Whether you are surfing or just spending a day outdoors, it’s important to protect your skin and apply sunscreen before you head out. However, not all sunscreens are created equal. Many sunscreens contain ingredients that are harmful to reefs and other sea life including oxybenzone and octinoxate. Hawaii and Key West have actually moved to ban the sale of products containing these ingredients as of January 1, 2021. So what are some good, reef-safe sunscreens? Here are 10 of the best reef-safe sunscreens you should be using this summer.

Raw Elements

Raw Elements SPF 30 Certified Natural Sunscreen is a great option for those looking for a high-performance sunscreen. Raw Elements is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and can be used on both the face and body. The main ingredient in the sunscreen is non-nano zinc oxide and it is shown to be safe for both kids and adults. Raw Elements is available on Amazon for $18. 

Hello Bello

If you are looking for a reef-safe sunscreen that is available on store shelves, then Hello Bello is a great option. Hello Bello is from Kristen Bell and Dax Shepherd’s line of products and is available at Walmart. Hello Bello is the only FDA-approved sunscreen to protect again all three types of UV rays including UVB, UVA2 and UVA1. It is an affordable option at only $9 a tube. 

Art of Sport 

Art of Sport Skin Armor is designed for athletes. This SPF 50 sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it is a great option for surfers. The sunscreen is non-greasy, weightless and has a dry finish. It is relatively affordable at only $12 a tube on Amazon. 

Kokua Sun Care

Kokua Sun Care is not only Hawaiian-based, but uses a lot of local Hawaiian ingredients in their product including spirulina, plumeria extract, honey, kukui nut oil, and other nourishing oils. This SPF 50 sunscreen is zinc-based. The high-quality ingredients do up the price tag on this sunscreen, priced at $30 a tube on Amazon.

Bare Republic

Bare Republic Mineral Sport Lotion stands out due to it’s coconut-vanilla scent. If you are one that hates the smell of sunscreen, then this is a product for you. The SPF 50 sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and is affordable at $15 for five ounces on Amazon.

Mama Kuleana

If you are looking for small-batch sunscreen produced by a local Hawaiian company, then Mama Kuleana is for you. This SPF 30 sunscreen is waterproof for up to 40 minutes. It is made from shea butter and coconut oil and comes in a biodegradable container. It is available for $20 at mamakuleana.com.

Raw Love

Another local Hawaiian reef-safe sunscreen we recommend is Raw Love. This SPF 35 sunscreen comes in a retro-looking tin can and is made with all plant-based ingredients including jojoba and cold-pressed coconut oil. The sunscreen quickly absorbs into the skin without leaving any type of greasy residue. It is priced at $17 a can and is available at rawlovesunscreen.com.

Badger

Badger’s SPF 30 Broad Spectrum sunscreen contains only five ingredients, so you know what you are getting. These ingredients include non-nano zinc oxide, organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, sunflower vitamin E, and organic seabuckthorn extract. The sunscreen is also unscented and water resistant for up to 40 minutes. It is available at around $13 a tube on Amazon.

ThinkSport

If you need a sunscreen that will protect you to the max while out on the water, you need ThinkSport. This SPF 50+ sunscreen is designed for athletes and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. ThinkSport is the first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements. It is non-oily and does not contain the noticeable smell that most sunscreens have. The product is available for $20 for a six ounce tube on Amazon.

Stream2Sea

Stream2Sea is a UVA and UVB broad spectrum sunscreen. The SPF 30 formula contains no parabens, gluten, or other harmful ingredients. It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and fast absorbing. The product is a little pricier at $17 for a three ounce tube on Amazon.