Ocean safe sunscreen refers to products that do not contain harmful chemicals that can damage marine life, particularly coral reefs. Mineral-based sunscreens are often used as a “reef-friendly” option, as they use physical UVA and UVB filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to form a physical block to shield skin from absorbing any rays. Here are some details about ocean safe sunscreen:
Positive:
- Mineral-based sunscreens are better for the marine environment than sunscreens with toxic chemicals.
- Mineral sunscreens are safe and effective.
- Mineral sunscreens are broad-spectrum, meaning they protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Some sunscreens are biodegradable and do not contain harmful ingredients linked to coral bleaching.
Negative:
- No sunscreen has been proven to be completely safe for marine life.
- The term “reef-friendly” is not regulated, so you can’t always trust products with this description.
- The size of minerals can have an impact, so be sure to use micro-sized (or non-nano) mineral sunscreens to avoid nanoparticles, as these smaller particles can be toxic in high concentrations.
Ingredients or materials:
- Mineral UV-blocking ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are safe and effective.
- Chemical filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone are harmful to marine life and should be avoided.
- Preservatives like parabens found in some sunscreens can cause coral reef bleaching.
In conclusion, ocean safe sunscreen refers to products that do not contain harmful chemicals that can damage marine life, particularly coral reefs. Mineral-based sunscreens are often used as a “reef-friendly” option, as they use physical UVA and UVB filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to form a physical block to shield skin from absorbing any rays. When choosing an ocean safe sunscreen, it is important to check the active ingredients label and avoid products with harmful chemicals.
