Whether you’ve known about eco-friendly sunblock for years or are just coming across it, you may have questions about the product. The truth is that the traditional sunscreens we might have used years ago aren’t very good for the marine environment. We’ll look into why many products may not be the greatest for your health in this article.
The Harm in Regular Sunscreen
If you slather on traditional sunscreen and then dive into the ocean, the oils from the sunscreen can come off in the water. This oil can make its way to the coral reefs. At that point, the reefs can be damaged, as can other sources of marine life. This is important because the reefs are already in danger. Anything we can do to keep water clean helps ensure they continue to survive for future generations.
Choosing Environmentally Friendly Sunblock
Someone who enjoys taking a swim in the ocean should be using eco-friendly sunblock. Choosing a sunscreen that is biodegradable and has no harmful ingredients is an absolute must. It makes no difference if you’re sticking your toes in, swimming around for hours, or otherwise using the ocean water. You need a sunblock that can break down naturally, which would be a biodegradable option.
Ingredients to Be Aware Of
There are four major ingredients to watch out for. We’ll list them below, along with why they should be avoided.
- Butylparaben – This ingredient can cause bleaching to coral.
- 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor – This also can lead to coral bleaching.
- Octinoxate – An additional ingredient that bleaches coral.
- Oxybenzone – Causes bleaching to coral, disrupts coral reproduction, and can damage the DNA of coral.
What You Can Do
The best option for anyone who enjoys spending time in the ocean is to choose a sunblock that is biodegradable and includes none of the ingredients listed above. The best thing you can do is to toss your current sunblock and buy Reef Safe!
Once you have this sunscreen available, make sure to apply it around 15 to 20 minutes before you get into the water. You want the sunscreen to be absorbed so it can do what it is intended to do. This ensures you are healthy and the ocean is equally healthy.
Safe Sunscreen
If you’re ready to begin using natural, biodegradable sunscreen, you should consider Tropical Seas. We offer coral safe products that are nontoxic to sea life.
