Protect the sea through your choice of sunscreen
I explored why protecting corals and our skin is more important than ever and should be considered together. In addition to the bleaching and death of coral reefs, this also involves appropriate skin protection. Coral-friendly sunscreens are therefore not only good for your own skin, but also do not negatively affect aquatic life.
For the last six months I was in Asia for workation. In addition to the warm temperatures, I enjoyed swimming in the sea and, of course, snorkeling. While the underwater experience was consistently great, I was amazed at how much dead coral there was to see. Instead of a paradise of colors, mostly bleached, white, brown and green colored corals could be discovered. Not only are corals beautiful to look at, they are home to a significant variety of life forms, and are also responsible for coastal protection by breaking waves and ultimately preventing them from hitting the mainland with full force.
There should be no question that humankind should care deeply about protecting corals; It is therefore important to understand how each individual can influence this with their behavior, especially when choosing the right sunscreen.
Coral deaths are caused by a number of reasons
The death of corals is primarily caused by rising water temperatures. This warming disrupts the coexistence of corals and algae, whose symbiosis is vital for the corals. The resulting lack of polyp growth leads to colorless coral polyps and ultimately to coral die-off.
The experts of the International Coral Reef Symposium estimate that 40 percent of the reefs are threatened and 30 percent have already been lost. According to a IPCC report If global warming increases by 1,5 degrees Celsius, coral reefs will decline by a further 70 to 90 percent.
be added Residues of UV filterswhich are found in many conventional sunscreens and which enter the oceans via humans, which can pollute the corals and trigger coral bleaching. It is estimated that 14.000 tons of sunscreen end up in the sea every year.
Coral reefs are also called the rainforests of the oceans due to their impressive biodiversity. They help prevent water from crashing unchecked onto land. The absence of reefs on coastal areas can have devastating consequences for their inhabitants.
Problematic ingredients in sunscreens
Especially in the water, in addition to corals, there are various marine creatures and microorganisms that need to be protected. The controversial UV filters are:
- Octinoxate (INCI: Ehylhexyl Methoxycinnamate)
- octocrylene (INCI: Octocrylene)
- oxybenzone (INCI: Benzophenone-3)
Oxybenzone and octinoxate have already been banned by law in Hawaii since January 1, 2021Upon entry, tourists receive information about the so-called "Reef Law" and are advised to use only approved sunscreens. In addition to environmental influences, octinoxate and oxybenzone also affect our health, our hormone balance, and can even cause cancer.
How coral-friendly sunscreens work
Despite the lack of a general ban on the controversial UV filters, many manufacturers of sunscreen products are reacting and using mineral particles instead of chemical UV filters. Zinc oxide (INCI: Zinc Oxide), titanium dioxide (INCI: Titanium Dioxide), which reflect sunlight on the skin and thus form a protective barrier. They leave behind a white film that some consider disturbing. To counteract this, the particles are now often broken down into nanoparticles.
Anyone who ignores a possible "whitening effect" can enjoy another advantage of mineral sunscreens: They protect the skin immediately after application without any exposure time and are hardly allergenic.
However, “coral-friendly” or “reef-friendly” are not protected terms, so it is even more important for consumers to look closely and choose sunscreens that do not contain harmful UV filters.
Be careful when choosing the right sunscreen!
The following sun creams and companies have opted for mineral ingredients and designed sun protection products that you can apply without a guilty conscience when bathing in the sea.
1. Sun sun milk SPF 30 from Speick
Speick relies on 30% natural mineral sun protection based on zinc oxide for Sun Sun Milk LSF 100.
- The waterproof formula is free of aluminum and perfume
- Intensively moisturizing with sugar beet extract, skin-soothing reed extract and essential fatty acids (vitamin F)
- With the unique extract of the high alpine Speick plant from controlled organic wild collection
- The sunscreen is easily biodegradable to protect the environment
2. Sun spray SPF 50 from i+m
The mineral sunscreen is particularly suitable for sensitive skin.
- Waterproof organic sun care without whitening
- Plant-based vitamin E and the finest jojoba oil have an antioxidant and cell-protective effect
- Mineral UV protection supported by mild karanja oil, which has a soothing effect on the skin
- Cold-pressed sunflower seed oil from controlled organic cultivation ensures silky smooth skin
- Perfume-free – ideal as sun protection for babies and children
3. Sunscreen Sensitive LSF 30 from boep
The mineral sunscreen is particularly suitable for sensitive skin.
- Protects with a purely mineral zinc oxide filter
- Certified natural cosmetic sunscreen, vegan and dermatologically tested
- Mineral sunscreen without mineral oils, parabens, PEGs, microplastics, perfume and synthetic UV filters
- Young family business from Mainz was founded by a mother of three and a doctor and produces in the Allgäu
.
4. Marine sunscreen SPF 50+ from Paediprotect
Marine sunscreen that is especially suitable for playing in the sand.
- Offers very high UV protection with SPF 50+
- Organically based, completely without nanoparticles
- Innovative moisturizing complex with seaweed extract nourishes the skin
- With anti-sand formula (absorbs particularly quickly)
- Without microplastics, perfume and octocrylene
5. Body Sunscreen by Le Rub SPF 30
Sustainable sunscreen from Italy
- Recyclable tube
- With reef-compatible mineral ingredients
- Skin regenerating formula
- Special feature: green mandarin fragrance
- Non-greasy, leaves no white film, environmentally friendly
Eucerin Oil Control Face Sun Gel Cream SPF 50
Over 100 years of skin research
- 2nd place in the Ökotest 2025
- Cares for and mattifies impure and acne-prone skin
- Non-greasy sunscreen
Which sun protection factor is the right one?
To ensure adequate sun protection, you should apply sunscreen daily and always carry sunscreen with you for reapplying. Sun protection factor (SPF) 15 blocks about 93 percent of UVB rays and is suitable for everyday activities with minimal sun exposure. SPF 30 is recommended for moderate sun exposure. For longer outdoor activities or for fair-skinned people, SPF 50 is ideal. And always remember: sunscreen first, then makeup.
Conclusion
It is becoming increasingly important to protect yourself from skin cancer, as the numbers of Barmer doctor reports are clear. The number of people in Germany diagnosed with melanoma doubled between 2005 and 2023 and white skin cancer It has almost tripled. Adequate sunscreen, long clothing, and shade protect our skin. Proper sun protection should protect us and the oceans.
© Photos: Pexels / Jess Loiterton / Joao Ricardo Januzzi, Unsplash / Bertolt Jensen, Diane Walton, Speick, i+m, boep
Cecile Meier
Cécile is a freelance author and sustainability strategist. She enjoys traveling to the fullest: getting to know different cultures, listening to other languages and discovering new things either by the sea or in a (big) city always fascinates her. The stories and intentions of the Good Travel hosts are particularly important to her.
4 Comments
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Cecile Meier
Thanks Viktoria for the tip, I'll take a look!
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Nancy
Ringana's sunscreen also falls into this category. We use and love them in the family. Very fresh ingredients And the great thing is that there is no kingfish effect.
Very good article thanks for that.-
Cecile Meier
Dear Nancy, thank you for the nice comment and the addition of the products!
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Viktoria
What about Jean&Len sunscreen? It also advertises that it is coral-friendly, but is not mentioned in the list.