Your Ocean-Friendly Sunscreen Guide

The ocean is so rich in life, that it is considered one of the world’s most abundant and biodiverse places. It generously provides more than 90% of the livable space on our planet. That’s why living creatures love it and more than 250,000 known species choose it for their home!

Mesmerized by the magnificent nature of our ocean, we are humbled and aware that it’s our responsibility to protect it and all the life that thrives there.

One way to do this is to be aware of the sunscreen and other cosmetics you and your family use. When we go swimming in the ocean or even when we take a shower, we wash off sunscreen (and any other cosmetics like shower gel, shampoo, etc.) that enters our rivers, lakes, and oceans.

To keep marine life healthy and happy, it’s important to choose sunscreens that contain physical UVA and UVB filters, not chemical ones. Those harmful chemicals can affect the eco-balance of the ocean, from the smallest microorganism to the biggest marine mammal. Green algae, corals, mussels, sea urchins, fish, and even dolphins can be endangered by sunscreen.

This might be overwhelming to read, but don’t worry, we have an easy and practical tip that will transform you into an ocean conservator!

When choosing a sunscreen, the first thing you should do is flip the tube over and look at the ingredients. You want to find one with active ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients form an actual physical block to shield skin from absorbing any rays. On top of that, they are also way healthier not just for the environment but also for our own skin!

Common chemicals to watch out for and avoid are listed below. Unfortunately, they are used in thousands of products to protect against the harmful effects of ultraviolet light but are also threatening to marine life. Don’t get discouraged, there are plenty of ocean-safe brands out there too!

Always check the ingredients on the label at the back of the sunscreen or personal care product to ensure that ocean-harming chemicals, such as the ones below, are not included.

  • Oxybenzone

  • Octinoxate

  • Octocrylene

  • Homosalate

  • 4-methylbenzylidene camphor

  • PABA

  • Parabens

  • Triclosan

  • Any nanoparticles or “nano-sized” zinc or titanium (if it doesn’t explicitly say “micro-sized” or “non-nano” and it can rub in, it’s probably nano-sized)

  • Any form of microplastic, such as “exfoliating beads”

Several more tips before you shop:

We advise you to choose lotions and avoid spray or misting sunscreens, especially those that contain titanium dioxide, as it can be harmful to your health if inhaled. Speaking of our health, sun protection is very important for long-term skin and overall health. Some other tips to consider during summertime are: looking for shade, staying under the umbrella, and wearing hats, sunglasses, and sun-blocking clothes.

In addition to getting informed and changing purchasing choices to protect the marine environment, it’s also important to share awareness about this issue with friends, family, and within your school community.

You can also advocate for local legislation that bans the sale and use of toxic sunscreens. For example, in 2018, Hawaii passed the first ever statewide ban on oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens, and inspired Palau, Bonaire and Aruba to follow this ocean-friendly example.

We, and our oceans, thank you.