

John surveyed a popular beach on the island, estimating that with 2,000 to 5,000 swimmers using the beach daily, over 6,000 pounds of sunscreen would be deposited into the reef annually. In addition, the presence of these chemicals in sea water allows viruses to thrive, putting corals at high risk of catching an infection that could lead to bleaching and death.Īreas such as Oahu’s Hanauma Bay off the coast of the Hawaii, sees close to a million tourists each year, which makes it highly susceptible to sunscreen-induced coral bleaching.

When corals absorb these chemicals, they have a similar reaction as they would if surrounding water temperatures were to get too warm. The objective is to determine the safety of sunscreen containing Oxybenzone as compared to reef safe biodegradable sunscreen on marine. Studies have shown that oxybenzone and octinoxate are found in over 3,500 sunscreen products, including household names like Tropicana, Banana Boat, and Coppertone. In addition, scientists now say that chemically based sunscreen can induce the same bleaching response in coral. When it comes to corals and their skin, wearing protective clothing is the best thing to do. Reef-safe sunscreens are typically more expensive and require more application. We know that reefs are suffering at the hands of global climate change due to rising ocean temperatures, as the stress of warm water causes corals to bleach. The ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and octocrylene are both chemical sunscreens, the ethylhexyl salicylate is a chemical sunscreen and. There is no sunscreen that is reef-safe, and it is unclear whether such a thing exists. Why is this important? Because both have been linked to coral bleaching.
Reef safe sunscreen coppertone skin#
The state passed a bill that will prevent the sale of sunscreen containing common UV-filtering ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. Both the Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 and the Coppertone Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 are great Sunscreens for people that are willing to spend. Instead of relying on old standbys, Coppertone could develop new ingredients and drive a sea change in skin care, making its entire line of products reef-safe. Moisturizing formulas boost skin hydration. Photostable, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Some sunscreen brands that contain chemicals threatening to coral reefs include Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Lotion Sunscreen and Coppertone Water Babies Lotion. You may have seen a thing or two in the news recently regarding Hawaii’s ban on chemically based sunscreen. High performance, durable formulas with a light, breathable feeling on skin. Coppertone SPORT Continuous Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 100, White, 5.5 Ounce RELATED PRODUCTS Banana Boat Sport Performance Cool Zone, Reef Friendly.
