To quote a lecture written by journalist Mary Schmich, immortalized in the 1997 hit single by Baz Luhrmann, “If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.” Back in the nineties we knew that sunscreen was beneficial for preventing sun burn and skin cancer. What we didn’t know is that most commercial sunscreens back then, and many still to this day, contain chemicals that are harmful to both us and the environment. Coral Reefs are especially vulnerable to these chemicals. The delicate ecosystems that are fundamental to ocean life are being wiped out all over the planet by many factors but we can easily eliminate one of them by using reef safe sunscreen. So we put together this list of the best natural sunscreens that are safe for you and the life you share the water with.
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Spray
Bare Republic’s spray sunscreen hits both of the main requirements for a great sunscreen (blocking UVA and UVB rays) and exceeds them by adding a dose of amazing scent. Zinc oxide and titanium oxide act as the main ingredients in this sunscreen, meaning it does require rubbing in after spray, but we think that makes it even better because it forces you to really know where you’ve applied it. What’s better, it goes on slightly white, which also helps to prevent missing a spot. Finally, it’s water-resistant and only needs reapplication every 80 minutes.
All Good SPF 50+ Sport Sunscreen Butter Stick
This sunscreen is biodegradable, reef-safe, easy to apply, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, offers maximum UVA and UVB protection, and has a coconut oil base for moisturization and natural sun and wind protection. The thick consistency and white color of the sunscreen mean you’ll never miss a single spot and end up looking like a beach leopard. The zinc oxide base provides the strongest natural protection possible. And, of course, it’s completely reef-safe.
Manda Organic Sun Paste SPF 50
Even among its all-natural sunscreen peers, Manda stands out for its commitment to sustainability. Zinc-based sunscreens are better for the environment than chemical ones, but zinc still must be mined from the Earth. That’s why Manda’s sunscreen has a lower-than-usual zinc content, which the brand makes up for by adding thanaka, an ancient natural sunscreen made from the ground-up bark of a tree native to Myanmar. Bonus: The sweet cinnamon scent will have you dreaming about pastries during your beach nap.
Badger Healthy Body Care Lavender Sunscreen Cream SPF 30
Badger’s lavender-scented sunscreen cream is given the thumbs-up by pro divers and adventuring families alike. Swapping the traditional coconut/pina colada/teenage-perfume scent of most sunscreens, Badger offers an herbaceous aroma and subtle lavender twist that we love. We also love that the sunscreen is sweat- and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. Good-for-your-skin ingredients include organic sea buckthorn, vitamin E, and sunflower oil, and the cream protects against UVA and UVB rays with zinc oxide — a reef-safe physical blocker.
Raw Elements Face and Body SPF 30
Sport sunscreens are notorious for washing off before your water-based or sweat-inducing activity is over. However, Raw Elements’ sun lotion is “very water-resistant beyond 80 minutes,” the amount of time most sunscreens last. You’ll really appreciate that if you’re nearing the 80-minute mark on your sunscreen layer just as the waves come up or you’re having too much fun to remember to reapply. This version of its SPF 30 sunscreen comes in a recyclable tin, so there’s no plastic to worry about.
Eir NYC All-Natural Surf Mud Pro Stick SPF 50
Although best known for its organic skincare line, Eir NYC puts a huge emphasis on performance with its Surf Mud collection, which comes in this handy stick form as well as in a tin. In addition to the ray-blocking benefits of zinc, this formula utilizes the moisturizing powers of coconut oil, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and beeswax.
Coola Mineral Sun Silk Crème SPF 30
We love this silky smooth SPF because it glides onto the skin and offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Made with niacinamide, a proprietary blend of supercharged antioxidants, this formula not only mitigates skin damage but also promotes radiance and youthful-looking skin.
Note to Travelers: If you’re traveling to Hawaii then you will need one of these sunscreens because the state government does not allow sunscreens that contain reef harming chemicals on the islands. They will check your bags at customs and confiscate your sunscreen if it is not reef safe.
Sunscreen is truly a fundamental necessity for outdoor activities, even if you’re not taking your shirt off. Applying sunscreen anytime your skin is exposed to the sun for long periods of time, especially your face, will prevent damage that even the best moisturizing lotions in the world can’t fix. The sun may improve the look of your skin with a nice bronze tone in the short term but over the long term it will age your skin exponentially without proper protection. So listen to Mrs. Schmich and wear sunscreen.
