Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs need your help.
Why does mineral sunscreen matter?
Research confirms that chemicals found in many common sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene, are harming our marine ecosystems. These chemicals damage coral DNA and larvae, contribute to coral bleaching, and affect the health of algae, fish, shellfish, urchins, and marine mammals. By wearing as much protective clothing as possible, then applying limited amounts of mineral sunscreen where needed, we can all help Hawai‘i’s coral and marine ecosystems flourish and remain healthy for generations to come.
Determining whether a sunscreen is safe or not is simple: just look at the active ingredients. The only two active ingredients the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers “safe and effective” are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Be careful: Many sunscreens labeled as “reef-friendly” or “reef-safe” actually aren’t. Always check the active ingredients to be sure!
Look for these active ingredients:
Zinc oxide
Titanium dioxide
Avoid these active ingredients:
Oxybenzone
Avobenzone
Homosalate
Octinoxate
Octisalate
Octocrylene
Nanoparticles
Determining whether a sunscreen is safe or not is simple: just look at the active ingredients. The only two active ingredients the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers “safe and effective” are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Be careful: Many sunscreens labeled as “reef-friendly” or “reef-safe” actually aren’t. Always check the active ingredients to be sure!
Look for these active ingredients:
Zinc oxide
Titanium dioxide
Avoid these active ingredients:
Oxybenzone
Avobenzone
Homosalate
Octinoxate
Octisalate
Octocrylene
Nanoparticles
About the Kahaluʻu Bay Education Center
Learn more about Cindi’s fight to restore, protect, and share the story of the Kahaluʻu Bay coral reef.