Every year, millions of local and international travelers flock to Philippine beaches, lured by the sun, ocean and witnessing the fascinating life that lays within. Siquijor Island has become a popular choice among travelers, rapidly emerging as the fastest-growing travel destination in the Philippines. With such beautiful nature, we can easily understand why. But before jumping into the ocean, here like anywhere else, remember to check that the type of product you might be wearing is not harmful to the marine environment. For example, most traditional brands of sunscreen have been proven to have negative impact on ocean health, favoring coral bleaching due to their UV-blocking chemicals. The phrase "reef-safe sunscreen" has gained traction, but what does it really mean? Why does it matter for our marine ecosystems? Let’s explore the concept of reef-safe products, the harmful ingredients to watch out for, some trusted brands, and the urgent need for sustainable practices.
What is Reef-Safe Sunscreen?
Reef-safe sunscreen is designed to protect both your skin and the ocean. Traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that, when washed away, can lead to coral bleaching and harm marine life. For example, studies have shown that just one application of sunscreen, considering how many we are, can lead to the release of up to 6,000 tons of harmful chemicals into the ocean each year—enough to impact delicate ecosystems.
How, why? Sunscreens work by providing either a physical barrier or a chemical barrier from the sun’s potentially harmful rays. For convenience, appeal, and easy absorption by the skin, most traditional brands use UV-blocking chemicals. Once in the water, these chemical leaks from our skin, to the ocean and enter in contact with fragile marine life such as corals. In order for a reef to thrive, corals need access to the sunlight we are shielding ourselves from. Along with stable warm temperature, clean and clear saltwater, corals need sunlight to survive and gather food. And even in extremely low concentrations, studies have shown that sunscreens can cause rapid and complete bleaching of hard corals, leading to increased coral mortality.
In response to this issue, and the banning of toxic ingredients in more and more coastal destination, many brands are developing sunscreens with biodegradable and "non-toxic" ingredients. It’s crucial for individuals to know exactly what we’re putting on our skin, especially during water activities.
Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreens
When shopping for reef-safe sunscreen, steer clear of these harmful ingredients:
Oxybenzone: Widely found in many sunscreens, oxybenzone is known to cause coral bleaching. A 2015 study found that it can be harmful to coral at concentrations as low as 62 parts per trillion, disrupting the growth of marine organisms.
Octinoxate: Similar to oxybenzone, octinoxate poses a threat to coral reefs, inhibiting their development. Research indicates it can be toxic to marine life and is often found in popular sunscreen brands.
Homosalate: While effective in blocking UV rays, homosalate has been linked to potential ecological harm, raising concerns about its long-term effects on ocean health.
Parabens: These preservatives disrupt hormonal functions in marine organisms and can impact coral reproductive success.
Synthetic Fragrances: These can include unlisted chemicals that accumulate in ocean waters, posing risks to fish and coral alike.
Take the time to read labels to choose sunscreens that protect the skin without harming the environment.
Beware for "reef safe" labels
While everyone should look for environmentally friendly sunscreen, it's important to note that terms like 'reef-safe' or 'reef-friendly' do not have standardized definitions and are not regulated by the FDA or any standard-setting organization.
This means that the term can be easily used in marketing campaigns in association with products that may still have harmful impacts on reef health when released in the ocean. For this reason, it is essential to truly look into the ingredient list of each sunscreen to check that any priorly mentioned ingredient is not included before purchasing it.
Now the truth of it is, no sunscreen has been proven to be completely safe for marine life. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two of the more widely studied chemicals in sunscreens, but other ingredients, such as preservatives, fragrances and other UV-blocking chemical agents, like as octocrylene, are also being scrutinized for their impact on coral. At this stage, the FDA only approved 2 ingredients as "safe": zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are the main ingredients in natural sunscreens.
Examples of Reef-Safe Brands in the Philippines
Growing awareness of reef-safe alternatives has led to the emergence of brands dedicated to eco-friendly sunscreens. Here are some of our favorite local options:
Human Nature: is a great locally made, natural reef safe sunscreen SPF30
Magwai: uses 100% mineral ingredients Non-Nano Actives, cruelty-free, vegan, providing reliable UV protection while safeguarding marine life. Sensible skins? They offer options up to Broad Spectrum SPF 50+/PA++++.
Our only concern with these two options is the packaging which they could still improve on to be refillable. Which is why we absolutely love sunscreen bar brands who provide sunscreen in bars, easy to store in a tin can and to refill without having to buy. We use to love BEACHBORN PH reef safe sunscreen bar for its zero waste packaging but unfortunately, they are no longer offering this product. There are similar brands who does though. If you've tried any good one, let us know in comments!
Why Is It Important?
Using reef-safe sunscreen is crucial for the health of our oceans. Coral reefs support about 25% of all marine life, providing habitats and breeding grounds for countless species. Yet, pollution, overfishing, coastal development and rising ocean temperatures have already distressed these ecosystems.
As a result, coral mortality is increasing at alarming levels and coral bleaching events are becoming more frequent. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), about 30% of the world's coral reefs have already experienced significant bleaching, primarily due to human activity. By switching to reef-safe sunscreen, individuals can help mitigate this problem and promote healthier oceans. Facing the gravity of the overloading pressure being put on fragile marine ecosystems mostly due to human interactions, choosing reef safe sunscreen is really, the minimum we SHOULD all do.
Making Sustainable Choices
Our purchasing decisions can go beyond sunscreen. Supporting environmentally conscious products reflects a commitment to be more aware of our environmental footprint and reducing it to protecting our planet. Consider choosing biodegradable products, using eco-friendly beach gear, or participating in local beach clean-ups.
Planning a trip to the beach? Remember to pack your reef-safe sunscreen. It is more than just sun protection; it’s a simple act of respect for marine life.
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