Is your Sunscreen Destroying Coral Reefs?
Embracing Reef-Safe Sunscreen for a Sustainable Future
As we all know, sunscreen is an essential part of our daily routine, especially during the summer months. It protects our skin from harmful UV rays and prevents skin damage and skin cancer. However, have you ever stopped to think about the impact your sunscreen may have on the environment, specifically coral reefs?
The answer is yes, your sunscreen may be destroying coral reefs. The two major categories of sunscreens are physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens contain minerals that act as a shield deflecting the sun’s rays, while chemical sunscreens use synthetic compounds that absorb UV light before it reaches the skin.
Unfortunately, active ingredients in most chemical sunscreens are toxic to corals, algae, sea urchins, fish, and mammals. Oxybenzone and avobenzone are synthetic molecules that are commonly used in chemical sunscreens and are known to be toxic to marine life. According to the ocean foundation, a single drop of these compounds in more than 4 million gallons of water is enough to endanger organisms. You can only imagine the harm it can cause us when ingested through our skin.
Moreover, certain preservatives in sunscreens can also be toxic to reefs and humans. Parabens, such as methyl paraben and butyl paraben, are unsafe. Phenoxyethanol, a commonly used synthetic preservative in so-called “natural” products, was originally used as a mass fish anesthetic.
So, what is the solution?
The answer is reef-safe sunscreen. Reef-safe sunscreen does not contain harmful chemicals that can damage coral reefs. Instead, it uses natural ingredients that are safe for both humans and the environment. One such product is OM Botanical Reef safe SPF 30 sunscreen. This sunscreen is made with natural ingredients such as zinc oxide, which is a mineral that acts as a physical barrier to the sun’s rays. It is also non-nano in size, which means that it cannot be ingested by corals.
OM Botanical Reef Safe SPF 30 Sunscreen, naturally free from harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, parabens, and phenoxyethanol. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, making it a safe and ethical choice for those who care about the environment.
In conclusion, it is essential to choose reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the environment. OM Botanical Reef safe SPF 30 sunscreen is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the sun without harming the ocean’s delicate ecosystem. So, next time you head to the beach, make sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen and do your part in protecting our planet
I listened to the podcast and read this blog and learned so much about sunscreen! I never even realized that besides affecting me, I could be hurting our oceans! Thank you, OM, fir providing products that make me feel good inside and out!
I honestly didn’t realize reef safe sunscreen was a thing until I was on Pinterest for tips/hacks to pack for Hawaii last September. I’m so glad I know now.
Thank you for making us aware of the impact our skin/suncare routines have on ocean wildlife.
I’ve been on the search for a reef safe and safe for my family spf! It’s hard to love some with really strong white casts/textures, but I keep trying different ones in hopes of finding my holy grail spf! Thanks for spreading this important info we all need to be aware of, can’t wait to try your spf next!
Save the reefs!
Definitely something to keep in mind
I would never have thought of sunscreen causing a problem.
I never knew chemical sunscreens were detrimental to coral. I will no longer use chemical sunscreens.
Wow, I just found out that it is very dangerous for marine life.
I think that we must do everything in our power to protect all the natural resources that our Planet provides us. And coral reefs are perhaps the most beautiful things we have, so we must respect and protect them so that our children and grandchildren can also admire them.
This was AN INCREDIBLE article that I learned so much information about spf to keep myself and family safe. The coral reef is beautiful and is one of the things I would love to visit one day.
Love that this is safe of the environment & humans!
Love this idea
I just learned about this on a recent trip to the Caribbean. Very important!
I listened to the podcast and read this blog and learned so much about sunscreen!
I love this company and all the mindful ways that you create products, including reef safe sunscreen! Thank you!
It sounds great that your company makes such safe sunscreen:) I never thought about how sunscreen affected reefs before.
I look forward to trying this. My grandson lives outside and needs it:) Thank you!!
Loving it!
I didn’t know that about sunscreen!
Great information thanks!
Wow. Good to know!
Embracing reef-safe sunscreen is an important step towards ensuring a sustainable future for our oceans and marine ecosystems, so thank you alot!
Intriguing information. Sounds feasible. Thanks for sharing.
It’s refreshing to have finally found a skincare company that aligns with my own values. It’s disheartening to see so many companies prioritize profits over customer well-being and environmental impact. OM Botanicals seems to be a gem in the industry, genuinely caring about the ingredients they use and their customers’ satisfaction. Finding a safe and effective sunscreen can be quite a challenge, especially when considering its impact on the environment. It’s fantastic that their sunscreen has met our expectations and protected our skin all summer long. Especially in the Florida heat! I started using OM Botanicals after meeting Sudhir at the premiere hair show in Orlando, nothing has ever helped my skin and aligned with my beliefs (if it’s going on your skin it should be safe to go in your body), this line is a dream come true. As an Esthetician I highly recommend this line! I haven’t tried a product I haven’t fell in love with, and I haven’t had a client that hasn’t either.
Thank you for protecting both our oceans and our skin🙏🏽
I had no idea that most commercial sunscreens are toxic to our oceans, fish, reefs & mammals. Can’t imagine all the harm they’ve already done. Will be ordering Reef Safe Sunscreens from now on!
Yes, I would like to use safe sunscreen!
We should all take care of our Planet and only use safe sunscreen
this was super informative!! I cant wait to tell my friends about reef safe spf!! we can all do a part in saving the reef!
I have never hear of Reef-safe sunscreen before. It’s important that we protect our planet as well as ourselves.
Thank you for creating awareness around sunscreen polluting the sea – I will make better choices and tell my friends to do so as well. Thanks OM
Thank you for sharing this, this is very important. I’ve always stick to all natural sunscreen, for my own health.. but I will be sharing this with others, who haven’t done so.
Thank you for writing about this. You don’t see this information being shown often enough.. i will help by sharing this blog! Thank you again.
I want to protect the world’s reefs, especially where I live. We usually get something safe for the environment and our skin. Will try this and see how we react.
you did a wonderful job for tell people what is really happen with sunscreen thank you
Never thought about this.Thanks for this information
This is great information
Packing this to my next reef trip!
always looking for new sustainable ways to keep my skin safe- and the seas too. thank you
Thanks for providing a quality reef safe sunscreen. I live near the beach and it’s great to have an alternative to help save our oceans.
Well done
Yes and thank you! They should teach this in school so that way more people are aware 🙂
I nver realized what damage sunscreen is doing to coral reefs. Informative post.
Great info
Yay for protecting our skin, the ocean, aquatic life, and reefs! Win-win-win-win!!!
My gf and I have been trying different mineral sunscreens to minimize our impact, I’d love to try this one
Hi Devon! Our Reef-Safe Sunscreen is light and moisturizing. We’d love for you to try it. Use code EVERYBODYWINS to enjoy 20% off sitewide. Sale ends 8/28/23.
it is very nice
This sounds great!