As was expected, Hawaii last week banned certain sunscreens that can damage our marine environment and coral reefs. 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
One of the 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.
Now, let’s see just how effective is your Hawaiian sunscreen at protecting both your skin and our environment?
Oxybenzone and humans
Oxybenzone may also cause hormonal disruptions and cell damage itself, and could be cancer causing. More on this is likely to come to the forefront based on research soon.
Regarding Oxybenzone, the Environmental Working Group says:
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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.”
Just how effective is your Hawaiian sunscreen at protecting both 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 7/13/18
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.
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.