Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.
Summer vacations are great! You can finally relax and enjoy your time away from the office. However, even if you’re scuba diving, snorkeling, or paddle boarding, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t protect yourself from the beaming sun.
As you probably know by now, some over-the-counter sunscreens harm the oceans and nature. This is why you have to ensure you stay away from brands that contain chemicals such as Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.
It’s important to mention that even if you stay away from reefs, the formula will wash off your body and inevitably end up in the ecosystem. Reefs are vulnerable to such chemicals and will be highly damaged. And it would be such a shame to damage the beauty of nature just because we are lazy or selfish.
Hawaii has banned sunscreen that damages coral reefs, and we fully support them. We saw the damage these toxic chemicals did to reefs in Cuba and snorkeling in Key West, Cancun and Cartagena, and we want to say, enough is enough. Our planet is too precious – and needs all the protection it can get!
This is why we have chosen the best and most efficient biodegradable sunscreens currently on the market for 2019 to help everyone do their part. They are affordable, so you don’t have to go broke to care for your needs and the environment. So there is no excuse now.
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lotion
Whoever you are, child or adult, you can use this formula. This sunscreen is ideal for all skin types regardless of whether they are sensitive, dry, or oily. This product has been crafted according to the American Cancer Society and Skin Cancer Foundation guidelines.
This means you can rely on it to protect you thoroughly against sun rays. It has been noted that it offers 100% UVA and UVB protection for up to 80 minutes. It’s also water resistant, meaning you can swim or do water sports.
You have the option to choose between SPF 15 to SPF 70. As well as this formula is available in 3 oz. to 8 oz. The formula is Oxybenzone and octinoxate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and oil-free. As well as it’s rich in Vitamin E.
| Pros | Cons |
| Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes | Some customers have reported a white residue after applying |
| You can apply it to the body and face | It can be painful if it gets in the eyes |
| It can prevent premature aging | Some customers do not like the smell of it |
| Water resistant for up to 80 minutes | |
| Suitable for sensitive skin |
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
This formula has been crafted with the help of dermatologists, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin. Unlike numerous over-the-counter sunscreens, this product has no irritating fragrances or parabens. It’s also safe for nature as there are no traces of Oxybenzone or Octinoxate. Similar to the other high-quality sunscreens mentioned in this review, this is another water-resistant formula. You can enjoy the water for up to 40 minutes without worrying that it will affect its efficiency.
This mineral-based solution has an SPF 30+ rating, and it’s made with 10% zinc oxide and 5% titanium dioxide. This means that it will ensure superior protection against UV rays. The formula will stay on top of your skin and reflect the rays before they damage the skin.
As the formula is dermatologically recommended, it is safe for babies and children. Plus, it comes from Australia itself
| Pros | Cons |
| It doesn’t feel oily on the skin | There is no warranty period |
| Suitable to apply on acne and sensitive skin | It’s a thick formula |
| Made for adults and children | It doesn’t stain clothes or fabrics. |
| The company is cruelty-free | |
| It doesn’t stain clothes or fabrics |
Thinksport Sunscreen
This is another formula made with the help of physicians and scientists. It has an SPF 50+ rating, which means you will be protected against UVB and UVA rays.
As you know, chemical-filled over-the-counter sunscreens do not leave a white residue because they’re not mineral-based. However, it would be best to always choose a formula filled with minerals rather than chemicals. Thus, you should consider this sunscreen even if it leaves a white residue behind.
This formula is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, meaning you can sweat, swim, or do any sport you wish. It’s safe to apply on the face and sensitive skin as the formula is mostly made from non-nano zinc oxide. It’s also worth mentioning that the company doesn’t test on animals.
| Pros | Cons |
| Suitable for face and body | You have to keep re-applying |
| It has a fresh scent | It’s a thick formula |
| The formula is gluten-free | The container could be bigger |
| The company is cruelty-free | |
| Suitable for all types of skin |
Tropical Sands All Natural Sunscreen
This formula is 100% natural, meaning it doesn’t have harsh chemicals, nano-particles, or hypoallergenic.
Thus, it’s suitable for children and adults. Similarly to other high-quality products, the formula has been made from titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which will prevent the sun from penetrating the skin. Hence, you won’t get burned. The formula has Green Tea, which will prevent premature aging. The solution is certified biodegradable, which means it’s safe for you and the environment.
The sunscreen has been made in the United States, so it will easily meet your high expectationss. It has a broad spectrum as it protects you from UVA and UVB rays. It’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it’s a perfect choice for water sports.
| Pros | Cons |
| Made to leave a coconut scent behind | The formula is difficult to apply |
| Suitable for babies and children | It’s a thick formula |
| It has an SPF 30+ rating | It’s difficult to get the formula out of the bottle |
| The ingredients used are recommended by PADI and National Geographic | |
| Suitable for all types of skin |
TotLogic Natural Sunscreen
The reason why this is one of the best sunscreens is because it’s #1 rated on EWG, and it’s safe for you and the environment. The formula has 20% zinc oxide, and the rest is mineral-based.
Therefore, it’s safe to apply it to the face and body. The solution will protect you against UVA and UVB rays for up to 80 minutes. You don’t have to worry about it causing a rash or an allergic reaction, as it’s non-comedogenic and tear-free. Thus, it’s suitable for children, sensitive skin, and adults.
What stands out about this sunscreen is that the tube and the cap are recyclable. Thus, it isn’t just for the reefs; it’s also safe for the environment around us. It has also been noted that many customers use this as a daily moisturizer. It’s also the perfect solution for vegans.
| Pros | Cons |
| There are no synthetic fragrances added | It leaves a white residue |
| The formula is plant-based | It’s a thick and oily formula |
| The solution is rich in antioxidants | Some customers do not like the smell of it |
| The product has been made in the USA | |
| Suitable for all types of skin |
Reef Repair Feel Good Cosmetics
This model has been made with an SPF 30+ rating and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes regardless of what sport you are doing. It has a broad spectrum and protects you against UVB and UVA rays. Thus, you don’t have to worry about burns or cancer-related diseases.
There are no traces of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, meaning it won’t affect coral reefs. The nano zinc oxide and raspberry seed make the formula safe and natural for all, including children.
Unlike most sunscreens, the product doesn’t leave a white residue on the skin. As well as you can use it as a moisturizer if you want to. The formula is not oily, meaning you can enjoy the water as much as you wish. It has been noted that it’s suitable for babies aged 6 months and below.
| Pros | Cons |
| The product is cruelty-free | Some people have reported sunburns |
| It has an SPF 30+ rating | It’s a thick and oily formula |
| It can be used as a moisturizer | Some customers do not like the smell of it |
| It protects against UVA and UVB | |
| Suitable for all types of skin |
Banana Boat Sun Comfort
If you want to look after yourself and the environment, this is another formula you should consider. The reason why we’re suggesting this is because it has been made without Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. This means that you can use it during numerous water sports.
It has been noted that it’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes. This product is popular because it will easily brush off your hands and doesn’t stain clothes or fabric. By considering this sunscreen, you have the option to choose between SPF 30 and SPF 50.
This formula can protect you against UVB and UVA rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the product, meaning you can rely on it to protect you against skin damage. It’s essential that you re-apply it every 2 hours for optimal results.
| Pros | Cons |
| The formula feels lightweight on the skin | Not suitable for people with fair skin |
| Water resistant for up to 80 minutes | Difficult to get the formula out of the tube |
| It can be used as a moisturizer | The product is not fully recyclable |
| Easy to apply it | |
| Suitable for all types of skin |
KLAR Sunscreen
This face and body sunscreen is NSF and USDA-certified. Thus, you can rely on it to protect you against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
The formula is made from 94% certified organic ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals affecting your skin and coral reefs. It has been noted that it’s vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, which means that you can take care of your needs and the environment. It has an SPF 30+ rating and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
You can use this sunscreen even if you have a dark complexion, as it doesn’t leave a white residue. As well as it’s also suitable to be used in areas with high humidity as it won’t irritate
the skin and the eyes. Thus, it’s safe to use it year-round as a moisturizer.
| Pros | Cons |
| Made with up to 94% natural ingredients | The bottle could be bigger |
| Water resistant for up to 80 minutes | Some customers have reported sunburns |
| Suitable for babies and children | The formula is thick |
| The formula is not oily | |
| The formula is non-scented |
BOGO Sunscreen
Take this key-ring-sized sunscreen wherever you go to ensure you’re always protected. If you don’t have enough space to take large sunscreen bottles with you, we have come up with the right solution. Even though this product is pocket-sized, it doesn’t mean that it’s any less efficient.
The formula is reef-safe as it’s mineral-based. In addition to this, the solution is also hypoallergenic, which means that it’s safe for babies and children. As well as you can also use it if you have sensitive skin.
What stands out about this product is the fact that the formula is not thick or oily. Therefore, you don’t have to spend a long time applying it. The SPF 50+ formula will protect you against UVA and UVB rays,, so you can use it regardless of how much time outdoors.
| Pros | Cons |
| It prevents premature aging | Some customers have reported irritated eyes |
| Made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide | It cannot be used as a moisturizer |
| It’s preferred by the US Military | No warranty period |
| It comes in a pack of 2 | |
| The formula is non-scented |
