Sunscreen is one of the most important travel essentials on our packing lists for sunny destinations. But while protecting us humans, some sunblocks can be incredibly damaging for coral reefs and other marine life. This has even led to several countries introducing a ban on chemical sunscreens in order to protect the local underwater world. Some examples are Palau, Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands. The solution to the problem is reef safe lotion, which contains minerals instead of chemicals. But what is the best eco-friendly sunscreen for you?
Here’s a quick overview of our favorites:
| Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ | Check price on Amazon |
| Kokua Sun Care SPF 50 | Check price on Amazon |
| All Good Sport Mineral Face & Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ | Check price on Amazon |
| Raw Elements Eco Form Sunscreen SPF 30 | Check price on Amazon |
| Stream2Sea Reef Safe Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 | Check price on Amazon |
| Mama Kuleana Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 30 | Check price on Amazon |
| MANDA Organic Sun Paste – SPF 50 | Check price on Amazon |
Read also: Why you should use natural cosmetics
Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
- First sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements
- Won multiple awards
- FDA tested 80 minute water resistance
- Biodegradable
- Non-nano zinc oxide as active ingredient
- Cruelty free, gluten free & vegan (Leaping Bunny certified)
- Made in the USA
- Non-Oily Feel
- Available on Amazon. Check it out here
Kokua Sun Care SPF 50
- 25% Non-nano zinc oxide (which is the highest amount available)
- Other ingredients: 23 antioxidants, which are partly sourced from Hawaii
- FDA tested 80 min water restistance
- Gentle and soothing for sensitive skin
- Light coconut vanilla scent
- Note: this eco-friendly sunscreen contains honey and is not 100% vegan
- Available on Amazon. Check it out here
All Good Sport Mineral Face & Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
- Ingredients: zinc oxide (active ingredient), organic green tea, olive oil, farm-grown calendula, rose hips
- Oxybenzone free and GMO free
- Gluten free and vegan
- Biodegradable
- Water resistant up to 80 minutes
- Lightweight formula, non-greasy
- Available on Amazon. Check it out here
Raw Elements Eco-Friendly Sunscreen SPF 30
- 23% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
- 80 minute water resistance
- Gentle, moisturizing formula
- Soy free
- Gluten and nut free
- cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny certified)
- Biodegradable
- Plus: Comes in recyclable packaging
- Available on Amazon. Check it out here
Stream2Sea Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
- USDA Certified Bio-Based Product
- 80 minute water resistance
- Does not contain oxybenzone, octinoxate and other chemicals
- Packaging is made from sugarcane resin
- Gluten free
- Paraben and sulfates free
- Available on Amazon. Check it out here
Mama Kuleana Sunscreen SPF 30
- 40 min water resistance
- Does not contain oxybenzone, octinoxate and other chemicals
- Plus: comes in biodegradable packaging
- Contains organic Shea Butter and organic Coconut Oil
- Note: this product contains beeswax and is not 100% vegan
- Available on Amazon. Check it out here
MANDA Organic Sun Paste SPF 50
- Contains organic ingredients (organic coconut oil, organic cocoa butter, organic shea butter and more)
- 20% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
- Does not contain oxybenzone, octinoxate and other chemicals
- Note: this product contains organic beeswax and is not 100% vegan
- Packaging is made from bamboo and tin (tip: reuse it and store your headphones, coins, small jewellery or other little items in the box)
- Available on Amazon. Check it out here
