Virgin Islands, and some other travel destinations now require that residents and visitors only use biodegradable sunscreen.
In fact, stores in these locations don’t sell any other kind.
Nonbiodegradable sunscreens may even be confiscated.
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It also lists several biodegradable sunscreen brands and buying tips.
The National Ocean Service reports many ways traditional sunscreen chemicals can affect the environment.
For example, these chemicals can:
Biodegradable Sunscreen Brands
There are several brands of biodegradable sunscreen.
Some popular options that may be amongst the easiest to find are covered here.
With growing consumer awareness about the environmental impact of sunscreens, the choices are sure to expand.
Caribbean Sol
This Orlando-based company has provided all-natural sunscreen products for more than a decade.
Caribbean Sol’s line includes various biodegradable sunscreen lotions, sprays, and skin-healing products.
Notable products include the Natural SunscreenSun Protection Factor (SPF)30 lotion and spray.
Sun Bum
Since 2010, Sun Bum’s mission has been to provide environmentally friendly sunscreen products.
Badger
Founded in 1995, this New Hampshire-based company provides natural body products.
They are known for their Sport Mineral Sunscreen lotions that are available in tin and tube packaging.
Hawaiian Tropic
Established in 1969, Hawaiian Tropic has long provided sunscreen products to consumers.
Their Hawaiian Tropic Skin Defense Lotion is their featured sunscreen product.
If you are shopping in a regular drugstore,look for mineral (not chemical) formulations.
Ingredients that are safer for the environment include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Examine the product label to confirm none of the problematic ingredients listed above are included.
Look for labels that include the words “biodegradable,” “reef-safe,” or “coral-safe.”
Is Biodegradable Sunscreen As Effective As Regular Sunscreen?
Should People With Sunscreen Allergies Consider Biodegradable Sunscreen?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is.
Both terms refer to sunscreens that do not contain ingredients that can harm marine life or coral reefs.
Yes, it is.
It is a common ingredient in biodegradable sunscreens.
Many people who have allergies to sunscreen are allergic to the synthetic ingredients in it.
Biodegradable sunscreen contains minerals that are often gentler on the skin.
Danovaro R, Bongiorni L, Corinaldesi C.Sunscreens Cause Coral Bleaching by Promoting Viral Infections.Environmental Health Perspectives.
2008;116(4):441-447. doi:10.1289/ehp.10966
Suh HW, Lewis J, Fong L, et al.
Biodegradable bioadhesive nanoparticle incorporation of broad-spectrum organic sunscreen agents.Bioengineering & Translational Medicine.
2020;12(8):3270. doi:10.3390/su12083270
National Ocean Service.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs.
Sun Bum.Sun bum biodegradable sunscreen.
Hawaiian Tropic US.Our story.
Oceanic Society.Reef safe sunscreen: Our guide to ocean-friendly sun protection.
