We Love the Reef – But No Sunscreen Is Truly "Reef Safe"
At BU, we’re passionate about protecting the environment, including coral reefs. However, let’s be clear: no sunscreen is truly "reef safe," and that includes human beings. The reality is that our actions and products affect the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
The Hawaii Ban: A Step Towards Change
Hawaii took a proactive stance by banning oxybenzone and octinoxate, two ingredients commonly found in sunscreens, starting in 2021. The goal was to reduce the potential harm to coral reefs, but coral bleaching has been observed long before these chemicals were widely used. The truth is, banning certain ingredients alone won’t save the reefs.
Understanding the Bigger Threats to Coral Reefs
The decline of coral reefs has been noticed as early as the 1970s, and there are several contributing factors:
- Pollution: Chemicals from agricultural runoff, sewage, and plastic waste harm marine life.
- Climate Change: Rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification have led to more frequent coral bleaching events.
- Coastal Development: Construction and habitat destruction along coastlines disrupt marine ecosystems.
- Overfishing: The depletion of fish populations affects the balance of marine ecosystems.
- Human Interaction: Tourism, snorkeling, and even diving can damage reefs through direct contact.
What Is Coral Bleaching?
Coral bleaching occurs when the relationship between corals and algae breaks down, often due to stress factors like increased water temperatures. This process was first documented in the 1970s by P.L. Jokiel, who observed coral bleaching in Hawaii’s Kaneohe Bay linked to warm water from a nearby power plant. The bleaching wasn’t caused by sunscreen chemicals like oxybenzone; instead, it was related to rising temperatures. Read more about Jokiel’s research (https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v675/p199-205/).
Global bleaching events followed in 1998, 2010, and 2015, further linking coral decline to rising water temperatures rather than specific chemicals like oxybenzone.
The Debate Over "Reef-Safe" Sunscreens
While oxybenzone and octinoxate have been banned in certain places due to their potential effects on coral, other UV filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide may also contribute to coral stress. Marine ecology researcher Cinzia Corinaldesi has highlighted that banning these ingredients doesn’t prevent other UV filters from having an impact. Read more from the Smithsonian.
The Role of Global Warming and Pollution
According to a New York Times report, global warming is the main driver behind coral bleaching, with rising ocean temperatures leading to significant coral loss. Additionally, the Washington Post noted that 14% of the world's coral reefs have died in just a decade due to warming waters.
Oxybenzone and Octinoxate: Are They the Main Culprits?
The connection between oxybenzone and coral reef health has been questioned, as some studies were not peer-reviewed or were based on conditions that don’t mimic real-world sunscreen use. A 2019 article from Phys.org suggested that there isn’t enough conclusive evidence to single out these ingredients as primary causes of reef decline.
What About Mineral Sunscreens?
Contrary to popular belief, mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are not necessarily safer for coral reefs. According to research, these minerals do not biodegrade but instead bioaccumulate in marine environments. For more on the potential effects of titanium dioxide, visit Phys.org.
The Bigger Picture: Global Efforts to Save Coral Reefs
While sunscreen bans may help raise awareness, they are not enough to protect coral reefs fully. Major threats like climate change and ocean acidification require global cooperation and a multi-faceted approach. The Center for Biological Diversity stresses that these overarching issues are accelerating coral decline.
BU’s Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
At BU, we prioritize sustainability and sun protection. Our sunscreens do not contain oxybenzone, and we use recyclable packaging and solar-powered production to minimize our environmental impact. Although no sunscreen is perfect for coral reefs, we strive to provide effective and responsible sun protection.
Explore More Information
For further reading, here are some additional articles on the topic:
- Vox: FDA Sunscreen Regulations and Ingredient Testing
- Carbon Brief: Can the Great Barrier Reef Survive Climate Change?
- Mashable: Is Sunscreen Killing Coral Reefs?
- Treehugger: Doubling Down on Coral Reefs
Final Thoughts: Make Informed Choices
While it’s difficult to discern what is entirely "reef safe," we encourage everyone to make responsible decisions to protect both their skin and the environment. For reef areas, consider UV protective clothing or minimize contact with reefs. Use a sunscreen that works for you and reapply as directed.
At BU, we believe in being transparent, staying informed, and doing our part to support environmental stewardship. Let’s protect the reefs and each other—Always Be You! BÜ Sunscreen.
5 Main Causes of Coral Reef Destruction
OF course, here’s an article/site on Reef Repair Sunscreen, which states Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are minerals (which they are) but are Biodegradable. Biodegradable? How? They are minerals, unlike the chemicals that do biodegrade, these minerals Bio-accumulate, again, hmmm.
Another article from the NOAA, who’s chart doesn’t mention sunscreen: https://www.leisurepro.com/blog/ocean-news/5-main-coral-reef-destruction/
In my opinion, it’s OK to use both organic (chemical) and inorganic (minerals) sunscreens to keep yourself alive and well. We will also continue to review, test, initiate studies on the safety of sunscreens and will do what we can to help globally.
