Sunscreen is an essential.
Any time you are spending time in the sun, you should put sunscreen on to protect your skin.
Not all sunscreens are the same though.
As easy as you think it is to just buy the cheapest sunscreen to save a couple bucks, it can also be harmful.
Most sunscreens contain chemicals like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.
Just by putting "reef friendly" or "reef safe" on the label doesn't mean it really is. This action is not regulated, so basically any company can put that on their label, even if it's not true.
The key is to check the ingredients list. If it lists either of those chemicals, nanoparticles, or parabens, you should avoid that product if you plan to use it at the beach. They come off of your skin in the ocean, and can damage the reefs, bleaching them, which eventually kills them.
Coral reefs are a huge part of the ocean ecosystem, providing habitats and protecting coastlines. It is crucial that we do whatever we can to protect them, meaning choosing the right sunscreens to protect both our skin and our oceans.
5 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens
Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen
Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen
Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sunscreen
ThinkSport Sunscreen
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen