Reef-Safe Sunscreen Brands: 5 Brands You Can Trust
Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but not all formulas are kind to the planet.
More and more, we’re seeing the impact that common chemicals have on delicate ocean life, particularly in coral reefs. That’s where reef-safe sunscreen comes in.
Made without ingredients known to harm coral reefs, these eco-conscious alternatives help you enjoy the sun safely while doing your part to protect the world’s oceans.
Whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, or just soaking up some rays, these are the reef-safe sunscreen brands you can trust to keep your skin and the sea healthy and happy.
Jump To Our Picks
What is a Reef-Safe Sunscreen?
“Reef-safe” sunscreen refers to formulas that avoid ingredients known to damage coral reefs and marine life, particularly oxybenzone and octinoxate.
These common chemical UV filters contribute to coral bleaching, disrupt marine life reproduction, and can accumulate in aquatic ecosystems.
Instead, reef-safe alternatives often use mineral-based active ingredients, like non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
These naturally occurring minerals sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays, rather than being absorbed, making them safer for your skin and the environment.
If you want to protect the ocean while shielding your skin, look for sunscreens labelled “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly.” Keep in mind, however, that these aren’t regulated terms.
Top 5 Reef-Safe Sunscreen Brands: How We Chose
It may come as a surprise that some of your favorite brands aren’t actually reef safe. If you’re asking, “Is Sun Bum reef-safe? Is Supergoop reef-safe?!” The unfortunate answer is no, at least not consistently across all versions of their products. So, which brands can you trust?
For our list, we focused on brands that prioritize both skin safety and ocean health. We prioritized mineral sunscreens that use non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient, widely considered the safest option for coral reefs. We looked for responsible companies committed to making quality products that will leave you—and the reefs—feeling great. We also considered:
- Broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- Water resistance, so you can enjoy the waves.
- Skin feel and finish, because texture matters, too!
- Third-party certifications, like EWG Verified, Cruelty-Free, and other trusted names.
With these factors in mind, we set out to find the reef-safe sunscreen brands that really live up to the name.
Full List: Reef Safe Sunscreen Brands
Happy Ocean – Shop Now
Raw Love – Shop Now
Mama KULEANA – Shop Now
Babo Botanicals – Shop Now
ATTITUDE – Shop Now
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Raw Love
Raw Love is a Hawaii-based sunscreen brand founded by a marine biologist-turned-divemaster. Their sunscreen is FDA-compliant and plant-based, offering high-quality sun protection that’s truly reef-safe. With non-nano zinc oxide as the sole active UV protector, their sunscreens come in plastic-free metal tins, sticks, and recyclable tubes.
Highlights
Their formulas are both nourishing and moisturizing, infused with coconut, jojoba, shea butter, sunflower oil, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint oils for extra skin hydration and a naturally pleasant scent.
Things to Consider
While we love their natural ingredients, their sunscreen offers less water resistance than some other formulas, at only 40 minutes.
2. Mama KULEANA
Hawaiian-made Mama KULEANA is a mineral sunscreen packaged in 100% microplastic-free, biodegradable Eco Jars that are fully compostable. Its formula features 13% non‑nano zinc oxide as the active UV blocker and is enriched with coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, carrot seed, rosehip and raspberry oils, frankincense, and vitamin E—all chosen for being both reef-safe and people safe!
Highlights
The formula is designed to feel light and non-greasy on skin. It also has a pleasant natural scent.
Things to Consider
The company doesn’t offer anything stronger than 30 SPF protection, so if you’re looking for something stronger, this may not be the choice for you.
3. Babo Botanicals
Babo Botanicals offers a full line of mineral sunscreens—most of them EWG‑Verified, using 20–24% non-nano zinc oxide as their active UV blocker. These formulations are free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, and meet Hawaii’s reef‑safe regulations. With mono-material recyclable tubes and water-resistant protection, they tick every box for clean, conscious sunscreen.
Highlights
Babo’s line of mineral sunscreens was one of the first to earn an EWG Verified certification, so you know they take it seriously!
Things to Consider
Their products aren’t labelled as “non-nano” zinc oxide, as it’s an unregulated term in the U.S., but Babo Botanicals’ ingredients meet the definition according to European regulations.
4. ATTITUDE
Canadian brand ATTITUDE offers EWG-Verified, reef-safe mineral sunscreens formulated with 20% non‑nano zinc oxide. Their entire line—face, body, and stick styles—is free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, PEGs, and synthetic fragrances, in line with Hawaiian and other reef-safety standards.
Highlights
ATTITUDE’s face and body sticks come in FSC-certified biodegradable cardboard tubes—a perfect lightweight option for the beach!
Things to Consider
Some formulas may leave a slight white cast on darker skin tones. They also top out at SPF 30.
5. Happy Ocean
Happy Ocean creates mineral-based sunscreens designed specifically to protect both skin and marine life.
Their lineup utilizes non-nano zinc oxide and is free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and other reef-damaging chemicals.
Their packaging is made with a blend of sugarcane resin and post-consumer recycled materials, highlighting their commitment to creating eco-friendly products.
Highlights
Happy Ocean’s formulas are both clean and effective, with 80 minutes of water resistance. It actually becomes more effective after water immersion!
Things to Consider
The brand offers a tinted version of their sunscreen, which may blend well for some, but may appear pinkish on others.
How to Choose the Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen Brand for You
Choosing the right reef-safe sunscreen depends on your skin type, lifestyle, and environmental values. Here’s what to keep in mind when narrowing it down:
- Check the active ingredients: Look for non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide. These mineral blockers are reef-safe and gentle on skin.
- Know your skin’s needs: If you have dry skin, look for moisturizing formulas with aloe or jojoba oil. For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog your pores.
- Consider water resistance: If you’ll be swimming or sweating, choose a sunscreen that offers at least 40-80 minutes of water resistance.
- Look at the label: Certifications like “EWG Verified,” “Cruelty-Free,” “B Corp,” or “Plastic-Free Packaging” can help you spot brands with strong ethical and environmental standards.
Ultimately, the best reef-safe sunscreen is one you’ll actually use—consistently and generously!
Featured image via Happy Ocean
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