Science, transparency, aquatic stewardship
“Reef-safe” and “ocean-safe” are widely used terms, but they are not consistently defined, regulated or independently verified.
For this reason, Stream2Sea uses Reef-Safer™ to reflect our science-based commitment to responsible ingredient selection, environmental testing, transparency and continual improvement.
We develop sunscreen and personal care products with careful consideration for both human health and aquatic environments.
Why the wording matters
There is currently no universally accepted definition or independent standard that makes “reef-safe” claims comparable across products.
More importantly, an ingredient-exclusion list alone is not sufficient to establish that a product is environmentally responsible. The concentration of each ingredient, the complete formulation, how the product is used and its behaviour in the environment must also be considered.
Reef-Safer™ acknowledges that environmental science is complex. It reflects our commitment to look beyond marketing language and examine the formula, available testing and complete product more carefully.
Our formulation standards
We do not intentionally formulate with ingredients known or suspected, based on available scientific information, to harm coral reefs, fish or other aquatic organisms when suitable alternatives are available.
Ingredients are evaluated for potential environmental concerns, including aquatic toxicity, persistence, biodegradability, bioaccumulation and possible effects on marine ecosystems.
We evaluate both individual ingredients and finished formulations, not just exclusion lists. The complete formulation matters.
We conduct or commission aquatic toxicology and environmental compatibility testing where appropriate to support our environmental representations.
We seek to substantiate environmental representations through science, testing and relevant certifications rather than relying solely on unregulated marketing language.
Our formulation standards are continually reviewed as environmental science, testing methods and regulatory expectations evolve.
Science and independent testing
Stream2Sea is committed to making our environmental testing and supporting science accessible to customers, partners, retailers, resorts, environmental organisations and regulatory authorities.
Rather than asking you to rely solely on marketing claims, we publish information about our testing methods and results on our Science and Reef Safety Testing page.
Important: Not every Stream2Sea product has undergone every available test or certification. Environmental representations are based on the testing completed for the applicable product or formula, our ingredient-selection standards and the best available scientific information at the time of formulation.
View Reef Safety TestsIndependent scrutiny
Testing, certifications and external assessments provide additional scrutiny. Their scope differs, so we identify them carefully and apply them only where they have been achieved.
Stream2Sea’s SPF 30 Water Sport Sunscreen has met the requirements of the Protect Land + Sea Certification.
Visit the official certification site ↗Qualifying Stream2Sea products carry the EWG VERIFIED® mark. Certification applies at the product level, so check the individual product page for current status.
Visit EWG VERIFIED® ↗Qualifying products have received USDA Certified Biobased Product certification. The certified percentage depends on the applicable formula.
Visit USDA BioPreferred® ↗Independent coral studies have evaluated formulas within the Coral Care range, as well as Every Day and Zinc Sport sunscreen formulas.
Visit the University of Derby ↗
Responsible manufacturing
Stream2Sea manufactures the majority of its products in-house at our FDA-registered facility in the United States. Manufacturing in our own facility allows us to maintain direct oversight of formulation, ingredient sourcing, production, quality, traceability and continual improvement.
These standards, certifications and assessments complement our environmental testing and reflect our broader commitment to responsible manufacturing, quality and transparency.
Transparency in practice
Environmental science continues to evolve, and we believe responsible communication requires acknowledging both the available evidence and its limits.
We do not suggest that every Stream2Sea product has undergone every test. We do not rely on one ingredient list or one badge to answer every environmental question.
Why this matters to us
Stream2Sea was founded by cosmetic chemist and diver Autumn Blum after witnessing first-hand how personal care products used aboard a dive boat could enter the surrounding water.
Protecting coral reefs, marine life and coastal communities is not an added marketing theme. It is central to why Stream2Sea was created and remains an important part of our mission.
“We’re all responsible for what happens in our world. If we want to play in the water, we need to understand how our choices in personal care products can affect our oceans, lakes, rivers and streams.”
Autumn Blum
Founder, CEO and Cosmetic Chemist
Stream2Sea
Continue learning
Review aquatic toxicity, coral and environmental testing information, results and certifications.
Explore the TestingLearn how and why ingredients are selected for Stream2Sea formulas and review our ingredient-selection standards.
Explore IngredientsMeet the scientist and diver behind Stream2Sea and learn why environmental responsibility is central to our mission.
Read Our Story
Protection with purpose
Explore Stream2Sea mineral sunscreens created for water lovers and formulated with careful consideration for aquatic environments.
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