The Effects of Chemical Sunscreens on our Coral Reefs

The warmer weather this week makes me optimistic that summer is approaching. Summer makes many of us long to put our toes in the sand and spend long days at the beach, but what do you need to know about sunscreen before you purchase? Earth Day put a focus on the health of our planet and sunscreen has an impact on our ocean's health. Our partners at The Lip Balm Company shared these ocean safe tips.

 
Recent studies have found that sunscreen chemicals in many popular sun care products actually hurt corals. In fact, over the past three years, one-fifth of the world’s coral reefs have died off. Sunscreen is playing a roll and the main chemical culprits are oxybenzone and octinoxate, which convert sunburn-causing UV rays into harmless heat on human skin. Once these chemicals are in the water, they actually decrease corals’ defenses against bleaching, damaging their DNA and hurting their development.

To protect Hawaii’s precious coral ecosystems, the state’s lawmakers passed a bill in May 2018 that prohibits the sale and distribution of sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. Even if you aren’t on the beach in Hawaii, you can still make a difference. By putting our awareness into action, we can make different choices that lessen our impact on the ocean.

1. You’ve taken the first step – becoming informed
2. Choose mineral sunscreens, especially lotions with non-nano  particles
3. Look for reef safe sunscreens, that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
4. Look for broad-spectrum products, so you gain protection from both UVA and UVB rays
5. Avoid aerosol sunscreen
6. If you can, apply less personal care products before you go swimming

Our partners at The Lip Balm Company are doing their part by offering an entire line of mineral sunscreen products that are all reef safe. The main ingredient in our mineral sunscreen is zinc oxide that offers broad-spectrum coverage, reflecting UVA and UVB rays. Take time to care for the ocean while you enjoy carefree time on the beach and in the ocean by using our reef safe mineral sunscreens.Guess what? These products are on sale!