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Your Maui vacation will include plenty of sun. That means you need to lather up and protect yourself against the sun’s strong UV rays. And while traditional sunscreen provides you protection, it fails to protect our amazing underwater world of coral reefs. Fortunately, there’s reef-safe sunscreen, protecting you and our reefs from damage. (As of October 2022, Maui County banned the sale, distribution, and use of non-mineral sunscreens, which means no chemical-based sunscreens can be used on the island.)
As we start to prioritize the protection of our coral reefs, reef-safe sunscreen is becoming more popular. But still, it may be challenging to find. We’ve compiled a list of the best reef-safe sunscreens to make it easier for you to not only protect yourself, but also our coral reefs.
If you’re in Maui for one day, one week, or longer and need reef-safe sunscreen, visit our Maui Ocean Treasures gift shop. Not only do we have great reef-safe options to buy, but you can also explore our locally-made gifts and homemade fudge to bring back home!
The Importance of Reef Safe Sunscreen
Think of coral reefs like the rainforests of the ocean. We all want to protect our rainforests and the vast amount of life that call these forests home. The same is true about our coral reefs. They provide food and shelter for countless marine species, and protect our coastlines from erosion. But our reefs face many threats, including climate change, pollution, and yes, the sunscreen you wear.
Traditional sunscreens often contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate. These ingredients can disrupt coral reproduction, hinder their ability to fight off disease, and contribute to coral bleaching, a process where stressed coral expel the algae that gives them color and nutrients. The latter point often leads to death.
While a little sunscreen may not seem like a big deal, think of the thousands of people who swim in Maui’s waters, surf Maui’s waves, and snorkel amongst Maui’s beautiful coral reefs. (Estimates note that around 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter our oceans every year worldwide.) The point is, it adds up and this cumulative effect poses a real threat.
Here’s where reef-safe sunscreen differs. Reef-safe sunscreens use mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on top of your skin and deflect UV rays, unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays. These mineral ingredients are generally considered much less harmful to coral reefs, putting the health of our oceans and the species that call them home above all else.
12 Best Reef Safe Sunscreen Brands
1. Best Overall: Maui Vera Mineral Sunscreen
Maui Vera offers this 30 SPF reef-safe mineral sunscreen formulated with zinc oxide to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Their formula consists of 70 percent organic ingredients and is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, both of which can harm coral reefs. This reef-friendly sunscreen is designed to be gentle on your skin and the environment making it our favorite as the best overall reef-safe sunscreen.
You can also find it at our Maui Ocean Treasures gift shop!
2. Best for All Outdoor Activities: Hawaiian Sol 50 SPF Mineral Sunscreen Spray
Hawaiian Sol Mineral Sunscreen Spray is a great reef-safe, broad-spectrum sunscreen that uses non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The company, Caribbean Sol, was founded out of a concern for the environment and the impact that traditional sunscreens had on coral reefs. They developed this sunscreen formula to not only protect your skin, but also the environment. Because it’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes, this sunscreen is great for all outdoor activities, whether in or out of the water.
This sunscreen is also available at our Maui Ocean Treasures gift shop.
3. Best for Water Sports: Thinksun Thinksport SPF 50 Clear Zinc Sunscreen
This reef-safe sunscreen from Thinksun offers strong sun protection (SPF 50) and is ideal for water sports enthusiasts. Its mineral-based, non-nano zinc oxide provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection without leaving that white, noticeable cast. It’s formulated with nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E, aloe vera, and jojoba oil to keep skin hydrated and comfortable during extended sun exposure, and is water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes.
4. Best for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
A perfect choice for sensitive skin, Blue Lizard’s Sensitive formula offers broad spectrum SPF 50+ protection with zinc oxide, a mineral that reflects UV rays without irritating your skin. It also skips harsh chemicals, parabens, and fragrances that can trigger sensitivities noticeable with traditional sunscreens. This reef-safe sunscreen protects both your skin and the environment by omitting the ingredients—like oxybenzone and octinoxate—harmful to coral reefs.
5. Best for Sustainability: Badger Sport Mineral 40 SPF Sunscreen Cream
Badger Sport is made with just four ingredients designed to nourish and protect your skin, and prioritize the safety of our reefs. Its formula is GMO-free and contains 98 percent organic ingredients. Badger’s SPF 40 and broad spectrum protection is effective and is water resistant up to 80 minutes. Because it’s packaged in a 50 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) tube and is made with solar power, we felt it appropriate to give this a nod to sustainability.
6. Best for Travel: Reef Repair SPF 30 Sunscreen
Reef Repair is a great choice for travel because it combines portability with a reef-safe formula, and broad spectrum protection for you. The 50ml bottle is perfect for carry-on luggage, so you don’t have to worry about checking a bag or running out of sunscreen. It offers SPF 30 protection against UVA, UVB, and UVA II rays, and is made with natural, biodegradable ingredients that are gentle on your skin and free of harsh chemicals. This means it’s safe for you and our reefs.
7. Best for Face: Vertra Invisible Sunscreen SPF 45 Face Stick
Vertra’s mineral formula provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection and is water-resistant for 80 minutes. The fragrance-free, non-greasy formula glides on clear (although there may be slight variations due to natural ingredients) and leaves a comfortable, matte finish. Plus, it’s paraben-free, cruelty-free, and travel-friendly, so you can take this sun protection wherever you go. As an easy application for your face, you can know you and the reefs are protected.
8. Best Natural Scent: Kōkua Sun Care Natural Zinc Sunscreen
Kōkua Sun Care’s tinted sunscreen offers daily sun protection of SPF 30 with a reef-safe formula. This natural zinc sunscreen boasts a faint scent of coffee and vanilla from natural extracts, which is why we awarded it with the best natural scent. The creamy texture rubs in clear without silicones, making it perfect for everyday wear or a day at the beach.
9. Best Mix of Natural Ingredients: Thrive Skincare BodyShield 50
This SPF 50 sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection and is water-resistant without harming coral reefs. It uses natural ingredients like pine rosin and zinc oxide for sun protection, and plant extracts to soothe your skin. Unlike some sunscreens, this one absorbs quickly and leaves no white residue or greasy feeling. Aside from being reef-safe, it’s plant and mineral based, cruelty-free, GMO-free, and vegan, with the packaging made from recycled plastic.
10. Best Water-Resistant: Maui Surfer Honey Natural Sunscreen
Maui Surfer offers SPF 30 protection in a great reef-safe formula. This Hawaii-made lotion is free of oxybenzone, petrochemicals, and nanoparticles, making it gentle on both your skin and the environment. Its water resistance ability lasts for up to 80 minutes, ideal for enjoying water activities, For more local bonus points, it also contains Maui-grown essential oils for a pleasant scent.
11. Best Spray: Raw Elements SPF 50 Face + Body Spray
Raw Elements brings a gentle and moisturizing sunscreen that provides powerful broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It’s also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and extracts to nourish and protect your skin. A great reef-friendly and environmentally conscious option, combined with its easy-to-spray ability, makes this sunscreen the perfect choice for people seeking full-body protection.
12. Best for Kids & Families: Hello Bello SPF 50 Kids Mineral Sunscreen Spray
Hello Bello’s Mineral Sunscreen Spray is a great option for families with kids because it offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection using non-nano minerals, which is gentle on children’s skin. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great option for splashing in the pool or playing at the beach. Plus, it’s free of ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can be harmful to coral reefs. A lightweight and non-greasy spray containing aloe and banana extracts soothes your child’s skin and protects them from the sun.
Key Ingredients in Reef Safe Sunscreens
Two key ingredients in reef-safe sunscreen are the mineral ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They’ll help protect you against the sun and protect our coral reefs from your sunscreen.
Zinc oxide is the most common mineral ingredient used in reef-safe sunscreens. It works by reflecting both UVA and UVB rays away from your skin. Zinc oxide comes in two forms: non-nano and nano. Non-nano particles are larger and generally considered safer for coral reefs.
Titanium dioxide is also effective against UVA and UVB rays and sits on your skin’s surface to reflect these rays, similar to zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide is generally well-tolerated, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin.
Depending on the brand, you may also find ingredients including natural oils—like coconut oil or shea butter—to help keep your skin hydrated, as well as plant extracts or natural thickeners.
Ingredients to Avoid
When choosing a reef-safe sunscreen, you’ll want to avoid products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. These are the two most common chemicals linked to coral reef damage and are often found in traditional sunscreens. Labels will—or at least should—specifically state “reef-safe,” “oxybenzone-free,” or “octinoxate-free.”
Tips for Using Reef Safe Sunscreen
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your reef-safe sunscreen:
- Don’t skimp on the amount. Most adults need about 1 ounce (about a shot glass full) of sunscreen to adequately cover their entire body.
- Pay attention to hard-to-reach or neglected spots like your lips, the tops of your shoulders, and around your eyes (which you can use a reef-safe zinc oxide stick).
- Don’t forget to reapply. While reef-safe sunscreens tend to be water-resistant, you’ll want to reapply every couple of hours.
- Let it all dry before entering the water so it can form a protective layer and not immediately wash away.
- Don’t forget the right sun-protective clothes to assist with blocking out those harmful UV rays.
Popular Brands—Reef Safe or Not?
Is Neutrogena Sunscreen Reef Safe?
Neutrogena does offer some reef-safe sunscreens. You can read about their thoughts on reef-safe sunscreen here.
Is Banana Boat Sunscreen Reef Safe?
Some of Banana Boat’s sunscreen products are made with mineral ingredients, making them safe for reefs. Be sure to read the ingredients label if you’re unsure.
Is Blue Lizard Sunscreen Reef Safe?
Yes, Blue Lizard does have reef-safe sunscreen products. They will have a “We Love the Reef” seal on the front of the product indicating it is free of harmful chemicals towards coral reefs.
Is Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Reef Safe?
Some of Hawaiian Tropic’s sunscreen products are mineral-based and generally considered to be reef-safe.
Is Alba Sunscreen Reef Safe?
Alba does have a line of mineral sunscreens that say they don’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxate.
Is Sun Bum Sunscreen Reef Safe?
Sun Bum has sunscreen products that are considered mineral and reef-safe. In the filter navigation, you can sort by “Hawaiian Act 104 Reef Compliant” and by “Mineral.”
We know you want to enjoy your time under the Maui sun. We also know sometimes you need a break. Come see us at Maui Ocean Center and continue your amazing Hawaiian journey with our experiences, exhibits, and tons of other offerings great for the whole family. Get your tickets today!
When traveling to Maui there will never be a shortage of things and places to see. Make sure you’re always abiding by local and cultural laws when exploring the natural beauty of Maui and most importantly, relax! That’s what you came to do after all.
