Is my sunscreen killing coral reefs?

In May 2018, Hawaii banned the chemical sunscreen ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate, which scientists believe contribute to coral reef bleaching. This law took effect in 2021.

Overall, it’s not a bad idea to be proactive and opt for reef-safe sunscreens that don’t include oxybenzone or octinoxate, such as Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 30, which gets its UV protection from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Not all mineral sunscreens are totally in the clear, though. Many mineral sunscreens contain microscopic particles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are called nanoparticles. Recent researchTrusted Source suggests that these nanoparticles may also be harmful to coral reefs.

If you want to be cautious, go with a sunscreen that includes non-nano zinc oxide on the ingredient list, such as Raw Elements Face Stick SPF 30.