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When you’re heading to the beach, sunscreen is essential. But while we’re protecting our skin, it’s also worth thinking about what we’re washing into the ocean.
Sunscreen can enter waterways while we swim or wash it from our skin, which is why more Australians are looking closely at the ingredients in their SPF and searching for more reef-friendly options.
So, what should you actually look for?
“Reef-friendly” is a term you’ll see on plenty of sunscreen bottles, but there’s currently no single universally accepted definition that guarantees a sunscreen will have no impact on marine environments.
That makes the ingredient list particularly important. Rather than relying solely on the words on the front of the bottle, take a look at the active UV filters being used.
Many common sunscreens use UV filters such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene and avobenzone. While these ingredients provide effective UV protection, research has raised concerns about what can happen when some of them enter marine environments.
Studies have linked certain UV filters to coral bleaching, cellular damage and stress to coral larvae. Oxybenzone, in particular, has been widely studied, with research suggesting that even low concentrations can negatively affect developing corals under certain experimental conditions.
The potential impact also extends beyond coral reefs. Studies have investigated how sunscreen UV filters may affect fish reproduction, sea urchin development and seagrass growth, as well as how some compounds can accumulate in marine organisms.
Zinc oxide is a mineral UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
For those looking for a reef-friendly sunscreen for beach and ocean days, zinc-based formulas offer an alternative to sunscreens that rely on organic UV filters.
Wotnot uses zinc oxide across its sunscreen range to provide high-performing mineral sun protection for everyday wear. So whether you’re heading to the beach, going for a swim or simply spending time outdoors, you can protect your skin while being mindful of the ingredients in your sunscreen.
