Reef-Safe Sunscreen PLEASE!

Reef-Safe Sunscreen PLEASE! – In January of 2021 Hawaii banned the sale of sunscreens that contain coral harming ingredients. 

Here are some local brands that can be found in some stores and farmers markets. 

Little Hands ~ https://littlehandshawaii.com/

Raw Love ~ https://rawlovesunscreen.com/

Kokua Sun Care ~ https://www.kokuasuncare.com/

Keep in mind that big brands are not always fully honest in their “reef safe” and “reef friendly” labels. 

Watch out for tricky labeling! Brands like Coppertone, Aveeno, Neutrogena, Alba and more have all been caught mis-labeling! Check labels and of course the best bet is to go local brah! 

What does “Reef-safe” or “Reef-friendly” Sunscreen Mean? Terms like “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” are typically used to identify sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two common UV-blocking chemicals, that studies have shown can cause coral bleaching. Additionally, look out for Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor, and Octocrylene. These can affect corals’ reproductive cycle, damage DNA, and worsen the effects of coral bleaching.

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html