The Best Mineral Sunscreens to Help Save the Coral Reef

If you have ever thought about or are currently journeying towards a lifestyle that will aid the environment, then you must have thought about beauty products and what print they leave on the planet. One of the everyday items we need to make sure we protect ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun is sunscreen, but it has been pointed out as a major polluter for its effects on coral reef life. Some of the ingredients that we need to avoid are oxybenzoate, octinoxate, octocrylene, aminobenzoic acid, enzacamene, octisalate, homosalate, and avobenzone. Today we are on the search of the best biodegradable sunscreens on the market that are not going to hurt the reefs because their active ingredients do not include any of those!

Babo Botanicals SPF 30 Clear Zinc Lotion

Pros: It does not have any scent. It is also free of soy, dairy, and gluten because it has been developed for super sensitive skin. It is great to use on babies and kids, as well as your face, ears, nose, and lips.

It protects you for 80 minutes. Water and sweat are not a problem, as it is able to resist their effects. All in all, it is a great option for a biodegradable, reef safe, hypoallergenic and gluten-free sunscreen solution.

Cons: It is a bit pricey

The Best Mineral Sunscreens to Help Save the Coral Reef

All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Pros: It is a lightweight formula that’s not greasy. It could also help repair damaged skin because of the different types of natural oils it contains. Its broad-spectrum protection can last up to 80 minutes.

It is also water-resistant. It is oxybenzone free, gluten-free, non-nano, vegan, and biodegradable. It does not include any parabens, phthalates, triclosan or microbeads. 

Cons: You do have to reapply often and some customers found it hard to blend.

The Best Mineral Sunscreens to Help Save the Coral Reef

Neutrogena SPF 50 Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen

Pros: This is a specially formulated water-resistant face sunscreen is made with naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide that features Dry-Touch technology to help ensure it dries with a non-greasy finish. So it is perfect to use on your face. It also layers invisibly under makeup for easy wear.

It is free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, dyes and irritating chemicals so it is gentle on the skin and will not sting your eyes. It is a non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and oil-free formula that contains antioxidants to help protect against skin-damaging free radicals. 

Cons: Some customers found it a bit greasy compared to other dry touch sunscreens.

The Best Mineral Sunscreens to Help Save the Coral Reef

SuperGoop! Everyday Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Pros: This super-lightweight, ultra-moisturizing lotion provides protection from UVA, UVB, and IRA rays while defending skin from photoaging and dehydration. It is made with different natural extracts like citrus, basil, and Bois de rose. This can help with the usual not so pleasant smell of sunscreen. It will not leave a greasy finish on the skin and it will absorb very fast.

This also contributes to it being water and sweat resistant. It also offers broad-spectrum protection. As it is also a lotion, it can help with fine lines and wrinkles, dryness, and loss of firmness and elasticity. It contains sunflower extract that is rich in beta carotene and helps protect your skin from external environmental elements and rosemary leaf extract that has a calming effect on the skin and is rich in antioxidants. This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, on top of being reef safe.

Cons: It’s price! Definitely on the upper scale.

The Best Mineral Sunscreens to Help Save the Coral Reef

Badger SPF 30 Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream for Face and Body

Pros: This product is 98% organic and it is made out of only 5 ingredients. It is also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, which makes it suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive skin. It is water and sweat resistant for at up to 40 minutes of swimming, hiking, biking, and other activities. It should be reapplied every 2 hours.

It offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with non-nano, uncoated mineral zinc oxide to safely block sun’s harmful rays. It contains non-GMO, ingredients sunflower oil, beeswax, seabuckthorn, and vitamin E, for skin-soothing hydration and sun protection. It is cruelty-free, reef safe, biodegradable, and planet-friendly. It has also been top-rated by the Environmental Working Group. Even the tube it comes in is BPA and phthalate-free, made of Number 2 recyclable plastic.

Cons: Some customers found it feels cream-like, so it is a bit heavy and harder to use.

The Best Mineral Sunscreens to Help Save the Coral Reef

Love Sun Body 100% Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Pros: This formula is free of the harmful chemicals like Oxybenzone found to be toxic to coral reefs and that may pose a health risk to humans. It contains 100% natural, plant-based ingredients, no synthetic chemicals, non-GMO ingredients and it is paraben-free. It is a physical sunscreen that exceeded FDA testing and also meets European standards for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

It received the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) best and highest rating for safety and efficacy. It offers waterproof protection for up to 80 minutes in the water. It can even be used on a toddler or baby over 6 months old because it is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic so it is safe for sensitive skin. Its ingredients that double as a moisturizer and it leaves a matte finish. It is also gluten-free, vegan and cruelty-free and comes in eco-friendly packaging. 

Cons: Some customers found it hard to rub in and a bit greasy.

The Best Mineral Sunscreens to Help Save the Coral Reef

ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Sun Damage Protection

Pros: ISDIN is a well-established beauty brand and this sunscreen has a lot of active ingredients that will not only protect you from the sun but also help your skin look and feel better.  It offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and SPF50+.

It helps protect against photoaging and address sun-induced skin damage. It has a non-greasy feeling with a light texture that absorbs quickly. It is water-resistant, lasting for about 40 minutes underwater. It should be applied before foundation.

Cons: It is on the pricey side!

The Best Mineral Sunscreens to Help Save the Coral Reef

Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen – No Chemical Actives – SPF 30+ UVA/UVB Protection

Pros: This mineral sunscreen with no chemical active ingredients is made out of active zinc that provides broad-spectrum protection.

It is paraben and fragrance-free. It is also water-resistant, offering protection for up to 40 minutes underwater. It has been designed to protect very delicate skin, like the one of a baby so it is perfect for all members of the family. 

Cons: None! Everyone found it to be spreadable and great to use. Some customers did find it to leave a white residue that gets absorbed a few minutes into application.

The Best Mineral Sunscreens to Help Save the Coral Reef

CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Pros: This physical sunscreen, reflects UVA/UVB rays to protect the skin. It has been formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) that help restore the skin’s natural barrier and lock in moisture long after it has been absorbed. It also contains hyaluronic acid. It is oxybenzone free, oil-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free and chemical-filter free.

It has been allergy-tested and found to be non-comedogenic with low risk of skin irritation, so it is suitable for sensitive skin and kids. It has been recommended by both the Skin Cancer Foundation and the National Eczema Association as an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen. Received the Skin Cancer Foundation “Daily Use” Seal of Recommendation. 

Cons: Some customers found it left a white residue on the skin, but it absorbed itself after a few minutes.

The Best Mineral Sunscreens to Help Save the Coral Reef

Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen

Pros: This face and body sunscreen offers sun protection that lasts up to 80 minutes and does not run or sting your eyes. It has a gentle, moisturizing formula that can be used as part of your daily skincare routine and is gentle enough for kids. It is soy, gluten, and nut-free and contains no synthetic chemicals. It does contain nourishing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, so your skin stays protected long after environmental exposure.

It has a sole active ingredient of 23% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide and provides broad-spectrum coverage. It is also reef-safe, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, non-GMO and comes in biodegradable recyclable packaging. 

Cons: Some customers described its smell like “strong ginger root extract”. Some people may not find it pleasant.

The Best Mineral Sunscreens to Help Save the Coral Reef

Suntegrity Skincare – Natural Mineral Sunscreen For Body

Pros: This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection and is free of harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic dyes, sulfates, nanoparticles, and chemical UV absorbers. It is non-greasy and contains 20% non-nano, uncoated zinc-oxide for therapeutic broad-spectrum protection against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

This sunscreen formula contains antioxidants for healthy protection all year round and has a light citrus scent. It was included in EWG’s 2017 “Best Beach & Sport Sunscreens” list and received a #1 Rating in the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database.

Cons: Some customers found it does not absorb as fast or easily as other sunscreens. 

The Best Mineral Sunscreens to Help Save the Coral Reef

We know switching from your regular chemical sunscreen is hard, especially because searching for the right physical sunscreen for you is such a chore. We hope to have given you a great amount of options for you to choose from and see which one works best. Tell us below which one you settled on!