Researchers announced today that chemical sunscreens may be far more dangerous than previously revealed, and that children may be even more at risk from these chemicals than adults. The study in today’s medical journal JAMA revealed that common sunscreen products containing avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule and octocrylene need much more research. Blood concentration of these chemicals has for the first time been studied and found, after just one day’s use. Serum levels rise with continued use and following application. It is questionable whether these products can be “generally regarded as safe and effective, ” which is FDA’s safety measure.
According to the study, “oxybenzone… has been found in human breast milk (and) in amniotic fluid, urine, and blood…. Some studies… have raised questions about the potential for oxybenzone to affect endocrine activity.” Regarding Oxybenzone, the Environmental Working Group previously said CDC: “has detected oxybenzone in more than 96 percent of the American population…. Participants who reported using sunscreen have higher oxybenzone exposures…. Oxybenzone can cause allergic skin reactions and may disrupt hormones.”
Hawaiian sunscreen law and ban coming
Hawaii last year got ahead of the curve and banned certain sunscreens that can damage our marine environment and coral reefs. And of course our health. In the first such move in the U.S., the state will prevent the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals are found in literally thousands of sunscreens. The new law becomes effective January 1, 2021.
“Our natural environment is fragile, and our own interaction with the earth can have lasting impacts…. This new law is just one step toward protecting the health and resiliency of Hawaii’s coral reefs.” — Governor David Ige.
Oxybenzone and coral reefs
In addition to health safety, one of the other huge issues is that a significant amount of sunscreen applied to your skin is released into the water. Over time, with Hawaii’s millions of visitors, voluminous amounts of sunscreen end up in our coral reefs. This causes coral damage including bleaching, DNA injury, starvation and reproductive and development issues. Reefs are an integral part of our marine ecosystem and are essential to the environment. According to NOAA, “coral reefs buffer adjacent shorelines from wave action and prevent erosion, property damage and loss of life.”
There are many other excellent choices for sunscreens that are safer both for you and for our precious environment. These are based on physical rather than chemical sun barriers.
Just how effective is your Hawaiian sunscreen at protecting both your health and your skin and our environment?
We’ve been writing about staying safe under the Hawaii sun for more than 10 years. As always, your best protection is a shirt, hat and proper sunglasses. But beyond that, here’s how to stay covered in the islands and elsewhere.
Safer and effective alternatives in Hawaiian sunscreen
Many new safer products are available compared with even a couple of years ago. Read on for some of the highest rated sunscreen products that also feature low toxicity to you and the environment. These products still provide great sunburn (and questionable skin-cancer) prevention caused by UVA and UVB exposure, while not injuring Hawaii’s coral reefs.
The following families of products are among the safest and most effective (according to EWG), and the highest rated by consumers:
Tru-Kid Sunscreens (various SPF)
Kiss My Face Organics Sunscreens
Badger Sunscreens (various SPF) (Used by Beat of Hawaii editors)
What products have worked best for you?
Article updated 5/6/19
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Timothy W says
Your article gets an F for citing extremely biased sources. The EWG’s biased positions leave little room for objective reasoning and, therefore, destroy your position on the issue raised.
Ann t says
May I ask if EWG is not a good source, then what is? I’m researching sunscreens for my son, and any reputable sources would be appreciated. Thanks.
Sheila H says
I found out that I’m allergic to the new broad spectrum sun screens a few years ago so I don’t use them. Is Hawaiian Tropic tanning oil ok? I found that it repels bugs from me.
Allyson says
Do you know if Sun Bum products are approved for Hawaii? Thank you
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Allyson.
Doesn’t appear so. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/618318/Sun_Bum_Moisturizing_Suncreen_Lotion%2C_SPF_30_%282015_formulation%29/.
Aloha.
Kathy says
Avoid sunscreens with high content of Titanium Dioxide. This mineral does not biodegrade and is found to react in warm seawater to form hydrogen peroxide which is harmful to all sea life. Oxybenzone and octinoxate, the two chemicals recently banned in Hawaii and are believed to cause coral bleaching.
Emily says
Thanks for the good information, as always!! We are going to be in Kauai next month (yay!!) and I plan on buying my sunscreen there since we are just doing carry-ons. I’m from SoCal but super white (oncology nurse with extensive family history of skin cancer…TMI :P). Are the listed reef safe lotions readily available in stores on Kauai?? Mahalo again!!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Emily.
Thank you. Honestly we aren’t sure. One thing for sure, you have few choices for where to buy. Sorry.
Aloha.
Vicki H says
Your best bet for finding “approved” reef and people safe sunscreens on Kauai can be found in the surf shops such as Hanalei Surf in Hanalei. We were there in December/Januay and they were not available yet in te grocery stores. Hopefully that is changing. Have an amazing trip. 🙂
Emily says
Thanks for the suggestion Vicki!!
Jeanie F says
The best way to check for reef-friendly sunscreen is to look at the active ingredients. The reef-friendliest sunblocks are made from minerals and do NOT have any active chemical ingredients. So, look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Do NOT believe the stickers or marketing data – they are often wrong or misleading.
Better yet, cover up and use rash guards, hats, board shorts, and sunwear shirts.
Thanks for your help in protecting marine life and helping us preserve the marine ecosystem for future generations!
Beat of Hawaii says
Thanks Jeanie.
Aloha.
Colleen says
I agree with Jeanie F. We have never been fans of sunscreen. We limit our exposure and wear sun hats, sunlasses and use umbrellas, etc. If I were a snorkeler I would wear sun blocking clothing. I would also use these on my kids/grand kids. They are smaller and who knows what toxic effects all those chemicals have on their small bodies. No long term testing has EVER been done. Shame on the sunscreen manufacturers. Money, money, money. They don’t worry about our health. We need to take responsibility. Sadly, not much info on this subject until lately. Enjoy the sun ‘responsibly’ – meaning limit exposure, and protect yourself with clothing, hats, sunglasses, etc.
Colleen says
Here is an interesting article on the sunscreen issue and the need humans have for the sun – the real thing – in moderation, of course. A very good ‘read.’
https://www.outsideonline.com/2380751/sunscreen-sun-exposure-skin-cancer-science
Anne C. says
Thanks for the link to the article, I found it fascinating, had never heard any of this. Will keep it in mind while outside and allow some reasonable sun exposure, while protecting my face where I have had some basal cell cancers in the last few years. But grew up in California, and often sunburned as a kid.
Stanley H says
The problem is that the testing was done in an aquarium with concentrations of millions or billions of times higher than seen in the ocean. It’s like worrying about second-hand smoke from one smoker taking one puff from a cigarette in the Washington Mall a mile away.
The real danger to coral is warming ocean water.
The ban on sunscreens will cause hundreds of cases of skin cancer over a long period of time. The effect on coral of unmeasurably small amounts of sunscreen is insignificant.
Chris M says
I just bought at Costco, sunscreen that has a sign saying “reef safe.” It is called Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen and it’s free of oxybenzone.
Sheila M says
After dealing with a bout of sun allergy in Hawaii, I have since, successfully used a Hawaii made produce called Grab A Tan. Lets me get a wee bit of sun and still protects from burning. Would not use for extended time in the out doors as I am not certain of how it would work on me. Do not know where this one falls on your list.
Alison B says
Australian Gold mineral sunscreen is great protection, consistency, and disappears on skin. Available and well-reviewed on Amazon.
Dennis D says
Is Thinksport Sunscreen (made by the same folks that make ThinkBaby Safe Sunscreen) also reef safe?
Shirley says
Hi there!
I was told to use “Maui Babe” sunscreen while on a snorkeling boat trip while visiting Maui. Do you know if that is still a recommended product?
Thank you!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Shirley.
Here’s what EWG has to say about that: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/brand/Maui_Babe/
Aloha.
Liz says
It’s expensive, but I love beautycounter CounterSun mineral sunscreen because it applies cleanly and easily without making you look like a white ghost. It has a 1 rating on EWG.
Juli H says
Hi readers, Beautycounter is also going to be offering tinted sunscreen coming later this month so you’ll have a little tan along with your chemical free reef safe sunscreen, safe enough for the whole family. Juli H
Jean H says
YEH! Have been waiting for more press on REEF-SAFE SUNSCREENS. Beat of Hawaii is a great source of guidance to help get the word out. I was given the free sample of Raw Essentials SPF 30 on one of my Hawaiin Airlines flights, but you did not mention this and I cannot find it in the stores. Any help? Mahalo, Jean
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jean.
That is available on Amazon here, but we did not list it as it did not have very good reviews. We tried it as well.
Aloha.
Travis S says
Just got back from Oahu for a week. Used Raw Elements SPF 30 (the one in the can, 79 reviews at 4.1 stars out of 5). Most sunscreen, if I get it near my eyes, stings a bit, but this stuff was awesome. No discomfort anywhere. I used it all over my face with no irritation at all. It worked well for me, did not burn, but my wife, who is a bit sensitive to the Sun, did get a little red, still no burn. We picked up a SPF 50 at Sea Life Park while there and it seemed to work well for her, can not recall the name, but it was toted as a safe for the environment as well. I think you could go with Raw Elements and odds would be in your favor. Just follow Beats link above, should be just a click away. Good luck.
Beat of Hawaii says
Thanks Travis.
Aloha.
Peggy says
good for Hawaii! I have always gotten a bad itchy rash if I use anything that says “Sport” or water proof etc. Especially bad reaction from Banana Boat Sport…I like the new zinc based sunscreen. They are not like the old white paste anymore. Don’t forget some great sun is healthy for you with all that natural Vitamin D we get from it. I like a nice healthy tan too, without burning. Interesting and helpful article.
Colleen says
Yes, sun is a healthy source of Vitamin D. Lack of vitamin D is associated with all sorts of ailments, including cancer. We NEED it and for years and years, people have slathered themselves with products to prevent/avoid getting it.
I do not advocate going to Hawaii (or anywhere else) and spending an entire day in the sun and getting badly burned. Use common sense. But we have never been a fan of chemicals. We take to the sun carefully and in moderation – as we do all things in life. This has worked well for our entire life.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Colleen!
Thank you.
Aloha.