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10 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Neutrogena Sunscreen Lotion Beach Defense SPF 30, Face and Body Sunscreen, Hawaii Reef Act 104 Compliant, Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free, Oil Free, Fast Absorbing Sun Care, 6.7 fl. oz
The Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 30 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reef-safe sunscreen that protects both face and body. It’s free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, complying with Hawaii’s Reef Act 104, which means it’s safer for coral reefs compared to many traditional sunscreens. The product uses Helioplex technology, offering broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, helping prevent sunburn and skin aging. With an SPF of 30, it provides good daily sun protection, though those needing stronger defense might consider the higher SPF variants (50 or 70) Neutrogena also offers.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,424
Additional Skin Benefits
Application Type
Water Resistance
Most important from
25205 reviews
#2
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 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.
Rating
9.4
Active Ingredients
SPF Rating
Most important from
33058 reviews
#3
Reef Safe Mineral Sunscreen Travel Lotion SPF 50 - Mexico & Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant, Biodegradable, Zinc Oxide, Oxybenzone & Octinoxate Free, Water Resistant, Natural Ingredients, by Coral Safe
The Reef Safe Sunscreen Travel Lotion SPF 50 by Coral Safe is an excellent choice for those looking for eco-friendly sun protection, especially if you're heading to places like Hawaii or Mexico where reef-safe products are required. One of its main strengths is that it's free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it a safer option for both your skin and marine life. The SPF 50 rating ensures strong UV protection, and the inclusion of zinc oxide and vitamin E provides added benefits such as anti-aging and skin nourishment.
Rating
7.9
Active Ingredients
Water Resistance
Application Type
Most important from
572 reviews
Top 10 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Neutrogena Sunscreen Lotion Beach Defense SPF 30, Face and Body Sunscreen, Hawaii Reef Act 104 Compliant, Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free, Oil Free, Fast Absorbing Sun Care, 6.7 fl. oz
Neutrogena Sunscreen Lotion Beach Defense SPF 30, Face and Body Sunscreen, Hawaii Reef Act 104 Compliant, Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free, Oil Free, Fast Absorbing Sun Care, 6.7 fl. oz
Active Ingredients: Helioplex tech; no oxybenzone, octinoxate
SPF Rating: 30
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Application Type: lotion
Environmental Certifications: reef-safe; meets Hawaii Reef Act 104
Chosen by 1424 this week
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 8 oz
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 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
Reef Safe Mineral Sunscreen Travel Lotion SPF 50 - Mexico & Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant, Biodegradable, Zinc Oxide, Oxybenzone & Octinoxate Free, Water Resistant, Natural Ingredients, by Coral Safe
Reef Safe Mineral Sunscreen Travel Lotion SPF 50 - Mexico & Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant, Biodegradable, Zinc Oxide, Oxybenzone & Octinoxate Free, Water Resistant, Natural Ingredients, by Coral Safe
Active Ingredients: zinc oxide, vitamin E
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Additional Skin Benefits: Anti-Aging, Skin Nourishment
COOLA Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 Sunblock Lotion, Dermatologist Tested Skin Care for Daily Protection, Vegan and Gluten Free, Fragrance Free, 1.7 Fl Oz.
COOLA Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 Sunblock Lotion, Dermatologist Tested Skin Care for Daily Protection, Vegan and Gluten Free, Fragrance Free, 1.7 Fl Oz.
Active Ingredients: antioxidant-rich plant ingredients
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: water- and sweat-resistant 80 minutes
Application Type: lotion
Additional Skin Benefits: antioxidant-rich, fragrance-free, vegan, gluten-free
Environmental Certifications: complies with Hawaii Reef Safe Act
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 10% off
Badger Reef Safe Sport Mineral Sunscreen - Unscented SPF 40, 98% Organic, Water Resistant Zinc, Approved for Hawaii & Mexico Reefs, 2.9 fl oz, 2-Pack
Badger Reef Safe Sport Mineral Sunscreen - Unscented SPF 40, 98% Organic, Water Resistant Zinc, Approved for Hawaii & Mexico Reefs, 2.9 fl oz, 2-Pack
Active Ingredients: zinc oxide
SPF Rating: 40
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Additional Skin Benefits: unscented, sunflower oil, vitamin E
Environmental Certifications: reef safe, eco-friendly packaging
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen with Vitamin E | 3 oz (Pack of 2)
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen with Vitamin E | 3 oz (Pack of 2)
Active Ingredients: No oxybenzone or octinoxate
SPF Rating: 30
Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes
Additional Skin Benefits: Moisturizing, Non-comedogenic, Vitamin E, Vegan
Environmental Certifications: Reef-safe, Hawaii reef protection compliant
Happy Ocean SPF 45 Biodegradable Reef Safe Sunscreen for Face & Body, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Natural Fragrance Free Non Toxic Organic Mineral Sunscreen, Travel Size Reef Friendly Mineral Based 2.5 Fl Oz
Happy Ocean SPF 45 Biodegradable Reef Safe Sunscreen for Face & Body, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Natural Fragrance Free Non Toxic Organic Mineral Sunscreen, Travel Size Reef Friendly Mineral Based 2.5 Fl Oz
Active Ingredients: non-nano zinc oxide
SPF Rating: 45
Water Resistance: water-resistant
Additional Skin Benefits: non-comedogenic
Environmental Certifications: biodegradable, reef safe, eco-friendly
#10
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Vegan and Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - Travel Size - 3 oz
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Vegan and Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - Travel Size - 3 oz
Active Ingredients: zinc oxide
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: water-resistant, reapply every 80 mins
Application Type: Lotion
Additional Skin Benefits: moisturizing, vitamin E
Environmental Certifications: reef-safe, vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free
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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.