Hawaiian sunscreen ban in effect
Hawaii is still somewhat ahead of the curve and has banned sunscreens that can damage our marine environment and coral reefs. And of course our health. In the first such move of a U.S. state, Hawaii prevents the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals are found in literally thousands of sunscreens. The new law became effective on 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.
Full-size sunscreens OK per TSA
New TSA guidelines went into effect last week. Effective April 7, sunscreens became part of the TSA list of medically approved items. That means that full-size containers are now permitted in your carry-on.
“TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare them to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection.”
World beaches enacting sunscreen bans
US Virgin Islands. A ban on chemical sunscreens and outlawing of imports and sales of products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate went into effect last year.
Bonaire. The island will ban the sale of chemical sunscreens in 2021.
Key West, Florida. Ban effective January 2021, stores cannot sell sunscreens containing reef-damaging chemicals. That was, however, struck down by a subsequent statewide law.
Palau. This was the first country to enact a sunscreen ban. It went into effect in 2020.
Aruba. Effective 2020, sunscreens containing oxybenzone have been prohibited.
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.
How effective is your Hawaiian sunscreen?
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. They list 183 recreational sunscreens which meet EWG’s criteria. We’d love to hear your other suggestions and sources:
Thinksport Sunscreens (various SPF)
Kiss My Face Organics Sunscreens
Badger Sunscreens (various SPF) (Used by Beat of Hawaii editors)
JAMA study revealed new issues with chemical sunscreens.
Researchers have said that chemical sunscreens may be far more dangerous than previously revealed and that children maybe even more at risk from these chemicals than adults. A study in the 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.”
What products have worked best for you?
Article updated 4/11/21.
Beat of Hawaii © photo on Oahu.
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Michael D says
Thanks for posting the names of the early-approved sun screens. My dermatologist emphasizes sunscreens must have zinc, or a similar reflective property, to protect you. Good ol’ Zinc Oxide remains the gold standard. Also screen clothing is another route to take. Even staying in the shade isn’t 100 percent unless you account for reflected sun from the water and sand. Oh, and wear a hat with a wide brim, too. I speak as a frequent flyer with my dermatologist to remove unwanted things on my skin.
Sue H. says
Good info. Thanks. 😊
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Sue.
Thanks. Take care.
Aloha.
Andy M says
I miss the Hawaiian Tropic stuff that smelled like coconut and was basically cooking oil for your skin🤣
BARBARA M says
OH, those college days up on the roof with the aluminum foil covered cardboard and the bottle of Hawaiian Tropic!
BARBARA M says
After I ran out of time to get my no-chemical sunscreen by mail, I wore Sun Bum on a Phoenix trip and in that one trip, developed a horrible rash which became a melanoma on my chest! During that diagnostic, three different dermatologists from three different practices told me BLUE LIZARD out of Australia was the only sunscreen I should use. They pointed out that (at that time), getting an SPF assigned to a US produced product was literally a joke! A few years ago, Blue Lizard revamped their line to be “Reef Safe”. You can sometimes find it at Walmart but look for their on-line specials!
Dale R says
There are many Kauai made zinc based sunscreens available both online and on island. Not my companies, just sharing local info.
Hawaiipeeps.com, SolRemedies.com, kokuasunscreen.com
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.
Karen G says
Consumer Reports
they report that the mineral sunscreens do not protect very well
and that the science on damage to coral reefs is not well supported by global climate change researchers, who have found that temperature spikes are much more powerful at damaging coral reefs than any chemicals in sunscreen, tourism and even wastewater runoff
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.
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.
Ron G says
Difficult to decide what might be your worst culprit then, as titanium dioxide is the most common white pigment used in paints, coatings, plastics, paper, inks, fibers, foods and cosmetics globally…ever seen bright white paint? White ceramics? You can eat the stuff without harm (why would you though) and titanium dioxide ABSORBS hydrogen peroxide on its surface, it DOES NOT create it, and could only collect what is already there. This is about the last thing on earth to worry about harming the environment in itself…however the process to release it from some of its Hard Rock forms is what I’d be arguing against!
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!!
Janel B. says
The article also said that TSA allows full size sunscreen now, so you can buy ahead and keep in the carry on.
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
Utter nonsense. Testing has been done. But in any case, mineral block sunscreens are safe.
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.
Stanley H. says
EXACTLY RIGHT
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.
Stanley H. says
And it will continue to work well until it doesn’t and you develop skin cancer. You don’t NEED sun produced ultraviolet light to produce Vitamin D. You can buy supplements for a few pennies a day.
ALL SUN EXPOSURE INCREASES YOUR RISK OF SKIN CANCER. Moderation merely adds years to the time until you develop skin cancer. There is more skin cancer than ALL OTHER KINDS OF CANCER ADDED TOGETHER!!
Stanley H. says
There is NO HEALTHY TAN. ALL UV EXPOSURE ADDS TO YOUR LIFETIME RISK OF SKIN CANCER.