Sunscreen That Doesn’t Suck (for You or the Planet!)

Key Points:

1. Not all “reef-safe” sunscreens are truly safe. Knowing what to avoid (like oxybenzone and nanoparticles) helps protect our oceans and your health.

2. There are planet-friendly sunscreens that actually work. Smooth, easy to apply, and free from harmful chemicals and animal testing.

3. Some surprising, affordable, or lesser-known brands can be just as good (or better) than the big names. Don’t be afraid to explore!

Introduction

On a recent trip, I was snorkeling off the coast of Belize, swimming through crystal-clear water, completely in awe of the colorful coral and schools of fish darting past me. It felt like I was in another world until I noticed something that snapped me right out of my tropical daydream. I saw this weird, milky cloud floating around me. Yep. It was sunscreen. My sunscreen. And in that moment, I realized that not all sunscreen is created equal. Some of it actually harms the very places we’re trying to enjoy.

What we put on our skin doesn’t just stay on us. It washes off into the ocean, seeps into the soil, and ends up in the food chain. Some sunscreens contain chemicals that can bleach coral reefs, harm marine life, and disrupt hormone levels.

I’m sharing my favorite, reef-safe sunscreens that actually work (because sticky, ghost-face sunscreen? No thanks). I’ll also share a few that really surprised me, as well as a couple I won’t be buying again.

What Does Reef-Safe, Vegan and Biodegradable Actually Mean?

So, let’s break this down because brands love to throw these words around, but what do they mean?

Reef-Safe:

Sunscreen that doesn’t contain chemicals that harm coral reefs or marine life. The big bad ones to watch out for are oxybenzone and octinoxate. These are known to bleach coral and significantly disrupt ocean ecosystems. Even tiny amounts can do damage. Some places, like Hawaii, have banned these chemicals because they’re that bad. (1)

Vegan:

Vegan sunscreen means no animal-derived ingredients and no animal testing. It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many sunscreens sneak in things like beeswax or use animal testing somewhere in the process. Choosing vegan brands is a simple way to ensure your skincare is cruelty-free. (2)

Biodegradable:

Sunscreen that breaks down naturally and doesn’t hang around polluting the ocean or soil. It’s safer for marine life, rivers, and pretty much the whole planet. But just because something says “biodegradable” doesn’t automatically mean it’s reef-safe. Always double-check the ingredients. (3)

Ingredients to Avoid

Some sunscreens are basically a chemical soup and your skin (and the planet) deserve better. Watch out for these:

• Oxybenzone

• Octinoxate

• Octocrylene

• Homosalate

• Parabens (preservatives that can mess with hormones)

• Synthetic Fragrances (often toxic for marine life)

If you can’t pronounce it, it’s probably not so great for your skin. (4)

Bonus: “Mineral” Isn’t Always Enough

You might think, Oh, I’ll grab a mineral sunscreen and call it a day. But not so fast! Some mineral sunscreens still use nano-sized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which can be just as harmful to marine life as the chemical stuff. (5)

The key? Look for non-nano mineral sunscreens. (6) Non-nano means the particles are big enough that they won’t get absorbed by coral or tiny sea creatures. And yes, it should be stated clearly on the label.

What I Look For in a Good Sunscreen

Just because a sunscreen says “reef-safe” doesn’t mean it’s automatically great. I’ve tested a bunch, and here’s what matters to me when I’m choosing one.

Clean Ingredients, Always

I want sunscreen that’s safe for me and the planet. That means:

• No hormone disruptors (like oxybenzone, octinoxate, or homosalate)

• No nanoparticles (look for “non-nano” zinc oxide or titanium dioxide)

• No animal testing (cruelty-free all the way)

If a brand is cagey about its ingredients, it’s a no from me. I want to know exactly what I’m putting on my skin.

Planet-Friendly Packaging

I buy sunscreen in recyclable or plastic-free packaging whenever I can.

• Metal tins

• Sugarcane tubes

• Giant plastic bottles? I’ll pass if there’s a better option.

I really do look for minimal waste because those empty sunscreen bottles don’t just disappear.

It’s Gotta Feel Good on My Skin

If it’s chalky, greasy, or leaves me looking like a White Walker, I’m not using it. Period.

I’m always on the lookout for:

• Smooth, easy-to-rub-in formulas

• No heavy white cast

• Light, natural scents (or unscented)

Sun protection should feel good, not like you’re wearing a sticky mask all day.

Bonus Points: Brands Doing Good

I love supporting companies that go the extra mile. I look for brands that:

• Give back to ocean cleanups, coral restoration, or reforestation

• Use ethical sourcing

• Are B-Corp certified or carbon-neutral (7)

When I buy from companies doing good things for the planet, my purchase actually matters. Every little thing we can do for our planet helps!

My Top Favorite Vegan, Reef-Safe Sunscreens

I’ve tested a bunch of sunscreens; some were sticky, some smelled weird, and some straight-up didn’t protect my skin. These are the ones that passed the vibe check.

Brand 1: Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion

Why I love it: It goes on smoothly, blends in quickly, and doesn’t leave that awful, ghostly white cast, thanks to the tint. Plus, it’s lightweight and perfect for everyday use.

Where I use it: Face only. I love it as my go-to daily sunscreen.

How it feels: Super soft and breathable. It doesn’t clog my pores or feel greasy, which is a win when you’re out in the sun all day that’s why it’s my personal favorite!

Brand 2: Raw Elements Face + Body SPF 30

Pros:

• Reef-safe, vegan, and in recyclable metal tins

• Super water-resistant (great for swimming, snorkeling, or sweating like crazy)

Cons:

• It’s a little thick and can leave a slight white cast if you don’t rub it in well

• Smells a little “earthy,” but not in a bad way, just natural

Texture: On the heavier side, but it stays put and lasts.

Scent: Barely there, but what you do smell is clean and non-irritating.

Brand 3: Stream2Sea Sport Sunscreen SPF 30

Why it’s perfect for travel or beach days:

This one’s small, portable, and incredibly water-resistant, making it perfect for tossing in your beach bag or backpack. It’s biodegradable and comes in sugarcane-based tubes, which is pretty awesome.

How it feels: It’s slightly thicker but rubs in well with a bit of patience. It gives me a nice protective layer and doesn’t leave me feeling coated in gunk.

Bonus: It’s one of the few sunscreens tested safe for both saltwater and freshwater ecosystems.

Favorite for Sensitive Skin: Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Sunscreen

Why I love it:

Brands market it for babies, but it’s seriously one of the gentlest sunscreens out there No stinging eyes, no weird breakouts, and it’s perfect for anyone with sensitive skin.

Texture: Creamy but rubs in better than most thick formulas.

Scent: Light and slightly sweet but not overpowering.

Extra cool: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) gives it a high safety rating!

A Few Sunscreens That Surprised Me

Sometimes, the brands you least expect turn out to be real winners. Here are some sunscreens that impressed me, whether because they’re budget-friendly, lesser-known, or offer something unique.

Budget-Friendly Gems I Didn’t Expect to Love

If you’re watching your budget but want clean, effective sunscreen, a few brands stood out:

• Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen — affordable, reef-safe, and gentle on the skin.

• ThinkSport SPF 50+ — excellent protection without a high price tag, plus it’s free from harmful chemicals.

These brands prove you don’t have to spend a ton to protect your skin and the planet.

Unexpected Perks That Won Me Over

• Badger Sport Sunscreen with Insect Repellent

This product combines SPF 35 protection with natural bug repellent, providing two essentials in one, making it perfect for camping, hiking, or beach days where bugs can be a nuisance.

• Coola Mineral Face Matte Tint SPF 30

I love how this sunscreen provides a natural, matte finish that blends seamlessly into all skin tones without leaving a white cast. It’s like a bit of makeup and SPF in one, making it great for everyday wear.

• All Good Sport Sunscreen SPF 30

Not only does this sunscreen protect your skin, but it also contains antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as green tea and aloe, that soothe and nourish. Plus, it’s water-resistant and reef-safe.

• ThinkSport SPF 50+ Sensitive Sunscreen

This formula feels lightweight and non-greasy while offering high protection. It’s free from synthetic fragrances and safe for sensitive skin, making it a solid choice for everyday use.

• Coola Classic Sport SPF 50

What won me over here is the fresh, natural scent and lightweight feel, plus it uses organic ingredients that protect your skin without harmful chemicals that’s why it’s another personal favorite and it also comes in SPF 30.

A Few Sunscreens That Didn't Quite Make the Cut

I'm all for supporting planet-friendly brands, but not every sunscreen I've tried has been a winner. Some sounded great on the label but didn't hold up in real life. Here's my honest but kind take on the ones that missed the mark for me.

Where Some Brands Fell Short

• Too Oily: Some sunscreens, like Bare Republic Mineral Sport Sunscreen Lotion, left my skin feeling greasy no matter how little I used. It just wouldn't sink in, especially on hot days.

• White Cast Issues: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen boasts a great ingredient list, but even with thorough rubbing, the white cast proved stubborn, especially on medium to deeper skin tones.

• Misleading Labels: Some sunscreens labeled "reef-safe" still contain questionable ingredients like octocrylene or use nanoparticles without clearly disclosing this. Always double-check the label, even with popular brands.

Why This Matters

No brand is perfect, but when something isn't working, whether it's a greasy formula, a ghostly white cast, or sneaky labeling, it's okay to call it out kindly. That's how things get better.

We Vote With Our Wallets

When we choose products that are genuinely good for us and the planet, companies pay attention. And when we ask for better options, more skin tones, clearer labels, and less plastic, they start to change.

We're part of that conversation. And that's pretty powerful.

Final Thought: Glow Kindly, Love the Earth

Choosing a better sunscreen isn’t just about avoiding sunburn; it’s a way to care for your body and the planet at the same time. What we put on our skin eventually ends up in the ocean, the soil, and the food chain. So, when you pick a product that’s kind to coral reefs, cruelty-free, and clean? That’s a win all around!

A quick reminder:

Reapply every two hours (yes, even the good stuff), wear a hat or seek shade when possible, and treat your skin gently with aloe, especially after a long day in the sun.

At the end of the day, protecting our skin is protecting our future. The choices we make, what we put on our bodies, what we wash down the drain, really do ripple out into the world. When we take care of ourselves, we can show up stronger to take care of the planet, too.

Small swaps like choosing better sunscreen might not feel world-changing, but they add up. They matter. You matter.

Let’s keep protecting what we love. Our bodies, our oceans, and this beautiful planet we all call home.

Disclaimer