Summer is a time of rest and relaxation, the only time of year when the rules are more relaxed. Summer is also synonymous with the sun. With the longer days, outdoor adventures, and generally speaking, more time outside, sunscreen is essential.
Choosing a product that aligns with your values and is healthy for you and your family can be a challenging task. That’s because not all sunscreens are created equal, and it’s hard to tell if a brand’s philosophy aligns with your values, especially when it comes to sustainability.
In this post, I’ll break down what it means when a sunscreen is labeled reef safe, plastic free, mineral-based, vegan, or cruelty-free—and why these choices matter, both for the environment and your body. I hope that this information will make it easier to choose a sunscreen that’s good for the planet and healthier for your skin.
🌊 Reef Safe
What it means:
The terms “reef safe” and “reef friendly” aren’t regulated, meaning it’s necessary to read the ingredient list to avoid greenwashing. Generally speaking, products that use the terms “reef safe” or “reef friendly” have been formulated without chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Avoiding these chemically derived ingredients is the best way to prevent harming coral reefs and marine life.
Why it matters for the planet:
In 2008, a groundbreaking toxicity study was done that demonstrated the damage that chemical ingredients in sunscreen had on coral reefs. Further studies published in subsequent years continued to show the negative impacts of chemicals found in sunscreen, particularly oxybenzone and octinoxate, on corals and other ocean life.
Why it matters for you:
You may have guessed it: oxybenzone and octinoxate cause endocrine disruption in humans and nature. Avoiding these chemicals by choosing a mineral sunscreen will help protect you and the ocean from the harmful effects of synthetically derived alternatives.
🌿 Mineral Sunscreen
What it means:
Mineral sunscreens utilize physical minerals to deflect UV rays. The most common mineral ingredients are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. In contrast, chemical sunscreens are designed to absorb those rays. According to the Surfrider organization, these are the ingredients to avoid:
- Avobenzone
- Octinoxate
- Octocrylene
- Oxybenzone
- Nanoparticles
- PABA
- Parabens
- Triclosan
Why it matters for the planet:
Mineral sunscreens are less likely to harm marine life and break down more safely in the environment. They also tend to be biodegradable.
Why it matters for you:
If you have sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens are a better option as they’re less likely to cause allergic reactions. Mineral sunscreens are also safer for kids as mineral ingredients don’t penetrate the skin. You may be thinking, ‘This sounds great, but what about the white residue?’ There are sustainable options available that have less or no white pigmentation and go on smoothly without a sticky feeling. Keep reading for Love Local brand picks.
🧴 Plastic Free
What it means:
It’s Plastic Free July, so of course, we have to cover the plastic packaging component of many sunscreen products. You can reduce plastic waste by looking for products that come in packaging made from materials like metal tins, glass jars, or biodegradable tubes.
Why it matters for the planet:
Plastic pollution affects every corner of the globe. It can take a plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle up to 500 years to fully decompose. As the plastic breaks down, it creates smaller particles called microplastics, which can harm wildlife, pollute water, and enter the food chain.
Why it matters for you:
Studies have shown microplastics are in drinking water, food, and even human blood. Reducing plastic in your daily life decreases your personal contribution to microplastic pollution and helps us turn the corner towards a life with less waste.
🐰 Vegan & Cruelty Free
What it means:
There are plenty of sustainable options for animal lovers as well. Sunscreens labeled vegan contain no animal-derived ingredients. When you see the cruelty-free label, you can rest assured that the product, or its raw ingredients, weren’t tested on animals.
Why it matters for the planet:
As previously mentioned, chemicals from sunscreen have been shown to damage ocean life. Supporting vegan and cruelty-free products helps reduce negative impacts on the ocean and land by choosing ethical brands.
Why it matters for you:
Ethical sunscreens tend to use cleaner ingredients, and avoiding animal testing is always a good ethos to support.
Wrapping up
Choosing a sustainable sunscreen isn’t just an eco-friendly gesture—it’s a conscious decision that supports your health and the well-being of our planet. Whether you’re lying on a beach or hiking in the mountains, your sunscreen can do more than protect your skin; it can reflect your values.
Next time you shop for SPF, look for:
✅ Reef-safe ingredients
✅ Plastic-free packaging
✅ Mineral-based protection
✅ Vegan and cruelty-free certifications
Some of the SPF brands featured on Love Local:
For a deeper dive into the details of SPF, read our article Sunscreen101.
