these ecosystems are under threat from pollution, overfishing and even something as seemingly harmless as sunscreen.
Many conventional sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to cause coral bleaching, damage coral DNA, and disrupt the development of marine life. When swimmers and snorkelers enter the ocean wearing these sunscreens, the chemicals can wash off into the water and accumulate over time, harming the delicate reef environment.
Reef-safe sunscreen is formulated without these harmful ingredients. Instead, it typically uses mineral-based active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in non-nano form, which sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays without dissolving in water or harming marine life.
By choosing reef-safe sunscreen, beachgoers and ocean lovers can help protect coral reefs from further decline. It’s a small switch that makes a big difference—preserving underwater ecosystems for generations to come.
So the next time you head to the beach, check the label and go reef-safe. Coral reefs—and the marine creatures that depend on them—will thank you.