Which Sunscreens are the Safest?

We’re of the mindset that making good choices for the planet is making good choices for people, as well. And, with so many choices out there, it’s hard to know which sunscreens are the best for our health. So we set out to find out which sunscreens are the safest - for our reefs and our bodies.

The best sun protection isn’t sunscreen

The best way to prevent sunburn or skin damage from sun exposure isn’t using sunscreen! It’s avoiding the sun. 

Staying out of the sun is the best way to avoid sun damage and any consequences of absorbing or releasing chemicals into the environment. So instead of lathering up in sunscreen, try these alternatives as your first line of defense. 

• Plan outdoor activities in early morning or late afternoon (UV radiation is highest at midday.)

• Find (or make) shade under a tree, umbrella, or sports canopy

• Wear protective clothing, like hats, pants, and log sleeves

• Protect your eyes with sunglasses

Sun avoidance is smart for all of us, but it’s especially important for infants. Keeping them out of the sun is their best strategy, until they’re at least six months old. 

Protect yourself and our reefs

Research shows that some of the chemicals that prevent damage to our skin can do a great deal of damage to our reefs and oceans. In fact, one study showed that as much as 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in the world’s reefs each year! Some places already ban these ingredients, and you can do your part by avoiding sunscreens that contain these harmful chemicals:

• oxybenzone

• octinoxate

• octocrylene

• PABA (Aminobenzoic Acid)

• enzacamene

• octisalate

• homosalate

• avobenzone

Note: Don’t wear a single product that combines sunscreen and bug repellent. If you need both, apply your bug spray first.

Learn more about the trouble with chemical sunscreens.

Chemical versus mineral

When you do have to be in the sun, swap out chemical sunscreens for mineral ones. They’re safer for our reefs, and they prevent your body from absorbing chemicals that can appear in your breast milk, urine or blood - even after just a single use. Yuck! 

Mineral sunscreens are known as physical sunscreens, because they sit on your skin and reflect the sun’s rays, rather than absorbing and breaking down UV rays. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium oxide that reflect rays and provide UVA and UVB protection. 

And don’t forget that you can pair your mineral sunscreen with a hat, light clothing, and sunglasses for extra protection.

Here’s a list of 10 reef-safe mineral sunscreens. 

Which SPF should you use?

Generally speaking, a higher SPF is associated with greater sun protection, but that isn’t exactly the case. Why not? The ratio of UVA protection goes down as SPF increases. That means you could be exposing your skin to higher levels of UVA radiation, which deeply penetrates your skin and can cause long-term skin damage, including melanoma. 

It’s true that higher SPF sunscreens can lower your risk of sunburn, but they do so with a huge cost. According to the Environmental Working Group, “U.S. sunscreens offer far less protection against UVA than UVB rays, and this is worst for products with the highest SPF values. Because UVA and UVB protection do not harmonize, high-SPF products suppress sunburn much more effectively than they do other types of sun damage. Five leading sunscreen scientists tested 20 U.S. sunscreens for UVA and UVB protection and found that just two of the seven with SPF values of 50+ and greater would pass the European test for UVA protection (Wang 2017).”

Using the highest SPF means you’re making a tradeoff: less sunburn but a higher risk of serious, long-term damage from UVA rays. 

Still not convinced? Higher SPF levels tend to mean higher levels of chemicals, which can be harmful to you and to our oceans. Plus, studies show that products labeled with the highest levels of SPF may not really be high in SPF, anyway.

With this information in mind, don’t buy sunscreens with SPF higher than 50. Even if you’re prone to sunburn, products with SPF of 30 to 50 should provide enough protection.

Learn more about high SPF sunscreens and their risks.

Which is better, spray or cream?

The most effective sunscreen is the one you’ll wear, but the safest option is usually the cream. Sprays are convenient, but they release tiny particles that can irritate your lungs and might not be safe to breathe. Sprays are also harder to apply correctly, so you may miss spots and leave your skin unprotected. 

How to apply sunscreen

These tips from the American Academy of Dermatology will help you apply sunscreen properly, to effectively protect your skin. 

1. Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 to 50, is water resistant, and provides broad-spectrum coverage (UVA & UVB)..

2. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outdoors. 

3. Apply enough sunscreen, and rub it into your skin thoroughly. Most adults need about one ounce, or enough to fill a shot glass, to fully cover their body. 

4. Apply sunscreen to all skin not covered by clothing. Remember your neck, face, ears, the tops of your feet and your legs. To protect your lips, apply a lip balm with a SPF of at least 15.

5. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. 

Sunscreen safety summary

Whichever sunscreen you choose, remember to apply it liberally and reapply it often. Also be sure to wear it whenever you’re outdoors, even in winter or on cloudy days. Being a good role model for your kids means safer fun in the sun for the whole family. 

• Don’t combine bug repellent and sunscreen in a single product

• Choose mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide

• Look for an SPF of 30-50

• Opt for creams, rather than sprays

• If you use chemical sunscreen, avoid the eight reef-damaging chemicals

• Apply sunscreen correctly, or avoid the sun

While you wait for your sunscreen to dry, enjoy these refreshing Strawberry Watermelon Popsicles.