Ahoy, ocean mermaids! You feel the gritty sand between your toes, you see the sun’s golden lustre, and you hear the waves’ soul-soothing lullaby. Yes, that’s the ocean calling, inviting you for a vitamin sea-filled rendezvous!
But wait, have you thought about how to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays while making sure your sunscreen doesn’t harm our great dark mother, the sea?
Enter: our guide on the best sunscreens for ocean frolicking. We’ll navigate through reef-safe, eco-friendly, and effective sunscreens that are as kind to your skin as they are to the marine life. So grab your surfboard (or your pool floaty) and let’s ride this wave together!
Best Suncreens Ocean Adventuring
1. Alba Botanica Sport Sunscreen
About: Say aloha to Alba Botanica Sport Sunscreen, a mineral sunscreen boasting an SPF of 45 and two thumbs up from Mother Nature. Its plant-based blend of botanical ingredients, all wrapped up in a 100% vegetarian, cruelty-free formula, ensures you can protect your skin without compromising your ethics.
Alba Botanica Sunscreen
A no-nonsense, gentle mineral sunscreen that's cruelty-free
- SPF 45 and broad spectrum
- Physical mineral tinted that's gentle on sensitive skin
- No oxybenzone, octinoxate, or synthetic fragrances
- Cruelty-free
Features:
- Power-Packed SPF: With a formidable SPF of 45, this sunscreen doesn’t just slap away UV rays—it kicks them to the curb, Chuck Norris style! Providing both UVA and UVB protection, its broad spectrum coverage is an absolute must-have for ocean lovers.
- Titanium and Zinc Oxide: The formula’s mix of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide helps deflect the sun’s rays while also offering a reef-safe composition that keeps the ocean and marine life happy.
- No-Nonsense Ingredients: No oxybenzone, octinoxate, or synthetic fragrances found here! Just pure, veggie-friendly, cruelty-free goodness.
Pros
- Alba Botanica Sport Sunscreen comes up on top thanks to its lightweight, reef-friendly formulation, and its small, easily portable bottle.
Cons
- Some complain of a light white cast — especially when first applied.
- Some say this sunscreens leaves them feeling shiny, but using the correct amount (not too much) and rubbing in thoroughly should help prevent this.
2. Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
About: Thinksport is where the sunscreen bests meet the eco-friendly warriors. This physical mineral formula sunscreens with a awesome SPF 50+ rating isn’t just great for blocking sun rays; it also cares about our furry friends— this sunscreen is not tested on animals and is Leaping Bunny certified.
Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
A clean mineral sunscreen that's Leaping Bunny certified
- SPF 50+ and broad spectrum
- Clean mineral sunscreen with no no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, or avobenzone.
- Water resistant up to 80 minutes
- Cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certified
Features:
- Sporty SPF 50+: Designed specifically for sports use, this broad spectrum mineral sunscreen handles sweat like a pro, providing water-resistant coverage for up to 80 minutes.
- Mindful Ingredients: Thinksport doesn’t just think about getting on your skin, it thinks about you and the environment. Free from a laundry list of harmful substances like PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, and dairy, this sunscreen’s got your and the ocean’s back.
- Reef-Safe. Since it’s made with mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and doesn’t contain oxybenzone or avobenzone, this one’s reef-safe, making it a great sunscreen for ocean enjoyment.
Pros
- A high SPF, animal-friendly sunscreen designed specifically for athletes and sports enthusiasts.
Cons
- The lotion format may need a bit of elbow grease for application and reapplication.
3. Neutrogena Beach Defense
About: Enter Neutrogena Beach Defense, the beach companion you never knew you needed. With an SPF of 70 and a formula that goes on and spreads across the body easily, this chemical sunscreen stands like a guard between you and the harsh sun rays.
Neutrogena Beach Defense
A high-SPF, reliable chemical sunscreen for beach lounging and the pool
- SPF 70 and broad spectrum
- Chemical formula that absorbs into the skin
- Lightweight, oil-free, PABA-free and oxybenzone-free formula
- Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Dermatologist recommended suncare brand
Features:
- Monstrous SPF: Worried about those UV monsters? No worries! This sunscreen has SPF 70, providing serious sun artillery for those long beach days.
- Oil-Free and PABA-Free: Break free from the sticky, greasy after-feeling with this oil-free, oxybenzone-free, and PABA-free formulation that absorbs quickly into your skin.
- Oxybenzone-Free. It’s oxybenzone-free, which is a plus (since that’s a common skin irritant for sensitive-skinned folks). But it does contain avobenzone, which isn’t classified as reef-safe (according to Hawaii).
Pros
- Lightweight, oil-free, and supremely water-resistant.
Cons
- If your skin leans towards being sensitive, the chemical filters might be irritating, so consider using it on your body and not your face.
- Despite not containing oxybenzone, but still contains avobenzone, which isn’t considered reef-safe.
4. Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face BB Cream Sunscreen
About: Tired of sunscreen that doesn’t understand the struggle of acne-prone or redish skin? Then take a look at Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face BB Cream Sunscreen. This physical mineral sunscreen, rich with SPF 50, is the lotion you need for spotless sun protection and a bit of extra coverage for blemishes.
Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen
A mattifying BB-cream great for face coverage
- SPF 50 plus broad spectrum protection
- Mineral sunscreen with zinc & titanium
- Subtle tint that blends into many skin tones and covers blemishes
- Mattifying BB Cream that's oil-free and won't clog pores
- Includes soothing antioxidant-rich elements like eucalyptus & red algae
- Non-nano and free of parabens, PABA, sulfate, and others
Features:
- Special Skincare Ingredients: Formulated with a trove of botanical ingredients like kakadu plum, eucalyptus, and red algae, this sunscreen is a hotshot at repairing, soothing, and rejuvenating your skin.
- Gentle Tint: Flawless, radiant skin can be yours with the complementing tanning tint that works for most skin tones.
- Great for the Face. This is a fantastic choice for face coverage, as its gentle mineral ingredient mix of zinc and titanium dioxide won’t irritate sensitive skin (and making it reef-friendly). Some even use this in leiu of makeup!
- Free of Nasties. Non-nano and free of parabens, gluten, PABA, petroleum, sulfate, dye, and oil.
Pros
- Its gentle and subtle tint gives you that smooth, even skin tone we all dream of.
Cons
- The tint may not vibe with very pale or dark skin tones.
- Probably best for just face coverage — get something else for the body!
5. Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Lotion
About: Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Lotion is loudly and proudly reef-safe, since it was initially made for ocean-loving surfers! Formulated with zinc oxide and good for sensitive skin, this physical sunscreen with a robust SPF of 30 is perfect for sensitive skin types and has added hydration from hyaluronic acid.
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
A reef-friendly, Hawaii-safe mineral sunscreen lotion
- SPF 30 + broad spectrum zinc-based mineral sunscreen
- Waterproof and sweatproof for 80 minutes
- Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free for sensitive skin
- Gluten and cruelty-free
- Reef-friendly
Features:
- Designed for Sensitive Skin: Crafted with ingredients that are gentle on the skin, it’s a mean green fighting machine for those UV rays, while being kind to your skin.
- High SPF and Water Resistant: Got 80 minutes in the water? No problem, Sun Bum has got you covered.
- Reef and Ocean-Safe. With it’s physical mineral composition and being octinoxate and oxybenzone-free, it’s reef safe for the win!
Pros
- This SPF 50 powerhouse also checks off the water-resistant box and is safe for ocean use.
- Users agree that despite being a mineral sunscreen, there is barely any white cast
Cons
- Darker skin tones might see a more noticable white cast
6. Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick
About: Cruise through the beach rays with Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick. This convenient little stick packages SPF 50, making you the master of UV rays. Its light, gentle, mineral-based hypoallergenic formulation guarantees a carefree, and irritant-free day under the sun.
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick
A reef-friendly zinc-based mineral sunscreen that comes in stick form
- SPF 50 + broad spectrum zinc-based mineral sunscreen
- Easy roll-on design for quick application
- Lightweight and silky feel
- Waterproof and sweatproof for 80 minutes
- Gluten and cruelty-free
- Reef-friendly
Features:
- Mess-Free Application: The stick format means you can swipe and go, making reapplication as simple as taking a selfie.
- Take It Anywhere: Sweat and water resistant for 80 minutes and conveniently portable, it’s perfect a beach sunscreen for frisbee or a quick surf.
- Reef-Safe. Since it’s a zinc-oxide mineral sunscreen, this stick is safe for ocean life everywhere. In fact, it specifically promises to be compliant with the Hawaii 104 Reef Act, so it’s a great sunscreen to use when traveling to Hawaii.
- Good for Sensitive Skin. This hypoallergenic formula is octinoxate-free, oxybenzone-free, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free too!
Pros
- Easy-peasy application and sweatproof nature make it a tough competitor in the sun-protection sport.
- A reef-safe and pro-ocean sunscreen.
Cons
- Might have a subtle white cast — rub in extra well!
7. Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream
About: Say hello to Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream. No cheap/popular synthetics are getting through this badger guard. Sporting an SPF of 40, this physical sunscreen is all about purity, power and four straightforward, natural and organic ingredients that are ocean-friendly too.
Badger Sport SPF40 Sunscreen
An ultra-clean mineral sunscreen that's reef-safe and woman-owned
- SPF 40 and broad spectrum mineral sunscreen
- Made with just four ingredients: zinc oxide, sunflower oil, beeswax & vitamin E
- Hypoallergenic & non-comedogenic -- gentle on sensitive skin
- 80 minutes sweat & water resistance
- Reef-safe formula that's Mexico and Hawaii approved.
- No synthetic ingredients, cruelty-free, and in 50% PCR tubes.
Features:
- Holy Grail for Sensitive Skin: Made with hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic ingredients, and with a zinc-oxide formula, it’s suitable choice for sensitive and reactive skin.
- Women-owned Wonder: To add another feather to its cap, it’s operated in a solar-powered, female-run facility. Talk about breaking ceilings and building healthy skin!
- Reef-Safe and Waterproof. This reef-safe sunscreen boasts 80 minutes of water and sweat-proof protection, making it a great sunscreen for fishing, surfing, any all kinds of sea-based sports.
Pros
- This sunscreen is highly unlikely to cause breakouts or irritation thanks to its simple, clean ingredient list
- Buying from this brand supports a woman-owned and green-energy business.
Cons
- While its price point may be higher than some other lotion sunscreens, you’re paying for top-notch, eco-conscious, and sensitive skin-friendly ingredients.
8. Babo Botanicals Zinc Sport Sunscreen Stick
About: Babo Botanicals Zinc Sport Sunscreen Stick offers a whopping SPF 50, in stick form! This mineral sunscreen doesn’t mess around when it comes to sun protection, skin-soothing botanicals, and sensitive skin care.
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sport Stick
A compact and travel-friendly stick sunscreen
- SPF 30 and broad spectrum mineral zinc sunscreen
- Stick formula designed to protect face, lips, nose and ears
- Reef-safe and hypoallergenic
- Clinically tested and rated number #1 in safety by Environment Working Group (EWG)
Features:
- Multi-Tasking Stick Balm: Besides its superb sun protection, this stick is safe enough to be used on lips, nose, and even ears. Watch out, this stick does it all!
- Sensitive Skin Savior: Enriched with skin-calming ingredients like jojoba oil, avocado, and shea butter, it’s a rescue ranger to sensitive skin.
- Mineral-Based and Reef-Safe. Since it’s a mineral sunscreen without all the nasties, it’s safe for reefs and ocean use too.
- Great for On-The-Go. The sunscreen stick format makes this sunscreen super easy to apply and re-apply when you’re on the go and don’t have time to whip out the lotion and make a whole big mess.
Pros
- Its range of application and its role as a sensitive skin champion make it a clear winner.
- Solid SPF protection that’s still reef-safe and ocean-friendly.
- Stick form is a win when you’re tight on space and need something portable.
Cons
- Somewhat small for the price, but the portability can be seen as a plus too.
9. Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active Clear Spray Sunscreen
About: Let your skin sip on some sun protection with Hawaiian Tropic Island Active Clear Sunscreen Spray. This SPF 30, chemical sunscreen, is just as light and gentle as a tropical breeze, with a fast-absorbing spray formula that ensures you’re beach-ready in no time.
Hawaiian Tropic Active Clear Spray Sunscreen
A sweet-smelling spray sunscreen for easy application
- SPF 30 + broad spectrum protection
- Goes on clear with no white cast
- Water and sweat-resistant
- Chemical formula, but with no oxybenzone or octinoxate
- PETA-certified to be cruelty-free
Features:
- Tropical Temptation: Not just any spray sunscreen, this one has a refreshing coconut fragrance that’ll make you think you’re sipping a pina colada on the beach!
- Spray and Play: Designed to be water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes, you can spray it on and forget it, leaving you to focus on that beach volleyball game or thrilling novel.
- Spray is Easy to Apply. Spray format is quick and easy to apply to your skin, so reapplying sunscreen never becomes a burdensome chore.
- Oxybenzone-Free. Does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate — but does contain avobenzone, which is not ideal.
Pros
- Its quick, clear application and tropical fragrance make it an alluring choice for energetic beachgoers.
Cons
- Since it’s a chemical sunscreen, even without oxybenzone, it still contains ingredients that may be harmful to reefs. So with this one, stick just to the pool!
- The fragrance, although refreshing for most, might tiptoe towards the zone of irritation for some, especially those with sensitive noses or skin.
What to Consider in a Sunscreen for the Ocean
- Superior SPF Factor. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of your sunscreen is a telling tale of how effectively it can block UV rays. You would want to opt for a sunscreen that offers an SPF of 30 or higher, but don’t forget—the true secret lies in regular reapplication, regardless of the SPF!
- Broad Spectrum Protection. To ace the sun-protection game, you’ll need a sunscreen providing broad spectrum protection. Why, you ask? Broad spectrum sunscreens combat both UVA (those pesky rays contributing to skin cancer and premature aging) and UVB rays (the culprits behind sunburns and skin cancer). Most sunscreens fit the broad spectrum bill, but a quick label check wouldn’t hurt!
- Waterproof Wonders. If you’ll be spending time enjoying the ocean, you need a sunscreen that can roll with the punches! A waterproof sunscreen can stay on for a specified time during swimming or sweating, but remember—not even the best sunscreens for swimming are 100% waterproof. You’ll still need to reapply after every dip and after whatever period of time is offered on the label (80 minutes of waterproof action is usually the norm). Waterproof sunscreens are almost always sweat-proof too!
- Mineral vs. Chemical Ingredients. Here’s where the plot thickens. Chemical sunscreens, featuring ingredients like oxybenzone or avobenzone, absorb harmful UV lights. In contrast, mineral sunscreens use natural ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect the UV rays away from your skin. While chemical ones are your go-to for easy absorption, remember some chemicals, like oxybenzone, may harm marine life. Meanwhile, mineral sunscreens might be a tad challenging to rub in evenly, and could leave a Halloweenish white cast. The good news? Many new-gen mineral sunscreens address these issues, giving you all the protection without the ghostly glow.
- Reef-Friendly Composition. As mentioned above, many chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that are bad for reefs — you may not even be allowed to use some of these sunscreens in places like Hawaii or Mexico. To be safe, we’d recommend opting for mineral sunscreens, which leave out reef-damaging ingredients like oxybenzone. That being said, there are increasingly more chemical sunscreens that are formulated without these maligned reef-damaging ingredients (although there’s some controversy around if even the newer chemical ingredients might end up being bad for the sea as well).
- Ease of Application. The last thing you want to do is pause your sandcastle building session for a lengthy sunscreen reapplication. Consider choosing a format—spray or stick—that allows for a quicker reapplication so you can get back to your beach-side bliss. Be careful though — lotion tends to be the best for really covering your skin. It’s very common for folks who use a spray to not get their body properly covered, resulting in burns!
- Skin Sensitivity. When it comes to skin, sensitivity is nothing to roll your eyes at! Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic sunscreens strive to keep any skin irritation or breako-outs at bay. Chemical ingredients don’t play nice with some delicate skin types, but mineral sunscreens, the gentle giants that they are, tend to be the best pick for sensitive-skinned sun lovers. Always spot-test a new sunscreen to ensure its compatibility with your skin before slathering it on!
Well, there you have it, sea-lovers! A comprehensive guide to sunscreens that are not just ocean-friendly, but also effective in keeping your skin health shipshape while you’re frolicking under the sun.
Always remember, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use (and reapply). So go ahead – make a splash, build a sandcastle, or just lay back with a novel, all without robbing the ocean of its vibrant life.
How about sharing your favorite sunscreen for ocean outings? Leave a message in a bottle (or the comment section below!).
