Although no sunscreen has been proven totally safe for aquatic wildlife—wearing a rash guard or other protective clothing while you snorkel is the best choice for coral as well as for your skin—some formulas are friendlier than others.
After researching the issue and testing 15 sunscreens that claim to be reef safe, we’ve found that Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50 and Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ have ingredients that scientists recommend in a reef-safe sunscreen, plus feel nicer and cost less than competitors.
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No oxybenzone
Along with octinoxate, this active ingredient found in some chemical sunscreen formulas is banned for sale in some coastal areas.
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Non-nano
Reef-safe sunscreens are made with non-micronized versions of the active ingredients zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
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SPF 30+
A sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
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Water resistance
Even if you don’t plan to sweat or swim, water-resistant sunscreens have better staying power on skin.
Our pick
Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50
This formula includes ingredients that are thought to be safest for reefs. It rubs in easily, feels nice on skin, and doesn’t leave a white cast, though it does have a strong, fruity scent.
The main active ingredient in Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50 is non-nano zinc oxide, the most coral-friendly option available in the US. Zinc oxide sunscreen might conjure images of lifeguards with white noses, but this one rubs in the clearest of those we tested with minimal effort. Once on skin, Thrive’s Bodyshield SPF 50 feels less greasy than many other sunscreens. This sunscreen typically costs about $4.30 per ounce ($3.80 if purchased in three-packs), which is less than the price of many of the other reef-safe sunscreens we considered, but much more than our other sunscreen picks.
Runner-up
Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+
This sunscreen also uses non-nano zinc oxide, but it is more difficult to rub in than our pick and is more likely to leave a white cast. This sunscreen also has a strong, fruity scent.
Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ is also formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, but it’s a thicker formula that is less translucent on the skin. Many testers said this sunscreen left a white cast on their skin, in particular with testers who have darker-hued skin.This sunscreen costs around $3 per ounce in the largest-available size (6 ounces), which is less than our top pick.
