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The 11 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens of 2024

Protect your skin, protect the reefs.

Pipette Mineral Sunscreen displayed on a sandy background next to a leafy plant and seashell

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

TL;DR

Overall, our favorite reef-safe sunscreen is the Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50. It’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, fragrance-free, water-resistant, and doesn’t create a white cast, all while remaining affordable. But if you have sensitive or reactive skin, we highly recommend the California Baby Super Sensitive Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen.

The importance of protecting our skin from harmful UV rays has been known for decades, but the understanding of how many sunscreens can cause significant damage to marine life is relatively new. Studies have shown that oxybenzone and octinoxate (common active ingredients in SPF products) can harm coral reefs, which can further harm marine life.

The good news is more and more companies are making sunscreens that are “reef-safe.” But bear in mind that the term "reef-safe sunscreen" is not regulated, which means just because a product says it won’t cause harm doesn’t mean it is actually reef-safe. “It is important to check the active ingredients label to ensure that reef-harming chemicals are not included,” says Lea d'Auriol, founder of the international nonprofit Oceanic Global. “As a general rule, options without oxybenzone and octinoxate are a good first indicator of more ocean-friendly options."

Still, checking labels can be time-consuming, so we did the research for you. We compiled a list of 24 SPF products that didn’t contain reef-damaging ingredients, then put them to the test both in The Lab as well as at home. We evaluated them based on how easily they spread across the skin and absorbed, how they felt on the skin, how water-resistant they were, whether they created a white cast, and most importantly, how well they protected our skin.

What We Like
  • Lightweight, creamy texture

  • Fast-absorbing

  • Doesn’t create white cast

What to Consider
  • Not transfer-proof

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This sunscreen was specifically formulated for babies and children, meaning it's gentle enough to use on even the most sensitive of skin types. If you find that sunscreen formulas irritate your skin or your eyes, this is a great choice for everyday protection. We were thoroughly impressed with how nice and easy it was to apply this sunscreen. Its lightweight, creamy texture is easy to rub in and absorbs quickly without leaving a dry or greasy feel behind. Though it comes out of the tube in a whitish color, it doesn't create even a minor white cast—a major win considering that it’s powered by zinc oxide, which often does. 

While we did find in testing that it transfers a little onto clothing, we love that it’s pretty water-resistant and remains well intact after swimming or sweating.

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Easy to blend into the skin

  • Fast-absorbing

  • Very resistant to transfer and water

What to Consider
  • Strong lemon fragrance

Active Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Considering how much sunscreen you need to use in order for it to effectively protect your skin from the sun (roughly the size of a shot glass), it’s a product that can be really pricey to continuously repurchase. That’s why having an affordable go-to is so important, and this one is fantastic. The formula contains cocoa seed butter, shea butter, calendula, coconut oil, and avocado to nourish the skin.

The creamy lotion texture rubs into the skin with ease and absorbs quickly. After rubbing it in for a few seconds, any remnants of a white cast disappear, and the skin is left feeling comfortable and nongreasy. It’s also impressive in terms of how well it resists transfer and water. One con to note about this formula is that it has a strong, lemony fragrance that some people might find overpowering, especially if they’re not a fan of lemons.

What We Like
  • Formulated without potential irritants and allergens

  • Water-resistant

  • Nongreasy finish

What to Consider
  • Texture is a bit thick

  • Leaves white cast for first 30 minutes

Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.8, 2.9, 6, 19 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Those with sensitive skin know that finding a sunscreen that’s effective and nonirritating can be tricky. We love this one because it’s safe for the oceans as well as sensitive skin and baby skin. It’s free from tons of potential irritants and allergens, such as most nuts (except coconut), gluten, soy, dairy, fragrance, and chemical SPF.

While the texture is pretty thick and takes a bit of effort to rub in, it’s smooth and creamy, and it feels comfortable once applied. It’s also nongreasy and super resistant to water. It does create a noticeable white cast when first applied, but we found out that it fades pretty much completely after about 30 minutes.

What We Like
  • Fast-absorbing

  • Water-resistant

  • Doesn’t leave a residue on the skin

What to Consider
  • Has a slight fragrance

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 3, 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While many options boasted impressive absorption capabilities, this one was the best at melting into the skin with almost no effort required. The fluid lotion consistency makes it easy to spread around the body, and it absorbs into the skin in the blink of an eye without leaving behind a thick, chalky, or greasy residue. Though it does create a hint of a white cast upon the initial application, we found in testing that the cast quickly fades after just a moment or two.

We were also impressed with how well this sunscreen resists transfer and running when it comes into contact with water. If you’re particularly picky about finding sunscreens that don’t feel like the dry, heavy, hard-to-blend products of the past, we highly recommend checking this one out.

What We Like
  • Lightweight and fast-absorbing

  • Pump bottle

  • Nonsticky finish

  • Water-resistant

What to Consider
  • Has a strong fragrance

  • Has a minor white cast

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’ve been searching for a weightless, reef-safe sunscreen, this is the one for you. This liquid-y formula pumps out of the bottle easily, blends into the skin with minimal effort, doesn’t leave an annoying chalky or oily residue on the skin and doesn’t transfer or run when it comes into contact with sweat. Seriously—it lasted through swimming, a workout, and the sauna despite its thin texture and weightless feel on our skin.

We do generally prefer unscented sunscreens, and this one does feature that typical beachy scent that many heritage SPF brands are known for—but it does smell nice and nostalgic. And while it does create a minor white cast, that cast is fairly undetectable after about 20 minutes of wear.

What We Like
  • Indicates when you need to reapply

  • Very water-resistant

  • Fast-absorbing

What to Consider
  • Consistency can be a bit runny

  • Leaves a slightly tacky finish on the skin

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This sunscreen is a great option for beach days because it’s reef-safe (of course), features a color-changing cap that goes from white to blue or pink when exposed to UV rays to indicate it’s time to reapply, and it’s water-resistant. It has a gentle, liquid-like formula that can be a bit runny and hard to control out of the tube, but the weightless texture makes it easy to spread and comfortable on the skin. It absorbs within seconds before setting down to a radiant finish with almost no white cast in sight.

What impressed us the most about this formula is how well it performed during water-resistance and transfer-resistance tests. It stayed put almost completely, making it a great option for those who frequently do outdoor activities—especially days at the beach or pool.

Hand rubbing Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 onto other hand

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

What We Like
  • Air-powered spray

  • No flammable propellants

  • Made from 13 plant-based ingredients

What to Consider
  • May stain surfaces slightly 

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, aloe vera, sunflower oil | SPF: 30 | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While we all know the importance of reapplying sunscreen after swimming, it can be easy to forget to top up regularly whilst lounging by the pool. This air-powered spray takes the hard work out of staying protected by providing an easy-to-use mist SPF that goes on evenly and absorbs quickly. Instead of a traditional aerosol, this spray uses a bag on a valve method, that keeps the pressurized air and product separated. In addition to SPF 30, this sunscreen also contains a host of skin-nourishing ingredients such as sunflower oil to help reduce redness and chamomile to soothe and soften the skin.

What We Like
  • Sweat-resistant

  • Nonsticky

  • Suitable for sensitive skin

What to Consider
  • Leaves a slight white cast

Active Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, capric caprylic triglycerides, sorbitan stearate | SPF: 50 | Size: 3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There is nothing better than an outdoor workout. What’s not fun however, is the sunburnt aftermath if your SPF sweated off while you were moving. Anyone who favors playing sports outside needs to add one of these sweat-resistant sunscreens to their gym bag. Ideal for both summer and winter, this lotion has a lightweight nonsticky feel that lasts up to 80 minutes, even in the pool. It can also be used by kids, so it is a great pick for the whole family.

What We Like
  • Primes skin for makeup

  • Moisturizing ingredients

  • Sheer finish

What to Consider
  • Smaller size tube

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, ectoin, homosalate, butterfly ginger extract | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

If you have oily skin or hate the way your foundation looks applied over sunscreen, you may have chosen to forgo shielding your face from UV rays in a bid to prevent shine or avoid your makeup pilling. This hydrating sheer option from Biossance, however, offers the ideal solution as it was designed specifically to be worn on the face and as a base for makeup. 

The fragrance-free, nongreasy formula provides both weightless moisture and sun protection, meaning it doubles up as both your skincare and SPF. If you are looking to streamline your beauty routine, this ultra-sheer facial sunscreen can be worn on its own or used as a primer.

What We Like
  • Provides a light coverage

  • Nongreasy texture 

  • Doesn’t burn eyes

  • Suitable for sensitive skin

  • Water-resistant

What to Consider
  • Only comes in one shade

Active Ingredients:Titanium dioxide, salicylic acid | SPF: 30 | Size: 3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A little bit of this sunscreen goes a long way. It comes in a slightly denser texture that you need to blot between the palms of your hands and then spread across the areas you wish to protect. In addition to providing SPF 30, this lotion also has a sheer tint to it, making it a great option for reducing the appearance of spider veins on legs. 

As with all Stream 2 Sea sunscreens, this tinted version has also been infused with their organic aloe, green tea, wakame, and olive leaf blend to offer further protection against environmental stressors and nourish the skin while you enjoy the sunshine.

What We Like
  • Moisturizes skin

  • No white cast

  • Spreads easily

What to Consider
  • Needs some time to absorb

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, cocos nucifera, persea gratiss | SPF: 30 | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When undertaking a full-body sunscreen application, it’s a no-brainer to go for an extra moisturizing option to keep your skin soft and supple. The hydrating trio of avocado, coconut, and red raspberry seed oil make this transparent lotion the top choice for anyone looking to keep their skin in peak condition. We love how it glides on for a seamless application with minimal dragging or tugging to the skin. Suitable for both kids and those with sensitive skin, not only does it keep your skin protected, it also leaves it looking smoother after your day in the sun.

What to Look for in Reef-Safe Sunscreen

  • Water-resistance: D'Auriol recommends opting for SPFs that are water-resistant because this makes them less likely to wash off of your skin into the ocean. Plus, the better your sunscreen remains on your skin, the more protected you are from the harmful effects of the sun.
  • Protection Level: It’s important to consider what level of protection you’re getting out of your SPF, regardless of whether it’s reef-safe or not. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should use a product that has an SPF of 30 or higher. They also recommend opting for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
FAQ
  • How do SPFs harm ocean life?

    There’s a growing movement to opt for reef-safe sunscreens—but why? Perhaps you’ve heard of coral bleaching, but what does it mean? “Coral bleaching occurs when changes in the corals (rising temperature, lack of nutrients, exposure to toxins, etc.) cause coral to become stressed. Stressed corals expel the symbiotic, food-producing algae that live in their tissues. Exposing their white skeletons (kind of like taking off your sweater when the room is too hot)," says d'Auriol.

    While bleached corals aren’t dead, they are more at risk of becoming diseased or dying—which in turn impacts the marine ecosystems that rely on the coral for survival. Chemicals in sunscreen can be toxic to the coral and also alter the pH in their environments, increasing the risk of the coral becoming stressed and bleaching.

    Why is this important? Maintaining the health of corals is essential to other marine life. “Over 25% of all marine life depends on healthy coral reefs for survival,” says d'Auriol.

  • What makes an SPF reef-safe?

    There is no regulated “reef-safe” definition, but d’Auriel recommends avoiding these ingredients in sunscreens: oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, 4-methyl benzylidene camphor, PABA, parabens, triclosan, any nanoparticles (or ‘nano-sized’ zinc), titanium, and any form of microplastics like exfoliating beads.

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty. To better inform her for this article, she spoke with an expert on the topic:

  • Lea d'Auriol, founder of the international nonprofit and partner of UN World Oceans Day, Oceanic Global.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough reef-safe sunscreen from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Updated by Clare Holden
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. Raffa RB, Pergolizzi JV Jr, Taylor R Jr, Kitzen JM; NEMA Research Group. Sunscreen bans: coral reefs and skin cancerJ Clin Pharm Ther. 2019;44(1):134-139. doi:10.1111/jcpt.12778

  2. López Pérez G, Torres Altamirano M. Indicación del destilado oleico de girasol en el tratamiento de la dermatitis atópica [Indications for sunflower oil concentrate in the treatment of atopic dermatitis]. Rev Alerg Mex. 2006;53(6):217-225.

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