Invest in one of the best reef-safe and eco-friendly sunscreens and you can ensure you are protecting both the oceans and your skin while on board.For sailors who spend their time on the water under the glare of the sun, keeping your skin safe from harmful UV rays is vital. But protecting the oceans is equally important. Choosing an eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen is one way to ensure you are doing both.
\nAccording to Karmagawa charity\u2019s Save the Reef project, scientists have estimated that 14,000 tons of sunscreen are deposited into the oceans each year. And with many mainstream products containing ingredients that are damaging to the health of reefs and other marine life, the build-up of these chemicals can have a dramatic impact on ocean ecosystems.
\nAs the United Nations Environment Programme has specified, coral reefs may only cover 0.2% of the seafloor, but they support at least 25% of all marine species \u2013 and approximately 14% of the world\u2019s coral has already been lost since 2009. The US National Ocean Service details the most dangerous ingredients for coral reefs in sunscreen as;
\n\u2013 Oxybenzone
\n\u2013 Octinoxate
\n\u2013 Octocrylene
\n\u2013 Benzophenone-1
\n\u2013 Benzophenone-8
\n\u2013 OD-PABA
\n\u2013 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor
\n\u2013 3-Benzylidene camphor
\nSave the Reef has also urged consumers to watch out for Homosalate, Triclosan and any Parabens on ingredient lists which can damage reefs and marine life. It\u2019s also been widely acknowledged that Zinc and Titanium oxides \u2013 the key active ingredients in sunscreen for protection against UVA and UVB rays \u2013 need to be specified as \u201cnon-nano\u201d in order to be reef-safe.
\nWhile large-scale threats like overfishing and industrial-level pollution can seem like an overwhelming problem to the health of our oceans, a simple switch to a reef-safe sunscreen is an achievable step that every sailor can make to help protect the waters we love. Below, we round up our favourites.
\n8 of the best reef-safe sunscreens<\/p>\n
Kokua Sun Care SPF 50 reef-safe natural zinc sunscreen
\nOur favourite tried and tested reef-safe sunscreen
\nDeveloped in Hawaii by a couple with a sailing background, K\u014dkua Sun Care sunscreen has been designed for sailors. Offering up to SPF 50 protection, these products are water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, while still comprising only reef-safe and vegan ingredients, mainly derived from local sources in Hawaii.
\nIt won\u2019t sting your eyes, feels non-stick to apply, doesn\u2019t leave any visible white cast, and will also nourish your skin like a moisturiser. What\u2019s more, it comes in eco-friendly, recyclable packaging.
\nWhile the 89ml\/3oz tube can pass through security in your hand baggage, the smaller size of the product means it\u2019ll run out more quickly and makes it more expensive per ml.
\nIts water-resistant nature can make it harder to wash off as well, but the company also makes a special exfoliating konjac sponge designed to help remove the product after a long day of wear in the sun.
\nBuy it now on Amazon
\nNote: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/p>\n
Stream2Sea every day mineral sunscreen
\nFloridian-made Stream2Sea products were developed by a scuba diver. They have passed the Protect Land + Sea certification, proving them not only reef-safe but also non-harmful to humans, fish and coral larvae.
\nStream2Sea\u2019s Every Day Mineral Sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and is unique for incorporating the brand\u2019s signature \u201cWetBoost Technology\u201d that actually enhances the level of sun protection by up to 50% on exposure to water, compared to most other sunscreens that degrade on contact with water.
\nThis rigorously-tested product is nonetheless sheer to put on and packed with antioxidant-rich, natural ingredients like wakame seaweed, turmeric root, green tea and olive leaf.
\nThe sunscreen comes in eco-conscious packaging, made from fully-recyclable sugar cane resin tubes and recycled milk bottles. The only downside is that the highest protection offered by Stream2Sea products is SPF45, and users have noted that it leaves white cast and can be hard to rub off.
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
MANDA organic mineral sunscreen
\nMANDA products were developed by surfers, and designed for long-term wear outdoors and in the water. Users have testified to the Sun Creme\u2019s water resistance, although the brand doesn\u2019t specify how long it can be worn in water.
\nThis product is unique for using the ingredient thanaka, a natural skin-protectant from a tree native to Myanmar that offers regenerative, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-acne, and anti-ageing properties.
\nWhether you\u2019re buying it in a tube or a tub, the packaging is eco-friendly, made from 100% recyclable sugar cane polyethylene. Users have found it difficult to apply though, as the formula \u2013 like coconut oil \u2013 can sometimes be too firm, and needs to be warmed up for a few minutes beforehand to ensure a smoother application.
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
Badger company, clear zinc mineral sport sunscreen SPF 40
\nJust four organic ingredients make up Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen; zinc, sunflower oil, beeswax and sunflower vitamin E. The result is a no-nonsense, unscented and 80-minute, water-resistant sunscreen with an added level of moisture thanks to the vitamin E.
\nThe finishing touch is the packaging \u2013 an eco-friendly, recyclable and reusable tin. Users have mentioned white cast and possible clothing stains as drawbacks, and the highest protection Badger provides is only SPF 40.
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
Suntegrity milky mineral sun serum spray, broad spectrum SPF 50
\nSuntegrity produces a number of different reef-safe sunscreens for the body, face and makeup application, but the Milky Mineral Sun Serum Spray offers the highest protection (SPF 50) from the brand\u2019s range.
\nIt comes in a fully-recyclable, aluminium spray bottle, which helps with smoother application, and is branded as vegan and cruelty-free. Another benefit is the addition of skin-nourishing anti-oxidations like grape seed and karanja oil as well as mango and papaya extracts.
\nBut while users have commended the lightweight feel, they have noted that it\u2019s on the more expensive side \u2013 at $48 for 100ml \u2013 and most importantly, it\u2019s not classified as waterproof, so take care when you chose to wear it.
\nBuy it now at Suntegrity<\/p>\n
Raw Love mineral sunscreen SPF 35
\nIn January 2021, Hawaii became the first state in the US to ban the sale of sunscreens containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, so it\u2019s not surprising that the islands have produced a number of reef-safe sunscreen brands.
\nRaw Love is another Hawaiian-made product developed by Jenna Davis, who went to maritime school and worked aboard yachts prior to launching the product. Her experience of life at sea, studying marine biology and working in aquariums informed the composition of Raw Love sunscreen, which is water-resistant and comes in a recyclable, reusable tin.
\nEssential oils like lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus combined with vitamin E, jojoba and carrot seed offer extra nourishment for the skin, with all ingredients FDA-approved. However, protection is only offered up to SPF 35, and the amount of time this can be used in the water is unclear.
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
Mama KULEANA reef-safe sunscreen
\nAnother reef-safe sunscreen from Hawaii, Mama KULEANA is manufactured on Maui island. The brand uses organic and wild-harvested ingredients including essential oils, like frankincense and carrot, for added protection to the skin. It is water- and sweat-resistant \u2013 but for only 40 minutes, which is less than some other brands, plus protection is only up to SPF 30.
\nThat being said, it qualifies as cruelty-free and comes in a 100% plastic-free, wood-based \u201cbio jar\u201d package, which is fully compostable. But, that jar is small at just 2oz, with one boat captain noting that one only lasted about five days while working on board in The Bahamas.
\nBuy it now at Mama KULEANA<\/p>\n
\u00a0
\nEthical Zinc natural clear zinc mineral sport sunscreen
\nEthical Zinc is manufactured in an Australian site powered by renewable solar energy and incorporates recyclable packaging and carbon neutral shipping for a fully eco-friendly product.
\nThis SPF 50 sunscreen is labelled as water-resistant for an impressive four hours duration, and all of the reef-safe ingredients are also preservative- and cruelty-free, with vitamin E, vanilla, castor and coconut oil added to moisturise the skin. Users have noted that this sunscreen feels oily, and that the bottle is small at only 100g, however.
\nBuy it now on Amazon
\nDidn\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for? Head to Amazon\u2019s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.
\n\u00a0
\n\u00a0
\nThe post Best reef-safe sunscreen: Eco-friendly sun lotion for sailors appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Invest in one of the best reef-safe and eco-friendly sunscreens and you can ensure you are protecting both the oceans and your skin while on board.For sailors who spend their time on the water under the glare of the sun, … <\/p>\n