![]() in aerosolized (spray on) sunscreens, it’s considered safe and a very effective ingredient against harmful UV rays. This is because research has shown that as long as titanium dioxide is not inhaled, i.e. Note: Some of the non toxic sunscreen brands on this list do include the ingredient titanium dioxide. A 2014 study found that titanium dioxide in the water produced “significant amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a strong oxidizing agent that generates high levels of stress on marine phytoplankton.” More research is being conducted. However, this ingredient may be potentially harmful to marine life. ![]() ![]() Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is an ingredient often found in reef-safe mineral sunscreens. While more research on nanoparticles needs to be conducted, there have been studies finding that nanoparticles, specifically those found in aerosols can potentially cause lung damage when inhaled and, when sprayed, can end up on the sand eventually making its way into our oceans. Octocrylene.Īnother sunscreen ingredient that may harm fish, corals, and other invertebrates is octocrylene, “a sunscreen ingredient that may generate the chemical benzophenone, a compound that’s a carcinogen and may have hormone-disrupting effects.” Nano-Titanium Dioxide. More research is currently being conducted on oxybenzone to help inform policy makers and manufacturers of coral-safe sunscreens. the reproductive system and thyroid health. Not to mention this ingredient has been linked to disrupting hormonal activity in humans as well, i.e. Bleaching has also been particularly prevalent in recent years due to rising sea temperatures. Hawaii has banned these two ingredients because of their harmful effects on the coral reef, specifically they cause bleaching. The worst of the bunch… Oxybenzone and octinoxate. Potentially Harmful Ingredients You Want To Avoid In Sunscreen again, sunscreen is obviously not the only cause leading to coral reef damage, using sunscreen that is free of harmful ingredients such as those listed below, is one simple way you can help protect coral reefs and aquatic life. And, while there is no one single solution when it comes to protecting them, i.e. ![]() These chemicals impair the growth and photosynthesis of plants and algae. Unfortunately, sunscreen ingredients have also been found to adversely affect other marine life. Without these algae, the coral “bleaches” (turns white), and often dies.”Ī separate study, published in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, shares Consumer Reports, also found that “baby coral exposed to oxybenzone exhibited signs of distress, including coral bleaching, a condition that leaves coral vulnerable to infection and prevents it from getting the nutrients it needs to survive.” The coral then becomes sick and expel their life-giving algae. “Researchers testing the effects of sunscreen on corals,” reports the National Park Service, explain that chemicals in sunscreen, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, “can awaken coral viruses. So please note, I am not advocating that reef-safe sunscreen is the one and only solution to saving our reefs!īut, as shares the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, scientists have discovered that certain chemical ingredients found in our sunscreen products are also harming the coral on our reefs. There are numerous reasons as to why our coral reefs are being threatened - climate change, unsustainable fishing, land-based pollution, coastal development, disease, and invasive species. According to Be Reef Safe, it is estimated that more than 60% of the world’s coral reefs are at risk. ![]() It is estimated that every year, anywhere between 4,000 and 6,000 tons (!) of sunscreen washes into our oceans and deposits in coral reef areas, with the greatest damage found in popular reef areas in Hawaii and the Caribbean. Bonus if its packaged in eco-friendly materials, too.īelow I’ve included a list of non toxic and “reef-safe” sunscreen brands you might consider trying out.īut first, a few facts. While conventional sunscreen is better than no sunscreen at all, I personally prefer using non toxic sunscreen brands whenever possible. Is sunscreen part of your everyday skincare routine? If it’s not, maybe it’s time to consider adding it to your morning repertoire. ![]()
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