Reef-safe sunscreen?

[Solani]

Ah, necro threads.

The sunblock issue was a concern for me when I spent time in Hawaii three years ago. I found this brand and really like it.





It does have nano particles, so don’t know if it would meet all requirements. I can say, from personal experience, that the zinc oxide makes it more waterproof than anything else I have ever used.

[GordMay]

You’re not going to see label claims that were once prominent, like “waterproof” or “sweatproof.” The FDA banned the use of those terms, under regulations issued in 2011. Instead, manufacturers use the term “water-resistant”, to describe a sunscreen’s ability to maintain its effectiveness.

The safest sunscreen is biodegradable, and made from minerals [physical blocker], instead of chemicals.
The Coral Reef Alliance [& others] recommends using brands with non-nano Titanium Dioxide, or Zinc Oxide, as the active ingredient. “Non-nano” [“micro-sized”] sunscreen is made up of particles larger than 100 nanometers in diameter, and is safer for marine life than “nano” sunscreen, containing particles smaller than 100 nanometers.

The key ingredients to avoid are Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. Additionally, look out for Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor, Octocrylene, avobenzone, and ecamsule.
Retinyl palmitate is a form of Vitamin A, that is often used in skin care products, for its purported ability to slow skin aging. However, more recent studies, although inconclusive, show that that retinyl palmitate may break down in the sun, and become carcinogenic, and even speed up the development of skin lesions. and tumors.
These ingredients don’t just pose a threat to coral reefs. They can also be harmful to other marine life, such as fish, dolphins, green algae, and sea urchins, and cause problems like deformation, decreased fertility, and impaired growth. Some are known to be harmful to human health.

[Marathon1150]

When UV resistant clothing isn't an option, we use Zinc and Titanium Oxide containing sunblockers. They work really well and persist on the skin even when in the water. But, those that apply easily and persist are also very expensive. So UV blocking lycra or other synthetics in the SPF 50 range remain a first choice, with a swim cap.

I use the chemical blockers for time spent on the boat getting to and from a dive or snorkel site. Reflected UV on a long ride can be problematic, particularly on the face.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Marathon1150

When UV resistant clothing isn't an option, we use Zinc and Titanium Oxide containing sunblockers. They work really well and persist on the skin even when in the water. But, those that apply easily and persist are also very expensive. So UV blocking lycra or other synthetics in the SPF 50 range remain a first choice, with a swim cap...

Indeed.

The ultimate physical blocker.

[emie]

Yes, I've always thought that these reef-safe sunscreens were just gimmicks.

[GordMay]

Traces of sunscreen agents were found at the North Pole, on the glaciers of the Svalbard archipelago. They were mainly deposited in winter, when night falls over the Arctic.

A study conducted by researchers from Ca' Foscari University of Venice and the Institute of Polar Sciences—National Research Council of Italy (CNR-ISP), in collaboration with the University Center in Svalbard (UNIS), measured their concentration, and investigated their origin. The results are published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.[1]

The results show that the presence of emerging contaminants, in remote areas, can be attributed to the role of long-range atmospheric transport. In other words, a mass of air, from lower latitudes of Europe and Asia, drifted over the Arctic, and dropped the chemicals there.

The chemicals are also getting into seawater, and affecting organisms near the North Pole, with changes in their hormonal systems and endocrine.

Conditions, near the poles, are rapidly changing, in response to climate change, which occurs four times faster in the Arctic, than in the rest of the world.

One sunscreen ingredient, is already linked to environmental damage in tropical areas. Oxybenzone [AKA: octinoxate, Benzophenone-3, or octyl methoxycinnamate], in water, can speed up damage to coral reefs.

More about:
“Traces of sunscreen agents found in the snow at the North Pole” ~ by Ca' Foscari University of Venice

[1] “Chemicals of Emerging Arctic Concern in north-western Spitsbergen snow: Distribution and sources” ~ by Marianna D'Amico et al
➥ https://www.sciencedirect.com/scienc...298?via%3Dihub

”Highlights
• Personal care product chemicals are present in the snowpack on Spitsbergen.
• Concentrations of some PCPs are different across altitudes.
• UV filters show higher concentrations during winter at most sites.
• Chemicals of concern partition to particulate and dissolved phases differently ...”

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by emie

Yes, I've always thought that these reef-safe sunscreens were just gimmicks.

What evidence, leads you to think, that?
Is there anything, that might change your thinking?

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by EraLuetris

I've also heard that creams containing zinc are good, as they act as a barrier against ultraviolet rays. Plus, you can even consume zinc itself, they literally sell it in the vitamin aisle.

Indeed.
Biodegradable, mineral-based sunscreens, with non-nano* Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide are among the preferred active ingredients.
* The term “non-nano” signifies particles larger than 100 nanometers, making them safer for marine life, compared to “nano” particles, which are smaller than 100 nanometers.