Summer Series Pt 2: Cruelty-Free and Nontoxic Reef-Safe Sunscreen
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Zulu and Zephyr Hydrandea Shirt Dress | Ray-ban Erik Sunglasses | Aerie Bikini Top | Aerie Bikini Bottom
Side note - these photos are from our trip to Belize! I had them in cue for a rainy day and they ended up being perfect for this series! To see more about our Belize trip, click here!
I had already planned on doing a sunscreen series for y'all and then I KNEW I had to do one, once I found out that Hawaii was banning sunscreen. Well, banning sunscreen that kills coral reefs and marine life, whichhhh is pretty much every sunscreen out there. If you're new to this series, be sure to go back and read my Summer Series Pt. 1: Cruelty-Free and Nontoxic Facial Sunscreen.
So yeah, about a month ago, Hawaii banned sunscreen. We had friends who went in the past couple of weeks and on their excursions, they were given "organic sunscreen that didn't work" and got FRIED. So, I suggest that you
1) start caring about these beautiful places
2) go ahead and find a reef-safe sunscreen, so you're good to go, whether you're visiting Hawaii or not
Now, the issue of sunscreen being bad for the ocean is news to me - I had no idea, so I'm sure this is news to some of y'all too! I mean it was in the last year that I found out that most sunscreen is toxic, so yeah. Don't feel bad if you didn't know. Knowledge is power.
For a quick check to see if your sunscreen is killing coral reefs, look for oxybenzone and octinoxate on the ingredient list. The good news is that if you're buying nontoxic sunscreen, these ingredients shouldn't be listed! These "bad ingredients" do absorb UV rays, which is obviously good, BUT, they are an endocrine disruptor, may lead to cancer, cause developmental issues, and you guessed it...deformation and coral bleaching. Not only does this affect the waters, but the creatures who call it home as well. It's getting into our food, people. OUR FOOD. If you are a seafood lover (and of course, even if you're not), this matters. You and/or your loved ones could be dining on sunscreen flavored fish. ICK. Not to mention, it's bad for marine life.
Without further adieu, here are 4 cruelty-free and nontoxic sunscreens that won't harm the coral reefs or marine life!
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: Broad Spectrum 30
Price: $20
Size: 3 fl oz
Thoughts: GF, Vegan, and Hypoallergenic, plus it's also water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Babo was created by Kate Solomon when she became pregnant and she made sure it's safe for people of all ages -even babies!
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: Broad Spectrum 30
Price: $13.59
Size: 2.9 fl oz
Thoughts: Hypoallergenic and water resistant for 40 minutes.
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: Broad Spectrum 50
Price: $29.99
Size: 3 fl oz
Thoughts: I love that this one is SPF 50, because that's usually what I need. It's made in Hawaii, so you know it's legit. It's also water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: Broad Spectrum 30
Price: $36
Size: 5 fl oz
Thoughts: Vegan. I referenced this brand on my cruelty-free and nontoxic facial sunscreen post. It's a well respected brand and I have only heard good things about it!
EWG Rating: Verified (they consider this better than a 1)
SPF: Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Price: $15
Size: 4 fl oz
Thoughts: As of 2022, this is my favorite! It isn’t greasy feeling and glides on pretty well. Love for me and my babies. Nick even likes it too! You can’t beat the formula, high SPF, and price! You can buy it on their website, but places like Target, Credo, and Amazon carry it too.
Anddd while we are at it, why not throw in some after sun care?! I know I need it!
EWG Rating: not rated
Price: $14.95
Size: 8 oz
Thoughts: I included this brand on my sunscreen review, above! It is your more traditional aloe gel, which is always good in my book.
EWG Rating: not rated
Price: $20
Size: 8 fl oz (2 fl oz available too)
Thoughts: This is one of my favorite brands! I use their lapis oil, blue tansy face mask, and brighten face mask. The spritz sounds AMAZING on a fresh burn.
Honestly, the smell of Hawaiian Tropic, still gets me, but it makes me sad to know how much damage most sunscreens are causing. I had the same thoughts when I changed laundry detergent...It's hard because it's a nostalgic scent, but at least I can sleep easy at night knowing that I'm doing my part and making my dollar count. Do you have any favorite cruelty-free and nontoxic sunscreens? Do share! I'll be testing Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian SPF 50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen out come next weekend!
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