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10 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Blue Lizard SENSITIVE Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Bottle Technology - Fragrance Free, 8.75 oz.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is a solid choice for anyone with sensitive skin who wants effective sun protection without harsh chemicals. It uses 100% mineral active ingredients like zinc oxide, which are gentle on sensitive skin and free from common irritants such as oxybenzone and octinoxate—both of which can harm coral reefs. The SPF 50+ rating offers strong broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, blocking up to 98% of UVB rays, which is excellent for daily use or outdoor activities. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it suitable for swimming or sweating.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,171
Active Ingredients
SPF Rating
Water Resistance
Most important from
29572 reviews
#2
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 6 oz
The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray is designed for those who spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun. It offers a high SPF 50 rating, providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, which is essential for preventing sunburn and skin damage. The sunscreen is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.
Rating
9.7
Application Type
Most important from
26386 reviews
#3
Thrive Natural Care Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF50 - Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant - Mineral Sunscreen Non-Nano Zinc Oxide - Vegan, (5.8 Oz (Pack of 1))
The Thrive Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF50 is a commendable choice for those seeking an eco-friendly and effective sun protection option. With a high SPF rating of 50, it provides robust defense against harmful UVA and UVB rays, which is crucial for prolonged outdoor exposure. Its active ingredient, 23.5% non-nano zinc oxide, is known for creating a physical barrier against the sun without the use of chemical filters, making it a safer alternative for both users and marine ecosystems.
Rating
9.1
Active Ingredients
SPF Rating
Water Resistance
Most important from
1438 reviews
Top 10 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Blue Lizard SENSITIVE Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Bottle Technology - Fragrance Free, 8.75 oz.
Blue Lizard SENSITIVE Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Bottle Technology - Fragrance Free, 8.75 oz.
Active Ingredients: zinc oxide
SPF Rating: 50+
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Application Type: lotion
Additional Skin Benefits: fragrance-free, paraben-free, hypoallergenic
Environmental Certifications: no Oxybenzone, no Octinoxate
Chosen by 1171 this week
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 6 oz
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 6 oz
Active Ingredients: Vitamin E
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Application Type: Spray
Additional Skin Benefits: Non-comedogenic, moisturizes
Environmental Certifications: Hawaii 104 Reef Act compliant
Thrive Natural Care Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF50 - Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant - Mineral Sunscreen Non-Nano Zinc Oxide - Vegan, (5.8 Oz (Pack of 1))
Thrive Natural Care Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF50 - Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant - Mineral Sunscreen Non-Nano Zinc Oxide - Vegan, (5.8 Oz (Pack of 1))
Active Ingredients: 23.5% non-nano zinc oxide
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80-minute
Additional Skin Benefits: Antioxidant, Hydrating, Nourishing
Sun Bum Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Body Spray - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 6 oz
Sun Bum Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Body Spray - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 6 oz
SPF Rating: 70
Water Resistance: water-resistant
Application Type: spray
Additional Skin Benefits: moisturizing, Vitamin E, oil-free, non-comedogenic
Environmental Certifications: oxybenzone-free, octinoxate-free, reef-safe, gluten-free
Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 with 100% Mineral Active Ingredients for Babies, Kids or Extra Sensitive Skin, Lightweight, Water Resistant & Fragrance Free, Multicolor, Unscented, 3 Fl Oz
Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 with 100% Mineral Active Ingredients for Babies, Kids or Extra Sensitive Skin, Lightweight, Water Resistant & Fragrance Free, Multicolor, Unscented, 3 Fl Oz
Active Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Additional Skin Benefits: Babo's Nutri-Soothe Complex
Environmental Certifications: EWG Verified, B Corp Certified
Related Products
Up to 33% off
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF50 - Natural Zinc Oxide - Face & Body - Fragrance-Free - Water-Resistant - EWG Verified - Vegan - Extra Sensitive Skin - For Babies & Kids
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF50 - Natural Zinc Oxide - Face & Body - Fragrance-Free - Water-Resistant - EWG Verified - Vegan - Extra Sensitive Skin - For Babies & Kids
Active Ingredients: zinc oxide
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 Minutes
Environmental Certifications: EWG Verified, Cruelty-free, Vegan
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Sunscreen Spray SPF30 - Natural Zinc Oxide - Extra Sensitive Skin - Water Resistant - Vegan - Fragrance-Free - Air-Powered Spray - For all ages - 2-Pack
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Sunscreen Spray SPF30 - Natural Zinc Oxide - Extra Sensitive Skin - Water Resistant - Vegan - Fragrance-Free - Air-Powered Spray - For all ages - 2-Pack
Active Ingredients: 12% non-nano zinc oxide
SPF Rating: 30
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Application Type: air-powered spray
Additional Skin Benefits: organic aloe, calendula
Environmental Certifications: B Corp, cruelty-free, vegan
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 8 oz
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 8 oz
Active Ingredients: Octinoxate-free, Oxybenzone-free, Vitamin E
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Application Type: Lotion
Additional Skin Benefits: Moisturizing, non-comedogenic
Environmental Certifications: Reef-safe, gluten-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free
BLUE LIZARD Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Zinc Oxide SPF 50+ Water Resistant UVA/UVB Protection Easy to Apply Fragrance Free, Kids, Unscented, 0.5 oz
BLUE LIZARD Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Zinc Oxide SPF 50+ Water Resistant UVA/UVB Protection Easy to Apply Fragrance Free, Kids, Unscented, 0.5 oz
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Application Type: Stick
Additional Skin Benefits: Fragrance-free, Paraben-free
Environmental Certifications: Reef-friendly, Oxybenzone-free, Octinoxate-free
#10
Badger Reef Safe Sport Mineral Sunscreen - Unscented SPF 40, 98% Organic, Water Resistant Zinc, Approved for Hawaii & Mexico Reefs, 2.9 fl oz, 2-Pack
Badger Reef Safe Sport Mineral Sunscreen - Unscented SPF 40, 98% Organic, Water Resistant Zinc, Approved for Hawaii & Mexico Reefs, 2.9 fl oz, 2-Pack
Active Ingredients: zinc oxide
SPF Rating: 40
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Additional Skin Benefits: unscented, sunflower oil, vitamin E
Environmental Certifications: reef safe, eco-friendly packaging
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Buying Guide for the Best Reef Safe Sunscreens
Choosing the right reef-safe sunscreen is essential not only for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays but also for preserving marine ecosystems. Reef-safe sunscreens are formulated without certain chemicals that can harm coral reefs and marine life. When selecting a reef-safe sunscreen, it's important to consider various factors to ensure it meets your needs while being environmentally friendly.Active IngredientsActive ingredients in reef-safe sunscreens are typically mineral-based, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients are important because they provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays without harming marine life. When navigating active ingredients, look for sunscreens that list non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as their primary components. Non-nano particles are less likely to be ingested by marine organisms. If you have sensitive skin, zinc oxide is often recommended as it is gentle and effective.
SPF RatingSPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn. This spec is crucial for determining the level of protection you need based on your skin type and sun exposure. SPF ratings are typically segmented into three categories: low (SPF 15-30), medium (SPF 30-50), and high (SPF 50+). For everyday use, an SPF of 30 is usually sufficient, but if you plan to spend extended time outdoors, opt for a higher SPF. Choose an SPF that matches your activity level and skin sensitivity.
Water ResistanceWater resistance indicates how long the sunscreen remains effective while you are swimming or sweating. This spec is important for maintaining protection during water activities. Water resistance is usually labeled as either 40 minutes or 80 minutes. If you are engaging in water sports or will be in the water for extended periods, choose a sunscreen with 80 minutes of water resistance. For less intense activities, 40 minutes may be adequate. Reapply as directed to maintain protection.
Application TypeReef-safe sunscreens come in various application types, including lotions, creams, sticks, and sprays. This spec is important for convenience and ease of use. Lotions and creams are ideal for full-body coverage and are often more moisturizing. Sticks are convenient for targeted areas like the face and are less messy. Sprays offer quick application but may require more careful application to ensure even coverage. Choose the type that best fits your lifestyle and application preferences.
Additional Skin BenefitsSome reef-safe sunscreens offer additional skin benefits such as moisturizing, anti-aging, or antioxidant properties. These benefits are important for providing extra care to your skin while protecting it from the sun. If you have dry skin, look for sunscreens with added moisturizers like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid. For anti-aging benefits, ingredients like vitamin C or E can be beneficial. Choose a sunscreen that addresses your specific skin concerns for added value.
Environmental CertificationsEnvironmental certifications indicate that the sunscreen has been tested and verified to be safe for marine life and ecosystems. This spec is important for ensuring that the product truly meets reef-safe standards. Look for certifications from reputable organizations such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) or the Protect Land + Sea certification. These certifications provide assurance that the sunscreen is free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Choose products with recognized certifications to support environmental sustainability.