Reef Safe Sunscreen

Question

We are headed down for our first trip in a couple weeks! What are your favorite brands for reef safe sunscreen?

Answer

Great question — and so important, especially when you're headed to a fragile coral environment like the Florida Keys. “Reef-safe” usually means sunscreens that avoid ingredients known to harm corals (like oxybenzone and octinoxate) and instead rely on mineral (physical) filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Here are some of my favorite reef-safe sunscreen brands + product recs, plus tips for choosing and using sunscreen responsibly while enjoying the Keys.

Top Reef-Safe Sunscreen Picks

— This is a high-performance zinc-oxide formula (non-nano) that offers broad spectrum protection. It’s water- and sweat-resistant (about 80 mins), made with antioxidant-rich botanical extracts, and has a minimal white cast.
— Very accessible (often available in major retailers), contains no harmful chemical UV filters, is non-GMO, and works great for active days in the sun. Charisma Sailing (Keys-based) actually recommends it.
— A reef-safe version from a well-known brand. It complies with “Hawaii 104 / Florida Keys” reef-safety standards (i.e., no oxybenzone or octinoxate). Great for daily use and comfortable on skin.
— Uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Hypoallergenic and water-resistant (~80 min). The bottle even changes color in UV light, which is a clever reminder to reapply.
— Lightweight, sheer mineral sunscreen powered by non-nano zinc oxide, with shea butter and aloe for hydration. Eco-friendly and very skin-friendly.
— Especially good if you're planning a lot of time in the water. It's reef safe, water-resistant (80 min), and even helps protect against jellyfish stings — plus it's approved in marine environments like Hawaiian and Palau waters.
— A robust zinc-oxide sunscreen from Reef Safe Australia. Very high UV protection, designed for both skin and the planet.
— This one from a small/boutique brand uses non-nano zinc, has a clay base, and comes in lightweight, non-plastic packaging. Great if you want something eco-conscious and compact.

Other Recommended Reef-Safe Brands

Beyond specific products, here are reputable brands that are often listed by conservation and reef-protection groups:

Raw Elements — known for very clean mineral formulas.
Badger Balm — very simple ingredient list, strong performance.
Stream2Sea — rigorously tested for marine safety (e.g., coral larvae)
Manda (organic sun paste) — great for minimal-waste and sensitive skin.
Australian Gold Botanicals — classic, beachy feel but “reef safe” lines.

Tips for Using Reef-Safe Sunscreen in the Keys

Apply generously and often. Even reef-safe sunscreen washes off, especially if you're swimming. Reapply every ~2 hours (or more if you’re in the water a lot).
Use a rash guard. One of the easiest and most reef-friendly ways to protect your skin is to cover up — a UV-protective shirt + wide-brim hat reduces the amount of sunscreen you need.
Choose lotions over sprays when possible. Lotions tend to drift into the water less than aerosol sprays.
Read the label. Even if “reef-safe” is printed on the bottle, double check for active ingredients. Make sure it uses mineral filters (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) and avoids oxybenzone / octinoxate.
Dispose responsibly. After using, rinse off on land (if possible), not directly into the ocean. And recycle or properly dispose of empty containers.

Overall: you’ve got lots of excellent reef-safe sunscreen options that will protect your skin and help preserve the beautiful coral ecosystems around Marathon and the Florida Keys. Choose ones you like applying (because you’ll reapply more) and enjoy your trip! 😊

Reef Safe Sunscreen

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