Is there a sunscreen that does not affect plastics

[GordMay]

New research [1] suggests some of the components, of certain sunscreens, may harm, both coral reefs, and freshwater fish. Some of that work led to Hawaii banning sunscreens that contain the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate [2] (& Key West).

Both of those chemicals are UV filters, which are used in some sunscreens to block or absorb ultraviolet radiation. Some lab tests show that these chemicals can harm coral, and could be a factor in coral bleaching.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has published an infographic [3] online highlighting the dangers of sunscreen's UV filters, but the agency is not doing any active research on the subject.

[1] Sunscreen Research:

“Investigating the exposure and impact of chemical UV filters on coral reef ecosystems: Review and research gap prioritization” ~ by Yasmine S. D. Watkins, & J. Brett Sallach
➥ https://setac.onlinelibrary.wiley.co...1002/ieam.4411

“Occurrence of major organic UV filters in aquatic environments and their endocrine disruption potentials: A mini-review” ~ by Bareum Kwon, & Kyungho Choi
➥ https://setac.onlinelibrary.wiley.co...1002/ieam.4449

“Influence of Vegetarian Dietary Intervention on Urinary Paraben Concentrations: A Pilot Study with ‘Temple Stay’ Participants” ~ by Areum Jo et al
➥ https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/8/1/3

“Impacts of sunscreen on coral reefs needs urgent attention, say scientists” ➥ https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-even...n-coral-reefs/

[2] ➥ https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom...in-sunscreens/
And ➥ https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...fs-212714.html

[3] ➥ https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/s...en-corals.html

[Futurecruisers]

I believe Sun Bum is free of both chemicals you mention. We use it and have found it to be the best for our family.

[GordMay]

The two most commonly used mineral ingredients, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are two sunscreen ingredients the FDA has deemed to be generally safe and effective. Not to mention that mineral formulas also have the benefit of being much less irritating, especially if your skin skews towards sensitive.

Mineral sunscreens with “non-nanotized” zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (“non-nanotized” means the ingredients are 100 nanometers in diameter or more) appear to be safer for coral reefs than chemical ones. But, it’s near impossible for consumers to decipher which products meet this bill.
The US federal government requires sunscreen claims to be “truthful and not misleading,” but the term “reef safe” doesn’t have an agreed-upon definition, and therefore isn’t strictly regulated by government. This means sunscreen manufacturers aren’t required to test and demonstrate that such products won’t harm aquatic life.

Your Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide ➥ https://savethereef.org/about-reef-save-sunscreen.html

[Training Wheels]

About all we use any more is zinc oxide.

[Oohla]

Gord May is right.

FYI: The most widely available nano ZnO2 product is Blue Lizard Sensitive and Blue Lizard Baby, of which both have the same composition: micronized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The white is effaced by rubbing it in, making it nearly invisible for those with pale complexions. Very protective (an SPF determination cannot be performed on ZnO2), effectively inert, long lasting (sunscreens must be reapplied frequently) and safe for coral. It's what I use and I am a dermatologist.

[Arthur Garfield]

Of topic,
Along time ago we've settled upon covering up & avoiding "Sunscreens"
What we use is "diaper rash relief" paste.
Why?
Generally they contain more than %40 Zinc oxide
Cost is around $3 US for a 1 pound tub

One Must discern which have fragrance added or some smelly aroma

We use on back of hands & face/nose/neck

[GordMay]

In a Turnabout:
Red Sea dolphins slather their skin in coral mucus, because nature is wonderfully gross
More Reporting About ➥ https://www.livescience.com/bottleno...ate-with-coral

Video ➥ https://youtu.be/lCJfGPeUU5c

“Evidence that Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins self-medicate with invertebrates in coral reefs” ~ by Gertrud E. Morlock et al

• Dolphins rubbed body parts against specifically selected corals and sponges
• Behavioral studies were linked with hyphenated bioanalytical technique
• Vertebrate-invertebrate interaction in coral reefs may serve self-medication
• Molecular formulae were assigned to known and unknown bioactive molecules

Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) have been observed queueing up in natural environments to rub particular body parts against selected corals (Rumphella aggregata, Sarcophyton sp.) and sponges (Ircinia sp.) in the Egyptian Northern Red Sea. It was hypothesized that the presence of bioactive metabolites accounts for this selective rubbing behavior ...

Full Study ➥ https://www.cell.com/iscience/fullte...showall%3Dtrue