Sunscreen is an important part of protecting yourself during the summer in Colorado, whether you’re taking a swim, going on your first fourteener, or gardening in your backyard – but did you know that the products you use for protection against UV rays could be harming our marine ecosystem? That’s right: many skin care products, including sunscreen, contain harmful chemicals that can be washed off into our water system when we go swimming or take a shower. These include…
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Octocrylene
- Homosalate
- 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
- PABA
- Parabens
- Triclosan
- nano-Titanium dioxide
- nano-Zinc oxide
….to name a few. Savethereef.org lists out some common products that contain these chemicals. Recognize any?
Photocredit: https://savethereef.org/about-reef-save-sunscreen.html
There is some good news however- products that are reef-safe and eco-friendly do exist, and here’s a list of a few brands that can help protect you and the planet!
- Raw Love
- Mama Kuleana
- All Good
- Raw Elements
- Thinksport
- Stream2Sea
- Loving Naturals
Here’s to a healthy, safe, and sustainable summer!
Check out these resources for more information:
- Reef-safe Sunscreen Guide by Safethereef.org
- 15 Sunscreens that are Reef-Safe by Hawaii.com
- How Sunscreen Chemicals Affect Marine Life by NOAA