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10 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
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
The Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Zinc Oxide SPF 50+ is a solid choice for parents seeking a reef-safe sunscreen for their kids' sensitive skin. Its key strength lies in its active ingredient, Zinc Oxide, which provides effective sun protection without harsh chemicals. With an SPF rating of 50, it offers robust protection against UVB rays, shielding up to 98% of harmful rays, which is ideal for long outdoor activities. The water-resistant formula is effective for up to 80 minutes of water exposure, making it suitable for beach outings and pool days.
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Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion | Vegan and Reef Friendly (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen with Vitamin E | 8 oz
The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion is a reef-safe option that adheres to the Hawaii 104 Act by being free of Octinoxate and Oxybenzone, which are harmful to coral reefs. Its primary strength lies in its broad-spectrum protection, effectively shielding against both UVA and UVB rays, making it suitable for those looking for high SPF coverage. The sunscreen is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which is beneficial for swimmers or those engaging in outdoor activities.
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A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!#3
Badger SPF 40 Baby Reef Safe Natural Mineral Sunscreen Cream with Clear Zinc Oxide, Broad Spectrum & Water Resistant, Chamomile, 2.9 Fl Oz
The Badger Baby Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 40 is designed specifically for toddlers and babies, offering broad-spectrum sun protection with a high SPF 40 rating. Its active ingredient, zinc oxide, is known for its effectiveness and safety, being the same ingredient used in products like diaper cream and calamine lotion. This sunscreen is suitable for sensitive skin due to its hypoallergenic, pediatrician-tested formula made from a few simple organic ingredients, including soothing chamomile and calendula.
Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Top 10 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
10.0 score
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
Chosen by 1330 this week
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion | Vegan and Reef Friendly (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen with Vitamin E | 8 oz
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion | Vegan and Reef Friendly (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen with Vitamin E | 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
Badger SPF 40 Baby Reef Safe Natural Mineral Sunscreen Cream with Clear Zinc Oxide, Broad Spectrum & Water Resistant, Chamomile, 2.9 Fl Oz
Badger SPF 40 Baby Reef Safe Natural Mineral Sunscreen Cream with Clear Zinc Oxide, Broad Spectrum & Water Resistant, Chamomile, 2.9 Fl Oz
Active Ingredients: zinc oxide
SPF Rating: 40
Water Resistance: 40 minutes
Additional Skin Benefits: hypoallergenic, pediatrician-tested, soothing chamomile
Environmental Certifications: reef-safe, Hawaii and Mexico approved
BLUE LIZARD Mineral Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 50+ Spray, 5 Ounce
BLUE LIZARD Mineral Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 50+ Spray, 5 Ounce
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Application Type: Spray
Additional Skin Benefits: Paraben free, fragrance free, sensitive skin
Environmental Certifications: Reef-friendly, no Oxybenzone, no Octinoxate
Blue Lizard SENSITIVE Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Cap Technology - Fragrance Free, 3 oz. Tube
Blue Lizard SENSITIVE Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Cap Technology - Fragrance Free, 3 oz. Tube
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide
SPF Rating: 50+
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Application Type: 3 oz. tube
Additional Skin Benefits: Organic aloe, hypoallergenic, paraben-free
Environmental Certifications: Reef-friendly, no Oxybenzone or Octinoxate
Related Products
Up to 15% off
Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen, 3 Oz, Safe, Natural Sunblock for Sports & Active Use, Water Resistant Reef Safe Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Sun Screen for Sun Protection
Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen, 3 Oz, Safe, Natural Sunblock for Sports & Active Use, Water Resistant Reef Safe Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Sun Screen for Sun Protection
Active Ingredients: Mineral-based
SPF Rating: 50+
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Application Type: Absorbs quickly
Additional Skin Benefits: Gentle, UVA and UVB Protection
Environmental Certifications: Reef-safe, eco-friendly
Badger Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Zinc Oxide Sunscreen with 98% Organic Ingredients, Reef-Safe, Broad-Spectrum, Hypoallergenic, Water Resistant, Unscented Adventure Sport Sunscreen 2.9 fl oz
Badger Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Zinc Oxide Sunscreen with 98% Organic Ingredients, Reef-Safe, Broad-Spectrum, Hypoallergenic, Water Resistant, Unscented Adventure Sport Sunscreen 2.9 fl oz
Active Ingredients: 100% zinc oxide
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Additional Skin Benefits: Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic
Environmental Certifications: Reef-safe, free from oxybenzone
Thinksport Kids SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen – Safe, Natural Sunblock for Children - Water Resistant Sun Cream – Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Sun Protection – Reef Friendly Sun Lotion, 6oz
Thinksport Kids SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen – Safe, Natural Sunblock for Children - Water Resistant Sun Cream – Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Sun Protection – Reef Friendly Sun Lotion, 6oz
SPF Rating: 50+
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Application Type: Lotion
Additional Skin Benefits: Free of harmful chemicals; gentle
Environmental Certifications: Whole Foods Premium Care, Leaping Bunny
Badger Mineral Sunscreen Combo, SPF 30 Cream & SPF 35 Face Stick, Organic Reef Safe Broad Spectrum Water Resistant with Zinc Oxide, Unscented
Badger Mineral Sunscreen Combo, SPF 30 Cream & SPF 35 Face Stick, Organic Reef Safe Broad Spectrum Water Resistant with Zinc Oxide, Unscented
Active Ingredients: zinc oxide
SPF Rating: 30 for cream, 35 for stick
Water Resistance: 80 min cream, 40 min stick
Application Type: cream and stick
Additional Skin Benefits: hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, moisturizing
Environmental Certifications: reef-safe, 50% recycled packaging
#10
8.0 score
Florida Glow SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray- Hawaii 104 Reef Act & Florida Keys Compliant Broad Spectrum Water Resistant Sport Sun screen - Child Friendly PABA Free & Oxybenzone Free (5.5 Fl Oz 2-pack)
Florida Glow SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray- Hawaii 104 Reef Act & Florida Keys Compliant Broad Spectrum Water Resistant Sport Sun screen - Child Friendly PABA Free & Oxybenzone Free (5.5 Fl Oz 2-pack)
Active Ingredients: natural coconut oil, Vitamin E
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Application Type: spray
Additional Skin Benefits: nourishing, softening
Environmental Certifications: Hawaii 104 Reef Act, Florida Keys
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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.