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15 Reef-Safe Sunscreens To Try

Do your part by opting for one of these 15 reef-safe sunscreens, all of which meet criteria established by the Environmental Working Group.

The plight of the world's coral reefs made headlines in May 2018 when Hawaii become the first state to introduce a bill to ban sunscreen. Research indicates that sunscreen can damage, bleach and kill these delicate ecosystems by leaving behind a toxic layer of chemical-laden gunk. If signed into law by the governor, the new rules won't go into effect until January 2021, but already our 50th state and some of its hotels are educating consumers about the effects of ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate by encouraging swimmers and snorkelers to choose reef-safe sunscreen, and even providing complimentary samples and dispensers. The Sheraton Maui Resort has partnered with Raw Elements to offer free dispensers throughout the property and Napili Kai Beach Resort, also on Maui, will give free packets at check-in starting in December.

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It's something to keep in mind no matter what tropical destination — from the Caribbean and Riviera Maya to Southeast Asia and the South Pacific — you're headed to. To be considered reef-safe, mineral sunscreens must contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that's "non-nano." So if you're ditching plastic straws, plastic bags and other non-biodegradable conveniences that are polluting our oceans, you can also do your part by opting for one of these 15 reef-safe sunscreens, all of which meet criteria established by the Environmental Working Group (which has evaluated 243 sunscreen products as safe), and are available on Amazon at prices generally between $10 and $20.

Reef Safe Sunscreen: Raw Elements USA Face + Body SPF 30
Raw Elements USA Face + Body SPF 30 sunscreen (sold in a tin but also available in a tube) from Hawaii-based brand Raw Elements uses non-nano zinc oxide and other natural ingredients that are 97 percent certified organic, from $16.99. | Amazon
Reef Safe Sunscreen: Coppertone Water Babies Pure and Simple Sunscreen Stick SPF-50
The Coppertone Water Babies Pure and Simple Sunscreen Stick offers SPF 50 protection in compact, carry-on friendly packaging and a mineral-based, paraben- and PABA-free formula that's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, from $10.18. | Amazon
Reef Safe Sunscreen: Thinksport Sunscreen SPF-50+
The 3-ounce tube (allowable in carry-ons) of Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a non-nano, water-resistant formula free of oxybenzone, paraben, PABA, phthalates and other biologically harmful chemicals, from $12.97. | Amazon
Reef Safe Sunscreen: Alba Botanica Sport Mineral Sunscreen Fragrance Fee SPF 45
There are no parabens, phthalates or synthetic fragrances in Alba Botanica Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, available in a 4-ounce tube, from $9.95. | Amazon
Reef Safe Sunscreen: All Good Sport Sunscreen SPF 30
Not only is All Good Sport Sunscreen SPF 30 in a TSA-approved 3-ounce tube non-nano and oxybenzone-free, it's also lightweight, water-resistant (up to 80 minutes) and has organic green tea, rose hips and buriti oil to help repair damaged skin, from $14.24. | Amazon
Reef Safe Sunscreen: Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Active SPF 30+
Mineral-based Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Active SPF 30+ in a 5-ounce bottle contains no oxybenzone, parabens or fragrances and its 8 percent zinc oxide formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, from $14.98. | Amazon
Reef Safe Sunscreen: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 30
Another great option if you're packing in a carry-on, the 3-ounce Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 30 is a hypoallergenic, broad-spectrum formula that's water resistant up to 80 minutes, from $10.86. | Amazon
Reef Safe Sunscreen: Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body SPF 30
Definitely on the pricier side, Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body SPF 30 in a 5-ounce tube is free of titanium dioxide and other chemicals and contains 20 percent zinc oxide, from $36. | Amazon
Reef Safe Sunscreen: Badger Sport Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 35
Badger Sport Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 35, in a carry-on-friendly 2.9-ounce tube, uses 98 percent organic ingredients and clear zinc oxide in a formula that's water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, from $16.99. | Amazon
Reef Safe Sunscreen: Sunology Mineral Sunscreen Body SPF 50
Formulated without oxybenzone, parabens or PABA, the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide-based formula of the 2-ounce Sunology Mineral Sunscreen Body SPF 50 makes it a carry-on option, plus it's infused with nourishing essential oils and made in the U.S.A., from $14.24. | Amazon
Reef Safe Sunscreen: All Terrain AquaSport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Free of both oxybenzone and fragrances, the 6-ounce All Terrain AquaSport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 is non-greasy and designed to be sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, from $21.68. | Amazon
Reef Safe Sunscreen: Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sport Stick Sunscreen Fragrance Free SPF 30
The easy-to-apply Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sport Stick Sunscreen Fragrance Free SPF 30 is lightweight, hypoallergenic , fragrance free, water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, carry-on ready and made with nourishing jojoba oil, from $8.88. | Amazon
Reef Safe Sunscreen: Bare Republic Mineral Sport SFP 50 Sunscreen Stick
Non-whitening on the skin and free of parabens and other chemicals, Bare Republic Mineral Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick is easy to apply and water- and sweat-resistant up to 80 minutes, from $9.41. | Amazon
Reef Safe Sunscreen: California Baby Calendula Sunscreen SPF 30+
With its premium price (for a carry-on friendly 2.9 ounce tube) and subtle infusion of lavender, clary sage and calendula essential oils, mineral-based California Baby Calendula Sunscreen SPF 30+ is designed for sun-lovers with sensitive skin or allergy concerns, from $27.99. | Amazon
Reef Safe Sunscreen: Tropical Sands Sunscreen SPF 30
Formulated with micronized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and sold in 8-ounce bottles, Tropical Sands Sunscreen SPF 30 is hypoallergenic, fragrance free and contains to chemical preservatives, parabens or emulsifiers, from $17.05. | Amazon

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