Best Reef Safe Sunscreen to Use in Hawaii to Protect Your Skin and the Coral Reefs

Did you know Hawaii has laws against using sunscreen that is not certified Reef Safe?

As someone who has visited Hawaii numerous times, I know how important it is to protect your skin while enjoying all the outdoor activities that make the island so special. I can tell you that using reef safe sunscreen in Hawaii is not just a good idea – it’s the law!

As a frequent visitor and someone who cares deeply about preserving Hawaii’s delicate ecosystem, I’ve done my research on reef safe sunscreens and am here to share my knowledge with you.

If you’re a first-time visitor trying to find sunscreen allowed in Hawaii, keep reading to learn more about reef safe options. You can trust me as an experienced traveler when I say: choosing reef safe sunscreen is not only better for your skin, it’s better for our beautiful Hawaiian reefs.

In Hawaii, protecting the environment is a way of life. And as travelers, it’s our responsibility to do our part in preserving this paradise for future generations. That’s why using reef safe sunscreen should be at the top of your packing or shopping list when visiting the Aloha State.

Not only will you avoid potential fines for non-compliance with the law, but you’ll also be doing your part in keeping our oceans healthy and thriving.

Why do the coral reefs matter?

Coral reefs are not just beautiful structures to admire while exploring the ocean, but they also play a critical role in maintaining the health of our planet. Coral reefs support a vast variety of marine life, providing habitats for countless species of fish, crustaceans, and other sea creatures. These vibrant ecosystems also act as natural barriers, protecting coastlines from erosion and storm damage.

Moreover, coral reefs are vital for sustaining the local communities and economies in Hawaii. The ocean-related activities, such as fishing and tourism, contribute significantly to the state’s economy, bringing in billions of dollars each year. Without healthy coral reefs, these industries would suffer greatly.

Unfortunately, coral reefs around the world are facing numerous threats such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing. If they continue to decline, the consequences would be devastating not only for marine life but also for humans. The loss of coral reefs would lead to a decline in fish populations and the collapse of local economies that rely on them.

It would also leave coastlines vulnerable to storms and flooding, impacting the safety and well-being of coastal communities. Therefore, it is crucial to protect and preserve these delicate ecosystems by using reef safe sunscreen while visiting Hawaii.

How to Know if Your Sunscreen Meets Hawaii’s Laws?

Starting January 1st, 2021, sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned in Hawaii due to their contribution to coral reef bleaching.

The law bans the sale, offer of sale, or distribution in the State of Hawaii of any sunscreen that contains oxybenzone or octinoxate, or both, without a prescription issued by a licensed healthcare provider to preserve marine ecosystems. Hawaii law: SB2571 SD2 HD2 CD1

Also beginning October 1, 2022, Maui now bans non-mineral sunscreens and any sunscreen that contains active ingredients other than zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

How Oxybenzone and Octinoxate Damage Coral Reefs

Oxybenzone and Octinoxate are chemicals found in many sunscreens that have been found to contribute to coral reef bleaching. These chemicals can cause harm in several ways, including damaging the DNA of corals, reducing their ability to photosynthesize, and disrupting their hormones.

Additionally, these chemicals can also accumulate in coral tissues over time, leading to long-term damage and making them more susceptible to various stressors. Ultimately, the use of sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate is a significant threat to coral reefs worldwide.

Can Mineral Based Sunscreens Damage Coral Reefs?

Mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have been deemed reef safe by the State of Hawaii. These minerals are considered to be less harmful to coral reefs compared to oxybenzone and octinoxate.

However, concerns have been raised about the use of nano-sized particles in these mineral sunscreens. When in nano form, these minerals can potentially harm coral reefs by entering their cells and causing oxidative stress.

To ensure maximum protection for both your skin and the environment, it is recommended to opt for non-nano mineral-based sunscreens or other alternative forms of sun protection while visiting Hawaii’s beautiful beaches.

Non-nano Zinc Oxide and low content non-nano Titanium Dioxide are safe for coral reefs. Opt for at least 7% Zinc Oxide.

Many sunscreens with Zinc and Titanium Dioxide are not reef-friendly because they use nanoparticles. If the package or ingredients list does not say “non-nano,” it likely contains nanoparticles.

The Difference Between Mineral Sunscreens and Chemical Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, work by sitting on top of the skin and physically blocking UV rays. They are made with natural minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which form a protective barrier on the skin.

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat that is then released from the body. These types of sunscreen contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been linked to coral bleaching.

Not only are mineral-based sunscreens considered reef safe in Hawaii, but they also offer better protection against both UVA and UVB rays compared to chemical sunscreens.

Choosing Reef Safe Sunscreen for Your Next Trip to Hawaii

When shopping for reef safe sunscreen in Hawaii, look for products that are marked as “reef safe,” “ocean safe,” or “non-toxic to coral reefs.” These labels indicate that the product does not contain harmful chemicals and is safe to use while swimming and snorkeling. Check the next section for the specific ingredients to avoid.

You can also check the ingredients list and avoid sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other potentially harmful chemicals. Instead, opt for mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide and low content titanium dioxide.

Be sure to also check the SPF rating of your sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for optimal protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

While you can bring sunscreen from home, if you are unsure if it meets all the reef safe requirements, you can only purchase reef-safe sunscreen in stores on the island. Almost all grocery stores, big-name brands such as Walgreens and ABC stores, sell reef-safe sunscreen, making it convenient for all visitors and residents.

Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid

The Heretics Environmental Laboratory has compiled a list of chemicals known as the “HEL list,” which are notorious for polluting marine ecosystems and harming wildlife such as corals, fish, mammals, turtles, and others.

These chemicals can either be absorbed into the body or washed down into the ecosystem from showering or swimming when they are present in sunscreens.

Therefore, it is best advised to avoid any ingredients in the HEL list to safeguard our environment and wildlife.

• oxybenzone
• octinoxate
• octocrylene
• homosalate
• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
• para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
• parabens
• triclosan
• any form of microplastics (e.g. exfoliating beads)

Hawaii bans sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect coral reefs.

It’s important to be cautious of marketing buzzwords like “organic”, “safe”, and “natural”.

Many products claim to be “reef-friendly,” but they may still contain harmful chemicals like homosalate and octocrylene. Just because a product doesn’t use oxybenzone and octinoxate, it doesn’t mean that it is entirely safe for the reef. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and carefully check the ingredients list for the harmful HEL chemicals mentioned above.

Hawaii Approved Sunscreen

Now that you know the importance of reef safe sunscreen, let us suggest some of the best brands of sunscreen for Hawaii that are available both on the island and purchased through Amazon or other retailers on the mainland.

Available from Retailers on the Mainland and Online

Babo Botanicals spf 50

Sun Bum Mineral Line SPF 30/50

Aveeno Baby Sunscreen SPF 50

All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Badger Sport SPF 40 Unscented Sunscreen Cream

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Manda Organic SPF 50 Sun Paste

Olita Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Raw Elements SPF 30