The Truth About Reef Safe Sunscreens

Sunscreen is probably on your list as you plan your fall excursions – and hopefully you’re looking for a product that is “reef safe.” (If not, check out the report from the International Coral Reef Initiative.)

But just because the front of the bottle might say it is reef safe, you still need to look at the back, starting with the active ingredients listing.

Grab one the next time you’re shopping or look at the one in your bag and see if it contains oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate or clear/nano zinc oxide.

Fact: If it does, it isn’t truly “reef safe” or “ocean friendly” at all. The National Ocean Service released an official study about it a couple of years ago which started the movement toward reef-safe sunscreen.

The problem is that there is minimal regulation on what manufacturers are actually putting in sunscreens labeled as reef-safe.

Some of them still include or promote oxybenzone, which kills coral larva at a concentration of 62 parts per trillion, or one drop in 6.5 Olympic swimming pools.

Here’s a few things YOU can do TODAY to help support our blue planet:

1. Take the time to learn about the effects sunscreen has on our coral reefs and aquatic ecosystems.
2. Make informed decisions when it comes to what kind of sunscreen you buy.
3. Educate your friends about the issue. No one wants to hurt a coral reef or kill a fish, but some personal care ingredients do just that.

Stream2Sea isn’t just creating a line that has been tested for aquatic toxicity and biodegradability. 

Our goal is to help outdoor advocates take an active stance within their local communities and persuade professionals to make sunscreen education a part of their boat and educational briefings.

How?

It starts with knowledge. YOUR knowledge.

If you and your friends – or your dive masters or fishing buddies or beach lovers — have questions about sunscreen and body care products, we’d love to hear from you! 

Send us any questions here or on your favorite social media channel.  We’ll be answering them in our blogs and podcasts!

If every diver and outdoor enthusiast got involved, we could make an enormous difference in protecting the waters we all love.

Think about it. 

Consciously,

The Stream2Sea Team

P.S. – And if a new bottle of sunscreen isn’t on your shopping list, it should be.  Many sunscreens stop working after a year in the bottom of your dive bag or backpack. You don’t want to discover that the hard way on your first day of vacation.

We thank you for continuing to join us on this journey… because we DO have a choice and we can choose to do better. 

We appreciate your comments, concerns and questions that will help to ensure that we share information that is important to you along the way.

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Stream2Sea has set a new standard for EcoConscious sunscreen and skincare. Along with the required human safety and SPF tests, Stream2Sea products are proven to be readily biodegradable in both salt and fresh water and have passed a comprehensive series of aquatic toxicity tests. Formulated with powerful antioxidant blends to protect skin from sun damage, the Stream2Sea line includes safe sunscreens, conditioning shampoo and body wash, leave-in conditioner, nourishing body lotion and lip balms. Stream2Sea products are currently available online at www.Stream2Sea.com or ask for them at your favorite health food store, dive center or outdoor retailer. Friend us on Facebook or call (866) 960-9513.

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