WomensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex & Love
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Weight Loss
  • Women In Sport
  • Podcasts
  • Video
WomensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex & Love
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Weight Loss
  • Women In Sport
  • Podcasts
  • Video
This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack
Watch 0:23

This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack

{headline}

{headline}

Four Things To Remember When Checking Your Skin Ahead of Summer

Four Things To Remember When Checking Your Skin Ahead of Summer

This Super-Random Habit Could Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

This Super-Random Habit Could Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

People Are Hating On Jennifer Hawkins For Taking Her Baby To The Beach Sans Hat

People Are Hating On Jennifer Hawkins For Taking Her Baby To The Beach Sans Hat

11 Of The Best Physical Sunscreens

11 Of The Best Physical Sunscreens

{headline}

{headline}

Drew Barrymore Has Found An All-Natural Sunscreen That Doesn't Cause Breakouts

Drew Barrymore Has Found An All-Natural Sunscreen That Doesn't Cause Breakouts

Exactly What Different Types of Skin Cancer Look Like, According to Dermatologists

Exactly What Different Types of Skin Cancer Look Like, According to Dermatologists

Women Around The World Are Wigging Out Over The Identical Freckle They Share

Women Around The World Are Wigging Out Over The Identical Freckle They Share

{headline}

{headline}

The Truth Behind 3 Anti-Ageing Myths

The Truth Behind 3 Anti-Ageing Myths

Sunscreen Chemicals Seep Into The Bloodstream, FDA Says

Sunscreen Chemicals Seep Into The Bloodstream, FDA Says

Jackie O Shares Confronting Skin Cancer Selfie

Jackie O Shares Confronting Skin Cancer Selfie

12 Of The Best Face Sunscreens And SPF Moisturisers

12 Of The Best Face Sunscreens And SPF Moisturisers

This Woman's Graphic Selfies Make A Serious Case For The Importance Of SPF

This Woman's Graphic Selfies Make A Serious Case For The Importance Of SPF

These Shocking Images Show Why You Shouldn’t Just Rely On SPF Moisturiser

These Shocking Images Show Why You Shouldn’t Just Rely On SPF Moisturiser

Jennifer Garner Says This $21 Facial Sunscreen Keeps Her Looking Young

Jennifer Garner Says This $21 Facial Sunscreen Keeps Her Looking Young

Advertising Feature By endota
  1. Home
  2. Beauty

What Is Reef-Safe Sunscreen?

You’re seeing it everywhere – here’s what you need to know - by Hannah Joseph
  • 16 Jan 2020
What Is Reef-Safe Sunscreen?

If you’ve scrolled through Instagram or Facebook lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a mention of reef-safe sunscreen. What exactly are reef-safe sunscreens? And more importantly, should you be using one? We break it down for you.

Sunscreen and the ocean

Here’s something that might surprise you: seawater contains thousands of chemicals from personal care products, and one of the most damaging of these pollutants is sunscreen. In fact, one 2015 study estimated that up to 14,000 tons of sunscreen infiltrate the planet’s coral reefs every year and cause irreversible damage. Both oxybenzone and octinoxate have been linked to increased coral bleaching and marine degradation, and they’re also two of the most common ingredients found in chemical sunscreen.

Here’s where we pause for a sunscreen refresher. There are two types of sunscreen: chemical sunscreens absorb UVA and UVB rays and convert them into heat, while physical sunscreens (also known as mineral sunscreens) form a barrier on the skin and reflect these rays.

Back to the reefs. Things are so dire that, in March 2018, Hawaii passed legislation that prohibits the sale of any sunscreens containing either oxybenzone or octinoxate (the law kicks in next year, when you will no longer find these kinds of sunscreens on the shelf in Hawaii).

Reef safe sunscreen won't add pollutants to the water
Getty

You wouldn’t think of hitting the sea without sunscreen, so what can you do?

Think zinc

The active ingredients in physical sunscreens are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, both of which sit on the surface of the skin and create the barrier between skin and the sun. Both zinc and titanium dioxide are seen to be less damaging than chemical formulas on coral reefs, but of the two, titanium dioxide doesn’t block UVA rays as effectively as zinc.

Understandably, many of us are scarred by the memories of past summers spent with thick, opaque, neon stuff smeared on our noses, but you’ll be happy to hear that times have indeed changed, and innovation means the latest zinc formulas are clear and easily worked into skin, so there are no tell-tale marks.

Are you ready to try a reef-safe sunscreen?

Ready to try a reef-safe sunscreen?

The new endota Natural Clear Zinc SPF50+ is a natural, reef-safe sunscreen that is perfect for sensitive skin, thanks to the exclusion of potentially irritating chemical UV filters, sulphates, silicones, parabens or synthetics, and the calming benefits of zinc itself. With an ultra-hydrating formula that always stays clear on skin, Natural Clear Zinc offers broad-spectrum protection against ultraviolet rays, and helps prevent premature photoageing caused by sun exposure (like sun spots, wrinkles, collagen damage and loss of elasticity) to promote healthier, younger looking skin, plus it’s water-resistant for four hours.

Now you can happily spend a day at the beach, knowing you’re protecting your skin and the ocean. 

Apply sunscreen liberally to clean, dry, exposed skin areas 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, exercise or towelling. Prolonged exposure to the sun should be avoided. It is important to wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Product should be kept out of the eyes. For external use only. For batch number and expiry see crimp.

Do you love natural beauty products as much as we do? Then click here for more articles.

Subscribe Now-6 Issues just $39

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Subscribe Now-6 Issues just $39

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Recommended to you

This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack
Watch 0:23

This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack

{headline}

{headline}

Four Things To Remember When Checking Your Skin Ahead of Summer

Four Things To Remember When Checking Your Skin Ahead of Summer

This Super-Random Habit Could Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

This Super-Random Habit Could Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

People Are Hating On Jennifer Hawkins For Taking Her Baby To The Beach Sans Hat

People Are Hating On Jennifer Hawkins For Taking Her Baby To The Beach Sans Hat

11 Of The Best Physical Sunscreens

11 Of The Best Physical Sunscreens

{headline}

{headline}

Drew Barrymore Has Found An All-Natural Sunscreen That Doesn't Cause Breakouts

Drew Barrymore Has Found An All-Natural Sunscreen That Doesn't Cause Breakouts

Exactly What Different Types of Skin Cancer Look Like, According to Dermatologists

Exactly What Different Types of Skin Cancer Look Like, According to Dermatologists

Women Around The World Are Wigging Out Over The Identical Freckle They Share

Women Around The World Are Wigging Out Over The Identical Freckle They Share

{headline}

{headline}

The Truth Behind 3 Anti-Ageing Myths

The Truth Behind 3 Anti-Ageing Myths

Sunscreen Chemicals Seep Into The Bloodstream, FDA Says

Sunscreen Chemicals Seep Into The Bloodstream, FDA Says

Jackie O Shares Confronting Skin Cancer Selfie

Jackie O Shares Confronting Skin Cancer Selfie

12 Of The Best Face Sunscreens And SPF Moisturisers

12 Of The Best Face Sunscreens And SPF Moisturisers

This Woman's Graphic Selfies Make A Serious Case For The Importance Of SPF

This Woman's Graphic Selfies Make A Serious Case For The Importance Of SPF

These Shocking Images Show Why You Shouldn’t Just Rely On SPF Moisturiser

These Shocking Images Show Why You Shouldn’t Just Rely On SPF Moisturiser

Jennifer Garner Says This $21 Facial Sunscreen Keeps Her Looking Young

Jennifer Garner Says This $21 Facial Sunscreen Keeps Her Looking Young

WomensHealth
  • About Paragon Media
  • Contact Paragon Media
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • About Paragon Media
  • Contact Paragon Media
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement

Brands

Our Network

  • Paragon Media Pty Ltd
  • Men’s Health
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe Now-6 Issues just $39

Shop This Offer
Subscribe Now