The Essentials

Sunscreen Bans and Coral Reef Safety

If you’re buying sunscreen for an upcoming vacation, buyer beware. Some countries as well as U.S. states have all passed laws banning certain sunscreen ingredients that can cause damage to coral reefs.

The main chemicals being targeted are oxybenzone and octinoxate. And some destinations like Palau have banned up to ten common sunscreen ingredients. To be safe, make sure your sunscreen either says reef-safe or specifies that it uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as a UV filter.

Sunscreen bans still strongly encourage tourists to use mineral-based or reef-safe sunscreens to protect the coral.