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10 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
BLUE LIZARD Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Zinc Oxide SPF 50+ Water Resistant UVA/UVB Protection Easy to Apply Fragrance Free, Kids, Unscented, 0.5 oz
The Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Zinc Oxide SPF 50+ is a solid choice for parents seeking a reef-safe sunscreen for their kids' sensitive skin. Its key strength lies in its active ingredient, Zinc Oxide, which provides effective sun protection without harsh chemicals. With an SPF rating of 50, it offers robust protection against UVB rays, shielding up to 98% of harmful rays, which is ideal for long outdoor activities. The water-resistant formula is effective for up to 80 minutes of water exposure, making it suitable for beach outings and pool days.
Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,284
Active Ingredients
SPF Rating
Water Resistance
Most important from
5254 reviews
#2
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 6 oz
The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray is designed for those who spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun. It offers a high SPF 50 rating, providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, which is essential for preventing sunburn and skin damage. The sunscreen is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.
Rating
9.8
Application Type
Most important from
25298 reviews
#3
Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+, Oil-Free, 2.5 fl oz, Sweat & Water-Resistant, Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB, Nourish & Restore Skin Balance, Oxybenzone Free Sunscreen For Face
The Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+ is a strong option for those needing reliable sun protection during active outdoor activities. Its high SPF rating offers excellent defense against both UVA and UVB rays, which helps prevent sunburn and skin aging. The sunscreen is sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it suitable for swimming or intense workouts. It’s designed specifically for the face, with an oil-free formula that won’t clog pores or cause breakouts, providing a lightweight, non-greasy finish that many will appreciate.
Rating
9.7
Additional Skin Benefits
Most important from
21602 reviews
Top 10 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
9.9 score
BLUE LIZARD Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Zinc Oxide SPF 50+ Water Resistant UVA/UVB Protection Easy to Apply Fragrance Free, Kids, Unscented, 0.5 oz
BLUE LIZARD Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Zinc Oxide SPF 50+ Water Resistant UVA/UVB Protection Easy to Apply Fragrance Free, Kids, Unscented, 0.5 oz
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Application Type: Stick
Additional Skin Benefits: Fragrance-free, Paraben-free
Environmental Certifications: Reef-friendly, Oxybenzone-free, Octinoxate-free
Chosen by 1284 this week
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 6 oz
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 6 oz
Active Ingredients: Vitamin E
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Application Type: Spray
Additional Skin Benefits: Non-comedogenic, moisturizes
Environmental Certifications: Hawaii 104 Reef Act compliant
Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+, Oil-Free, 2.5 fl oz, Sweat & Water-Resistant, Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB, Nourish & Restore Skin Balance, Oxybenzone Free Sunscreen For Face
Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+, Oil-Free, 2.5 fl oz, Sweat & Water-Resistant, Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB, Nourish & Restore Skin Balance, Oxybenzone Free Sunscreen For Face
SPF Rating: 70+
Water Resistance: resists sweat and water 80 mins
Application Type: face
Additional Skin Benefits: oil-free, non-comedogenic
Environmental Certifications: reef-safe, Hawaii reef compliant
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50, 6.5 Oz, Water Resistant, Fast Absorbing, Oxybenzone Free, Lightweight Sun Protection, Face and Body Sunscreen
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50, 6.5 Oz, Water Resistant, Fast Absorbing, Oxybenzone Free, Lightweight Sun Protection, Face and Body Sunscreen
Active Ingredients: no oxybenzone or octinoxate
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: up to 80 minutes
Application Type: spray
Environmental Certifications: reef-safe
BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 50+ Water Resistant UVAUVB Protection with Smart Cap Technology Fragrance Free, Sensitve, SPF 50 - - Tube, Unscented, 5 Fl Oz
BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 50+ Water Resistant UVAUVB Protection with Smart Cap Technology Fragrance Free, Sensitve, SPF 50 - - Tube, Unscented, 5 Fl Oz
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Additional Skin Benefits: Soothing and moisturizing from Aloe Vera
Environmental Certifications: Reef-safe, no Oxybenzone or Octinoxate
Related Products
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 8 oz
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 8 oz
Active Ingredients: Octinoxate-free, Oxybenzone-free, Vitamin E
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Application Type: Lotion
Additional Skin Benefits: Moisturizing, non-comedogenic
Environmental Certifications: Reef-safe, gluten-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF50 - Natural Zinc Oxide - Face & Body - Fragrance-Free - Water-Resistant - EWG Verified - Vegan - Extra Sensitive Skin - For Babies & Kids
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF50 - Natural Zinc Oxide - Face & Body - Fragrance-Free - Water-Resistant - EWG Verified - Vegan - Extra Sensitive Skin - For Babies & Kids
Active Ingredients: zinc oxide
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 Minutes
Environmental Certifications: EWG Verified, Cruelty-free, Vegan
Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 - Natural Zinc Oxide - Extra Sensitive Skin - Lightweight - Water Resistant - Fragrance-Free - EWG Verified- Sheer application
Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 - Natural Zinc Oxide - Extra Sensitive Skin - Lightweight - Water Resistant - Fragrance-Free - EWG Verified- Sheer application
Active Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Additional Skin Benefits: Babo's Nutri-Soothe Complex
Environmental Certifications: EWG Verified, B Corp Certified
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - Travel Friendly - 3 oz
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - Travel Friendly - 3 oz
Active Ingredients: Octinoxate, Oxybenzone-free
SPF Rating: 50
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Additional Skin Benefits: Vitamin E
Environmental Certifications: Hawaii’s 104 Reef Act compliant
#10
8.3 score
Blue Lizard Kids Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+, Brand, Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, Water-Resistant, Zinc Oxide Formula, 5 fl oz
Blue Lizard Kids Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+, Brand, Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, Water-Resistant, Zinc Oxide Formula, 5 fl oz
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide
SPF Rating: 50+
Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes
Application Type: Spray
Additional Skin Benefits: Vegan, Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Phthalate-free
Environmental Certifications: Reef-safe, No Oxybenzone, No Octinoxate
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Buying Guide for the Best Reef Safe Sunscreens
Choosing the right reef-safe sunscreen is essential not only for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays but also for preserving marine ecosystems. Reef-safe sunscreens are formulated without certain chemicals that can harm coral reefs and marine life. When selecting a reef-safe sunscreen, it's important to consider various factors to ensure it meets your needs while being environmentally friendly.Active IngredientsActive ingredients in reef-safe sunscreens are typically mineral-based, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients are important because they provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays without harming marine life. When navigating active ingredients, look for sunscreens that list non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as their primary components. Non-nano particles are less likely to be ingested by marine organisms. If you have sensitive skin, zinc oxide is often recommended as it is gentle and effective.
SPF RatingSPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn. This spec is crucial for determining the level of protection you need based on your skin type and sun exposure. SPF ratings are typically segmented into three categories: low (SPF 15-30), medium (SPF 30-50), and high (SPF 50+). For everyday use, an SPF of 30 is usually sufficient, but if you plan to spend extended time outdoors, opt for a higher SPF. Choose an SPF that matches your activity level and skin sensitivity.
Water ResistanceWater resistance indicates how long the sunscreen remains effective while you are swimming or sweating. This spec is important for maintaining protection during water activities. Water resistance is usually labeled as either 40 minutes or 80 minutes. If you are engaging in water sports or will be in the water for extended periods, choose a sunscreen with 80 minutes of water resistance. For less intense activities, 40 minutes may be adequate. Reapply as directed to maintain protection.
Application TypeReef-safe sunscreens come in various application types, including lotions, creams, sticks, and sprays. This spec is important for convenience and ease of use. Lotions and creams are ideal for full-body coverage and are often more moisturizing. Sticks are convenient for targeted areas like the face and are less messy. Sprays offer quick application but may require more careful application to ensure even coverage. Choose the type that best fits your lifestyle and application preferences.
Additional Skin BenefitsSome reef-safe sunscreens offer additional skin benefits such as moisturizing, anti-aging, or antioxidant properties. These benefits are important for providing extra care to your skin while protecting it from the sun. If you have dry skin, look for sunscreens with added moisturizers like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid. For anti-aging benefits, ingredients like vitamin C or E can be beneficial. Choose a sunscreen that addresses your specific skin concerns for added value.
Environmental CertificationsEnvironmental certifications indicate that the sunscreen has been tested and verified to be safe for marine life and ecosystems. This spec is important for ensuring that the product truly meets reef-safe standards. Look for certifications from reputable organizations such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) or the Protect Land + Sea certification. These certifications provide assurance that the sunscreen is free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Choose products with recognized certifications to support environmental sustainability.