Reef-safe sunscreen

Reef-safe sunscreens from clean beauty brands: formulas without oxybenzone and octinoxate, as stated by each brand.

What "reef-safe" means on a sunscreen label

"Reef-safe" and "reef-friendly" are marketing terms, not regulated ones. In the US there is no official test or standard behind them. In practice, brands use them to say a formula leaves out oxybenzone and octinoxate, the two chemical UV filters that Hawaii banned from sale in 2021 after research linked them to coral damage. Every sunscreen in this collection is a mineral formula that uses zinc oxide to filter UV, and each one is described as reef-safe or reef-friendly by its maker.

What we stock

How to use mineral sunscreen well

  • Pick broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, as the American Academy of Dermatology recommends.
  • Apply generously: most people use about half the amount tested in the lab. For the face, two finger-lengths is a good guide.
  • Reapply at least every two hours outdoors, and straight after swimming or sweating. "Water resistant" on a label means 40 or 80 minutes, never waterproof.

For more choice beyond reef-safe claims, see all mineral sunscreen and our wider sun care collection.

Sources

Questions

Is reef-safe sunscreen regulated?

No. "Reef-safe" and "reef-friendly" have no legal definition in the US. Brands generally use them to mean the formula leaves out oxybenzone and octinoxate. Every product here is a zinc oxide mineral sunscreen that its maker describes as reef-safe.

Which sunscreen ingredients are banned in Hawaii?

Hawaii banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate from January 1, 2021. The US Virgin Islands passed a similar rule.

Is mineral sunscreen better for sensitive skin?

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on the skin and are generally well tolerated, which is why dermatologists often suggest them for sensitive skin. Patch test any new product first.

How often should I reapply?

At least every two hours when outdoors, and immediately after swimming, sweating or towel drying, whatever the SPF number.

Do you ship sunscreen internationally?

Yes. Delivery options and costs for your country are shown at checkout. Orders usually ship from our brand partners in 1 to 4 business days.