At Bee Wild Outside, we love hearing from our community. One of the hot topics you’ve been buzzing about is the term "reef-safe." It’s become a big selling point for many sun protection products, but what does it really mean?

As a brand that’s working hard to deliver a 'reef-safe' and 'earth-safe' sunscreen inside and out, we wanted to dive deeper and understand how sunscreen affects coral reefs, what “reef-safe” really means, and how we can all make better choices to protect the environment. Here’s what we’ve learned.

What Are Coral Reefs and Why Are They Important?

Coral reefs are often called the "rainforests of the sea," but that doesn’t quite capture their wonder. These vibrant, living ecosystems are composed of colonies of tiny marine invertebrates called corals. While coral reefs occupy only about 1% of the ocean floor, they are home to nearly 25% of all marine life. This makes them crucial for biodiversity, supporting everything from colorful fish and crustaceans to majestic sea turtles.

But it’s not just marine life that depends on coral reefs. More than 850 million people rely on reefs for their livelihoods, particularly in tourism and fishing. Coral reefs also act as natural barriers, protecting coastlines from storm surge and erosion.

The Threats to Coral Reefs

Coral reefs may seem sturdy, but they’re incredibly fragile. Unfortunately, they're under threat from both natural and human-induced dangers.

Coral can be stressed by rising ocean temperatures and increased acidity caused by climate change (infographic from NOAA). Pollution and sedimentation from land-based activities also cloud the waters that coral need to survive. Add unsustainable fishing practices and an ever-increasing population of tourists, and you can see why coral reefs are in trouble.

One of the most visible signs of stress is coral bleaching, which occurs when coral expel the algae living in their tissues, turning them ghostly white. Without these algae, the coral lose their primary source of food and are more susceptible to disease and death.

Enter the “Reef-Safe” Sunscreen Movement

In 2008, scientists discovered a surprising new threat to coral reefs: sunscreen. A study linked certain chemical sunscreen ingredients to coral bleaching, and in 2016, another study found that oxybenzone—a common UV-blocking chemical—was particularly harmful. High doses of oxybenzone can cause coral bleaching, DNA damage, and deformities in baby corals.

This made Hawaii the first state to ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2018, setting off a movement toward developing and promoting “reef-safe” sunscreens.

The Current State of Sunscreen and Coral Health

Choosing a sunscreen that is safe for both you and the environment can be complex. Chemicals in most commercial brands like oxybenzone, octinoxate, have proven to be harmful to coral health. Ongoing studies are also raising concerns about additional, widely used chemicals, as well as nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxides.

To meet the increasing demand for reef-safe options, mineral-based formulas have surged in popularity. However, not all products labeled as "reef safe" truly live up to this claim, as they may still include dangerous chemicals masked behind a small percentage of zinc oxide.

Consumers must read product labels carefully. To ensure the safest sunscreen choice for your health and the reef.

Common Sunscreen Ingredients to Watch Out For

If you’re looking to protect both your skin and the reefs, here are some ingredients to avoid:

Oxybenzone: Known to cause coral deformities, DNA damage, and abnormal growth.
Octinoxate: Can degrade into harmful compounds that disrupt coral growth.
Zinc Oxide (Nano-sized): Although generally safer, nano-sized particles can be toxic to marine life when exposed to sunlight.
Titanium Dioxide (Nano-sized): Similar to zinc oxide, nano-sized particles can harm marine organisms.
Parabens: These preservatives can lead to coral bleaching.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate: Found in high concentrations in fish, suggesting potential harm to the broader marine food chain.
Avoid Fragrances

What We’re Not Talking About: Plastic Pollution

While we’re focusing on what goes into sunscreen, we also need to think about the packaging it comes in. Most sunscreens are packaged in single-use plastic contributing to the global plastic pollution crisis. Plastic doesn't break down; instead, it shatters into smaller particles known as microplastics, which can cause physical and chemical harm to corals and the greater marine ecosystems.

Microplastics cause corals both internal damage through ingestion and external damage through abrasions, both injuries forcing corals to expend more energy to heal and survive. This adds another layer of stress to an already fragile ecosystem.

Actionable Steps: How You Can Protect Coral Reefs

Now that we’ve covered the science, let’s talk about what we can do to minimize our impact on coral reefs. Here are some simple but impactful steps you can take:

Cover Up: Choose UV-blocking clothing, hats, and sunglasses to reduce reliance on sunscreen.
Choose a Truly Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Look for mineral-based sunscreens that contain non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Avoid products with harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Reduce Plastic Waste: Opt for sunscreens that come in recyclable aluminum packaging.
Be Mindful in the Water: When recreating near coral reefs, DO NOT TOUCH THE REEF OR THE WILDLIFE.
Spread Awareness: Share your knowledge! The more people who understand the importance of choosing reef-safe products, the more we can reduce our collective impact on these precious ecosystems.

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What Does “Reef-Safe” Actually Mean?