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 are harmful to the oceans and to 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 will inevitably end up in the ecosystem. Reefs are vulnerable to such chemicals and will be highly damaged. And it would just be such a shame to damage the beauty of nature just because we are lazy or selfish.

Hawaii has actually banned sunscreen that damages coral reefs and we fully support them. We saw the damage these toxic chemicals did to reefs in Cuba, 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 that are currently on the market for 2019 to help everyone do their part. All of them are affordable so you don’t have to go broke to take care of your needs and the environment. So there is no excuse now, right? 

   

The Best Reef Safe / Biodegradable Sunscreen To Buy To Protect Our Planet 🌍

Sun Bum Sunscreen Lotion

Whoever you are, child or adult, you can use this formula. This sunscreen is ideal for all types of skin regardless of what they are; sensitive, dry, or oily. This product has been crafted according to the guidelines of the American Cancer Society and Skin Cancer Foundation.

This means that you can rely on it to protect you thoroughly against sun rays. In fact, it has been noted that it offers 100% UVA and UVB protection for up to 80 minutes. It’s also water resistant which means that you will be able to 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
It’s recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation	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 doesn’t have irritated fragrances or parabens. It’s also safe for nature as there are no traces of Oxybenzone or Octinoxate. Similarly, 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 to apply it on babies and children. Plus, its 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’s difficult to rub it into the skin
The company is cruelty-free
It doesn’t stain clothes or fabrics

Thinksport Sunscreen

This is another formula that has been made with the help of physicians and scientists. It has an SPF 50+ rating which means that you will be protected against the dangers of UVB and UVA rays.

As you know, chemical filled over-the-counter sunscreens do not leave a white residue to the fact that they’re not mineral based. However, you should always choose a formula that is 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 up to 80 minutes which means that you can sweat, swim, or do any type of sports that 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 worthy to mention 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 which means that it doesn’t have harsh chemicals, nano-particles, and it’s also hypoallergenic.

Thus, it’s suitable for children and adults. Similarly, to the other high-quality products, the formula has been made from titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which means that it will prevent the sun from penetrating the skin. Hence, you won’t get burned. The formula has Green Tea which means that it will prevent premature aging. The solution is certified biodegradable which means that it’s safe for you and the environment.

The sunscreen has been made in the United States which means that it will meet your high expectation with ease. It has a high broad spectrum as it will protect you from UVA and UVB rays. It’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes which means that it’s a perfect choice if you want to do 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 due to the fact that it’s #1 rated on EWG and it’s safe for you and the environment. The formula has been made with 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 the fact that the tube and the cap are recyclable. Thus, it isn’t safe 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 moisturizer on an everyday basis. 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 it’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes regardless of what kind of sport you are doing. It has a broad spectrum and it will protect 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 which means that it won’t affect coral reefs. The nano zinc oxide and raspberry seed make the formula safe and natural for all, including children.

Unlike the majority of the sunscreens on the market, 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 which means that 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

In case you want to look after yourself and the environment, this is another formula that 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. The reason why this product is popular is that it will easily brush off your hands and it doesn’t stain clothes or fabric. By considering this sunscreen, you have the option to choose between SPF 30 and SPF 50.

This formula has the ability to protect you against UVB and UVA rays. The product is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation which means that you can rely on it to protect you against skin damages. 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 which means that 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 it’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes.

It’s worthy to mention that 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 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 so you will ensure that you’re always protected. In case you simply 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 period of time to apply it. The SPF 50+ formula will protect you against UVA and UVB rays which means that 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