6 Reef-Safe Sunscreens To Pack For Spring Break and Beyond
March 14, 2019With escape-from-the-cold season well underway and summer sort of around the corner, it’s likely you’ve already started shopping for the sunscreen you’ll be toting to the beach and beyond. In addition to responsibly reapplying your SPF every two hours (more frequently if you’re in water or sweating), it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients in your SPF if you’ll be in natural bodies of water. According to Consumer Reports, certain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are often found in chemical sunscreens, have been deemed potentially harmful to aquatic life. In light of recent discoveries, Hawaii has already banned the sale of sunscreens containing these ingredients, but you should still be aware wherever you’re taking a dip. With that said we’ve rounded up our favorite reef-safe options ahead, so you can swim without worry:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Ultra-Light Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
One of the reasons people tend to skip mineral sunscreens is the white cast they can leave behind, making tinted sunscreens a go-to for anyone who wants a sheer finish. One of our favorites is La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Ultra-Light Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, a thin formula that glides on easily and gives skin just a hint of glow.
Soleil Organic Sheer Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 Travel
Formulated without oxybenzone or octinoxate, this broad-spectrum SPF formula is great for anyone who wants a sunscreen spray instead of a lotion. It also contains good-for-skin ingredients like green tea leaf extract, which is rich in antioxidants.
CeraVe Hydrating Body Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
The CeraVe Hydrating Body Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 ticks all of the SPF boxes: It’s broad spectrum, lightweight and doesn’t leave behind a greasy film. This sunscreen is also packed with ceramides that help to restore skin’s natural barrier while also locking in moisture.
Free of avobenzone and oxybenzone, Thinksport Safe Sunscreen 50+ is a physical sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and comes highly recommended by athletes, moms and travelers alike.
Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian SPF 50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen
If you want a physical sunscreen that goes on smooth and rubs in easily, give Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian SPF 50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen a try. Founded by a couple living in Hawaii, Kokua Sun Care is light enough for everyday use but works well for more active days, too.
Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Designed for acne-prone and sensitive skin, the Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ is fast-absorbing and dries down to a matte finish. It also has a “universal tint” to avoid the dreaded white cast. Pair this with your favorite moisturizer for a glowier finish that looks great under makeup.