When traveling to Turks and Caicos, please consider packing Reef Safe Sunscreen. Turks and Caicos is one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean. Let's do our part in helping to preserve this beauty and the environment, both in and out of the water.
You're traveling to Turks and Caicos for a vacation like no other. There's no doubt the water alone has been a huge decision maker for your trip. We guarantee you'll spend more time in the water in Turks and Caicos than out. So with that, it's important we're doing all we can to keep these beautiful waters and underwater worlds as pristine as possible. Choosing reef safe sunscreen over popular drug store brands is a huge step in the right direction.
As more and more people become aware of the environmental impact of sunscreen, the demand for reef safe sunscreen has increased. Traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that can be harmful to coral reefs and other marine life, contributing to the destruction of these delicate ecosystems.
But what exactly is reef safe sunscreen, and how can you tell if a sunscreen is truly safe for the environment? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and highlight ten of the top reef safe sunscreen brands.
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What is Reef Safe Sunscreen?
Reef safe sunscreen refers to sunscreens that do not contain certain chemicals that have been shown to harm coral reefs and other marine life. The most common chemicals to avoid are oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals have been shown to cause coral bleaching and disrupt the growth and reproduction of corals. Other chemicals to avoid include octocrylene, homosalate, and avobenzone, which have also been shown to harm marine life.
Reef Safe sunscreens avoid using these harmful chemicals and instead, often use mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide sun protection. These ingredients work by reflecting the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them, making them safer for both humans and the environment.
How to Choose a Reef Safe Sunscreen
Choosing a reef safe sunscreen can be a bit tricky. Not all sunscreens that claim to be “reef safe” actually are. Here are a few tips to help you choose a sunscreen that is truly safe for the environment:
- Look for sunscreens that are labeled “reef safe” or “ocean safe.” However, keep in mind that these labels are not regulated, so it’s important to check the ingredients to ensure that the sunscreen is actually safe for the environment.
- Check the ingredients. Look for sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, or avobenzone. Instead, look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients.
- Consider the packaging. Sunscreens that come in plastic packaging can contribute to plastic pollution in the ocean. Look for sunscreens that come in eco friendly packaging, such as glass or aluminum.
Top Ten Reef Safe Sunscreen Brands
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Badger Balm
Badger Balm is a family-owned company that makes a variety of organic and natural products, including reef safe sunscreens. Their sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide as their active ingredient and come in eco friendly packaging.
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ALL GOOD
All Good is a certified B Corporation that makes reef safe sunscreens using non-nano zinc oxide and other natural ingredients. Their sunscreens come in plastic-free packaging made from recycled materials.
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RAW ELEMENTS
Raw Elements makes reef safe sunscreens using non-nano zinc oxide and other natural and organic ingredients. Their sunscreens are biodegradable and come in recyclable packaging.
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STREAM2SEA
Stream2Sea is a company that specializes in eco friendly sunscreens and other personal care products. Their sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide and other natural ingredients and come in plastic-free packaging.
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think sport
Thinksport makes a variety of eco-friendly products, including reef safe sunscreens. Their sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide as their active ingredient and come in recyclable packaging.
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BLUE LIZARD
Blue Lizard is a brand that offers a variety of sunscreens, including reef safe options. Their sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their active ingredients and come in recyclable packaging.
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ALBA BOTANICA
Alba Botanica makes a variety of natural and organic personal care products, including reef safe sunscreens. Their sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their active ingredients and come in recyclable packaging.
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sun bum MINERAL
Sun Bum Mineral (white packaging) is a popular brand that makes a variety of sunscreens, including reef safe options. Their sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their active ingredients and come in eco-friendly packaging made from recycled materials.
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coola mineral organic
Coola is a luxury brand that makes a variety of organic and natural skincare products, including reef safe sunscreens. Their sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their active ingredients and come in recyclable packaging.
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BABO BOTANICALS
Babo Botanicals is a brand that offers a variety of natural and organic personal care products, including reef safe sunscreens. Their sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide and other natural ingredients and come in eco-friendly packaging made from recycled materials.
SHOP ON AMAZON
It's important to note that while these brands are considered to be Reef Safe, it's still important to double check ingredients.
Popular Sunscreen Brands To Avoid
While it's not always easy to read those ridiculously small print ingredients when you're out shopping, here are some popular sunscreen brands you should avoid. These brands are not considered reef safe due to their inclusion of harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Coppertone
- Neutrogena
- Banana Boat
- Hawaiian Tropic
- Aveeno
- Australian Gold
- La Roche-Posay
- Biore
- Kiehl's
- Shiseido
It's worth noting that some of these brands do offer reef safe options within their product line, so it's important to carefully read the ingredient label before purchasing.
A Feel Good Choice For The Environment
Reef safe sunscreen is a crucial step in protecting our oceans and marine life. By choosing a sunscreen that does not contain harmful chemicals and uses eco friendly packaging, we can make a positive impact on the environment.
If all this talk about sunscreen has you ready to hit the beach, be sure to read our 11 Best Beaches in Turks and Caicos!
Remember to always read the ingredients and labels carefully, and use reef safe sunscreen responsibly to ensure that we can continue to enjoy our oceans for years to come.
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