The use of sunscreen is a common habit to protect our skin from harmful sun rays. However, have you ever wondered that the use of sunscreen can harm our oceans and marine life? Studies have shown that some ingredients in sunscreens can cause damage to coral reefs, contribute to marine pollution, and affect the food chain.
Finding an environmentally friendly sunscreen that provides protection from the sun has become crucial. In this article, we will explore the most environmentally friendly sunscreen options available in the market and help you make an informed decision while choosing the right sunscreen for you.
Understanding the Environmental Impact of Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a crucial skincare product that protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, the chemicals used in traditional sunscreens can have a detrimental effect on the environment. When people swim or shower while wearing sunscreen, these chemicals can wash into oceans, lakes, and rivers, harming marine life, and even damaging coral reefs. In fact, according to studies, some chemicals found in sunscreens can cause coral bleaching, which can impact entire marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the production and transportation of sunscreen products also contribute to environmental pollution.
To avoid ecological damage, it’s important to choose an environmentally friendly sunscreen. This means selecting sunscreens that are “reef-friendly” and use non-toxic ingredients. Eco-friendly sunscreens are usually made from natural ingredients that do not harm the environment or pose a risk to marine life. As a responsible consumer, it’s essential to understand the environmental impact of sunscreen, and make informed choices that protect both the skin and the planet.
Eco-Friendly Sunscreen Ingredients You Should Look For
When choosing an environmentally friendly sunscreen, it’s important to look for certain ingredients that are less harmful to the environment than others. One of the best ingredients to seek out is zinc oxide, a mineral-based compound that effectively reflects and blocks harmful UV rays. This ingredient is also biodegradable and considered safe for aquatic life. Another potential ingredient is titanium dioxide, another mineral-based compound that reflects UV rays, but it’s important to make sure that it is not chemically processed or coated, as this could be harmful to the environment.
Other ingredients to look for in eco-friendly sunscreens include natural oils and plant-based extracts that offer nourishing benefits to the skin. These can include ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, green tea extract, and aloe vera, which not only reduce the impact on the environment but also provide additional skin benefits such as hydration and antioxidant protection. By knowing what to look for in eco-friendly sunscreen ingredients, you can enjoy the sun while protecting both yourself and the environment.
What Are The Best Eco-Friendly Sunscreen Brands?
When it comes to choosing an eco-friendly sunscreen, the brand you go with matters a lot. With that said, here are some of the best environmentally friendly sunscreen brands you can consider.
First on the list is Stream2Sea, a brand that has made a name for itself by creating eco-conscious personal care products. Their sunscreen products are made with natural ingredients that are safe for both your skin and the ocean. Secondly, there is Raw Elements, a brand that offers reef-safe sunscreens made with non-nano zinc oxide. They are also packaged in eco-friendly containers that are free from plastic. Lastly, All Good is another top eco-friendly sunscreen brand that offers mineral-based sunscreens that are effective and safe to use. Their products are also reef-friendly and come in eco-friendly packaging.
Why Choosing a Mineral Sunscreen Is Better for the Environment
When it comes to sunscreen, choosing a mineral-based product is a better option for the environment. Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients, which provide a physical barrier that reflects and scatters UV rays instead of being absorbed into the skin. Unlike chemical sunscreens that can harm coral reefs by causing bleaching and damage to marine life, mineral sunscreens are considered reef-safe as they do not contain harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone.
In addition to being safer for marine life, mineral sunscreens are biodegradable, making them a more eco-friendly choice. They break down naturally in the environment without leaving behind any harmful residues. When choosing a mineral sunscreen, be sure to check the packaging to ensure that the product is indeed mineral-based and contains only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients. By opting for a mineral sunscreen, you can ensure that your sun protection routine is not harming the environment.
Biodegradable Sunscreen: What You Need to Know
Biodegradable sunscreen is a type of sunscreen that is designed to break down naturally without harming the environment. Traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm marine life and damage coral reefs when they wash off in the ocean. Biodegradable sunscreens are made with natural ingredients that are safe for the environment and for humans.
When choosing a biodegradable sunscreen, look for products that are labeled “reef-safe” or “marine-safe”. These products typically do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are two chemicals that have been shown to harm coral reefs. Instead, they are made with minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that are less harmful to the environment. Biodegradable sunscreens may also come in sustainable packaging, such as refillable or compostable containers, to reduce waste.
Making Sunscreen More Sustainable: Packaging & Application
Making sunscreen packaging and application more sustainable is just as important as the ingredients used in the formulation. Most sunscreen products come in plastic tubes or bottles, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills and can contribute to pollution and plastic waste. Therefore, brands should consider using eco-friendly packaging alternatives such as glass bottles, aluminum tubes, or biodegradable containers that can be composted after use.
Additionally, brands can encourage consumers to recycle their sunscreen packaging by including proper recycling instructions on the product label or website. Improving the applicator design can also help use every drop of the product, minimizing waste. For instance, incorporating a pump dispenser can provide greater control over the amount of product used and reduce spills and waste. Overall, making sunscreen packaging and application more sustainable is a crucial step towards reducing environmental impact.
The Impact of Chemical Sunscreens on Coral Reefs and Marine Life
Chemical sunscreens have been found to have a devastating impact on coral reefs and marine life. The chemicals in these sunscreens such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone, have been shown to cause coral bleaching, DNA damage, and deformities in marine life.
Once these chemicals enter the ocean, they can have far-reaching effects. Research indicates that up to 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in the ocean each year, with a single drop of sunscreen containing enough chemicals to contaminate a Coral reef. It is important to choose a sunscreen that is free of harmful chemicals and to be mindful of our impact on the environment. By switching to mineral-based or zinc oxide sunscreens, we can help protect the health of our oceans and marine life.
Conclusion
The demand for environmentally friendly sunscreen products is increasing as more people become aware of the impact that traditional sunscreens can have on marine life. Sunscreens that are reef-safe and contain natural ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are becoming more popular as they are less harmful to the environment and human health.
It is crucial to choose sunscreens that use sustainable and biodegradable packaging to ensure that your environmentally friendly sunscreen choice does not contribute to plastic pollution. In conclusion, making eco-conscious decisions when shopping for sunscreen can help preserve coral reefs and marine life, while protecting your skin from harmful sun rays.