Sunscreen is a packing go-to anytime you’re spending time in the sun. But what is protecting your skin from UV rays is not necessarily protecting the environment — many sunscreens contain chemicals that wash off and wreak havoc in the ocean. In fact, Hawaii and Key West, Florida recently passed bans against the sale of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone or octinoxate or both, two substances that have been linked to harming marine life and coral reefs. (Both bans take effect January 1, 2021).


Though there are other ingredients in sunscreen that could also damage the environment, avoiding oxybenzone or octinoxate is a good start. Mineral sunscreens are also generally better than chemical ones, especially if they have non-nanotized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which means their ingredients are at least 100 nanometers in diameter and safer for coral reefs. Ahead are nine reef-friendly sunscreen options you'll feel good about carrying in your bag this summer and all year long.