Oxybenzone and octinoxate are found in almost every mainstream sunscreen product, from Banana Boat to Coppertone. These ingredients, along with others like octisalate and homosalate, are called chemical absorbers. They work by converting UV rays from the sun into heat, which then dissipates from the skin.

Chemical absorbers are a popular ingredient in most commercial sunscreens because they tend to feel lighter and look more transparent on the skin than physical sunscreens, which use minerals to reflect UV rays away from the skin.

Many commercial sunscreens contain chemical absorbers that are toxic to corals, like the banned compounds oxybenzone and octinoxate. Photo by Ellen Johnson.

Chemical sunscreens wash off swimmers and beachgoers into the water, contaminating coral reefs. According to the bill passed in Hawaii, chemical sunscreens are pervasive throughout popular beaches and reef areas, including Hanauma Bay and Waikiki Beach in Oahu and Honolua Bay in Maui.

Waikiki Beach, like many of Hawaii’s popular beaches, is contaminated with chemicals from sunscreen. Photo by Edmund Garman.

Research has shown that chemical sunscreens are harmful to corals even in small amounts. A 2015 study showed that oxybenzone is toxic to corals at levels as low as 62 parts per trillion – which amounts to one drop of oxybenzone in six-and-a-half Olympic-size swimming pools of water.

A 2008 study found that sunscreens cause coral bleaching by promoting viral infections in the corals’ symbiotic algae. The authors concluded that sunscreens may play an important role in coral bleaching in areas with high recreational use.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says that oxybenzone causes DNA damage, deformities, hormone disruption, and greater risk of coral bleaching in baby corals.

Of course, sunscreens are far from the only threat to coral reefs—corals are declining globally due to ocean warming, ocean acidification, pollution from agriculture, and overfishing, just to name a few. But fortunately, sunscreen is one pollutant that we as individual visitors to beaches and coral reefs can control. Toxic sunscreens are already prohibited in several marine parks and resorts in Mexico, including Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park in Los Cabos and Xel-Há on the Riviera Maya.

Reducing the use of chemical sunscreens will help protect corals from their toxic effects and enhance the resiliency of coral reefs to bleaching and climate change.

So what should you use instead of chemical sunscreens? If scuba diving, snorkeling, or surfing, consider skipping sunscreen altogether and covering up with a wetsuit or rash guard instead. On the beach, wear a cover-up, hat, and sunglasses. The more skin you can shade from the sun, the less sunscreen you need to use.

When choosing sunscreen, look for the words “mineral” or “reef-safe.” Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical blockers, contain the minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which form a protective barrier on top of the skin that reflects UV rays. Check the label to be sure the active ingredients are the physical blockers titanium dioxide and zinc oxide instead of chemical absorbers, especially oxybenzone and octinoxate. Here are some natural and cruelty-free options for the face:

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• DermaE Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Oil-Free Face Lotion, $20
• DermaE Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30, $22

And body:

• Pacifica Mineral Body Butter SPF 50, $14
• Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen, $14
• Derma-E Natural Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Body, $20

Don’t forget your lips!

• Pacifica Mineral Color Lip Balm SPF 30, $5
• Bare Republic Natural Mineral Lip Balm SPF 30, $11

Since mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin instead of being absorbed, they are less likely to clog pores and irritate skin, so they are ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. However, one downside of physical sunscreens is that the high mineral content means they tend to be thicker and leave a slight white cast, which may not work for people with medium to dark skin tones. If you don’t like the look of regular mineral sunscreen on your skin, try tinted or translucent formulas, like these, for the face:

• Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte SPF 30, $36
• Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++, $65
• BareMinerals Original Mineral Veil Broad Spectrum SPF 25, $19
• BareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $29

And body:

• Pacifica Mineral Bronzing Body Butter SPF 50, $14
• Pacifica SPF 50 Spray Natural Mineral Sunscreen, $15 (goes on clear)

Mineral sunscreens may take some getting used to if you are switching from chemical sunscreens, but it’s worth it to save coral reefs!

Do you plan on making the switch? If you already use mineral sunscreen, which is your favorite?

1. Bring a reusable water bottle with you. A million plastic bottles are bought every minute, and that number keeps growing. Only a tiny fraction of these bottles are recycled and made into new bottles. Most of them end up in landfills and in the ocean, where they break down into smaller pieces that permeate ocean ecosystems and threaten sea life. Instead of buying bottled water while you are out, invest in a sturdy glass or stainless steel reusable water bottle, fill it before you go out, and take it with you wherever you go. This one simple swap will make a big difference in your plastic footprint, and will save you money on bottled water. Bonus: carrying a reusable water bottle with you will remind you to stay hydrated!
2. Use a reusable thermos or tumbler for your coffee runs. If you go out for coffee frequently, you may be going through a lot of plastic lids, cups, straws, and stirring sticks. Instead, use an insulated metal thermos for hot drinks and a reusable tumbler and straw for cold drinks. Many coffee shops, including Starbucks, will give you a discount for bringing your own cup!
3. Keep reusable shopping bags in your car so you don’t forget them at home when you go shopping. If you accidentally leave them in the car when you go into the store, you can always quickly run to your car to grab them before purchasing your items. This tip could save you hundreds of plastic bags every year. Let’s say you go grocery shopping once a week and use five plastic bags every time. That’s 260 bags per year you could save. In California, where bags now cost 10 cents each, that adds up to $26! You can often get reusable tote bags for free at events, and they are available for purchase for $1 and up at almost every grocery store. While you’re at it, invest in some reusable produce bags to avoid using those small plastic bags to hold fruits and vegetables.
4. Buy in bulk and bring your own containers. Try to visit grocery stores that sell products in bulk, such as Sprouts, Whole Foods, Winco, or your local co-op. This way, you can bring your own container and fill it up at the store, instead of buying a whole new package of something every time you run out. This saves a lot of packaging, and bulk items are often much cheaper than their pre-packaged counterparts. If you can, bring containers you already have, such as mason jars, Tupperware, or extra plastic bags. If you need to use the containers provided in the bulk section, be sure to bring them back to reuse when they are empty.
5. Reuse and recycle your plastic. In today’s economy, it’s practically impossible to avoid plastic entirely. When you do end up using plastic, reuse it as many times as you can, and be sure to recycle it when you are done using it. Instead of throwing your plastic shopping bags in the trash, stick them in your car or purse to reuse while shopping, use them as trash bags, or bring them back to the store to be recycled. (Do not put plastic shopping bags in your recycling bin at home—they can’t be recycled at most facilities.) Plastic containers such as bottles and jugs that are labeled with the recycling symbol and a number can be placed in the recycling bin. Click here for more information on how to recycle, and make sure to check the guidelines for your state.
6. Ask for your drink without a straw. Straws are an unnecessary convenience that generate a huge amount of plastic pollution. This one can be hard to get used to, because when out at a restaurant or bar, drinks often come with a straw automatically. Try to get in the habit of saying “No straw, please!” after your drink order, and others will take note. If you prefer to use a straw, bring your own. Take the pledge to say no to straws, along with Maroon 5, Jack Johnson, Chevy Chase, Governor of Connecticut Dan Malloy, and Dr. Sylvia Earle.

Remember, you don’t have to eliminate plastic from your life entirely, but you can easily reduce your plastic consumption with these simple tips. Like any new habit, these tips take some getting used to, so don’t panic if you forget your reusable bags or travel mug occasionally.

I hope this list helps you reduce your plastic footprint and inspires you to do more to help the ocean this year! What are your new year’s resolutions? Do you know any other helpful tips for reducing your plastic use?

Featured image by Kristen Kelly/NOAA Photo Library.