In July 2018, Hawai'i lawmakers passed a bill that will prohibit the sale of over-the-counter sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals have been found to contribute to the destruction of coral reefs and other ocean life. And if you know anything about Hawai'i ocean life, you know how vastly important it is to the life of the entire islands. The bill takes effect January 1, 2021, but many folks are already making the switch to reef-safe sunblock.

 

 

Hawai'i's sunscreen ban is the first of its kind in the world. Studies have shown that the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate cause bleaching, deformities, DNA damage, and ultimately death in coral. Most common sunscreen brands like Banana Boat, Coppertone, and Hawaiian Tropic contain these chemicals, which get deposited into the ocean when sunscreen is washed off beachgoers or through wastewater treatment deposits. Now, some major brands are already rolling out new formulas free of these harmful chemicals, but do not be surprised when you start to see them less and less on local store shelves. 

 

Some critics of the ban worry about the potential rise in skin cancer and other health issues as a result of fewer choices in sunscreen. However, there are reef-safe alternative ingredients that can be used in sunscreen formulas. So while this new ban might disrupt sales for larger companies, it has opened up opportunity for a number of local brands to capitalize on the growing market of consumers already making the switch to reef-safe sunblock. Supporting local business AND saving the reef?  Sounds like a win-win!

 

 

Reef Safe Sunscreen

Below is a list of just a few brands you can use to get all of the UV protection you need, without the harmful chemicals!

 

Hawai'i-based brands

Mama Kuleana Waterproof SPF 30 Reef-safe Sunscreen

 

Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian SPF 50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen

 

Little Hands Hawaii SPF 35+ All-natural and Organic Sunscreen

 

Raw Love SPF 35 All-natural Mineral Sunscreen

 

Other Brands

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Clear Spray Sunscreen, Nourishing Coconut SPF 50

Thinksport SPF 50 Sunscreen

All Good SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion

Babo Botanicals SPF 30 Clear Zinc Lotion

Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen

Badger SPF 30 Unscented Sunscreen Cream

Raw Elements SPF 30 Certified Natural Sunscreen

Stream2Sea SPF 30 Mineral Sunblock

Loving Naturals Clear Body SPF 30+ All-natural Sunscreen

Reef Safe Oxybenzone Free Biodegradable SPF 50 Sunscreen

Banana Boat Simply Protect SPF 50+ Sunscreen (spray, not lotion)