Best Sunscreen for Hawaii: Reef Safe Sunscreens Allowed On the Islands

Hawaii is known for its stunning beaches and crystal clear waters. Unfortunately, these natural wonders are being threatened by the use of traditional sunscreens containing harmful chemicals that damage coral reefs.

In an effort to protect its marine ecosystems, Hawaii recently passed a law banning sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two common ingredients in traditional sunscreens.

But good news, there are now many reef-safe sunscreens available that follow Hawaii’s regulations.

These sunscreens protect your skin without harming the environment. But with all of this new information, knowing what kind of sunscreen to buy might be confusing, especially for first-time visitors.

Our guide explains what sunscreen is allowed in Hawaii and what to look out for when choosing a reef-safe sunscreen. We’ll also share a list of some of the best reef-friendly sunscreens in the market so you can choose the best sunscreen for your needs.

By choosing a reef-safe sunscreen for your next trip to Hawaii, you can help protect the environment and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the islands.

What Sunscreen Is Allowed in Hawaii?

Hawaii has specific regulations for the kind of sunscreen that is allowed on the islands. On January 1, 2021, a bill was passed in the state of Hawaii that banned the sale of sunscreens containing harmful chemicals (oxybenzone and octinoxate) without the prescription by a licensed healthcare provider. 

Hawaii is the first state in the United States to pass legislation banning specific sunscreens.

The Hawaii sunscreen ban was done in an effort to protect coral reefs. Unfortunately, many of the most well-known and popular sunscreen brands in the market contain those harmful chemical ingredients. But there has been a rise of other sunscreen products that have much better ingredients and are less damaging to the marine environment.

These types of sunscreen are called reef-safe sunscreens. They are the only sunscreen allowed in Hawaii.

Reef-safe sunscreens don’t contain octyl methoxycinnamate and oxybenzone, two toxic chemicals that contribute to the damage to corals and marine life.

Instead, their main ingredients are typically mineral-based ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients work by sitting on top of the skin to create physical barriers and scatter harmful UV rays, rather than being absorbed into the skin like some chemical sunscreens.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are effective at providing broad-spectrum sun protection, meaning that they protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

So how are these regulations being monitored? Since the ban only prohibits the sale and distribution, many are saying that it’s not strictly being enforced on individuals through penalties and fines. But as responsible travelers, the best thing you can do is protect the marine environment by using reef-safe sunscreen in Hawaii.

What Ingredients and Chemicals Should I Look Out For?

When you’re looking for the best sunscreen for Hawaii, the ingredients are the first thing you should examine.

The sunscreen chemicals you want to avoid are oxybenzone and octinoxate.

When shopping for sunscreen to add to your Hawaii packing list, look for mineral-based sunscreens – or better yet – sunscreens that are labeled “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly.”

While those labels are helpful, it’s always a good idea to read the ingredients list more carefully and read up on reviews to make sure they follow Hawaii’s sunscreen regulations. 

What can the wrong sunscreen do?

When harmful oxybenzone and octinoxate chemicals are present in the water, they undergo chemical reactions that cause coral bleaching and damage to coral reefs.

They can also have a negative effect on the development of young coral, making it difficult for reefs to recover from any damage. Over time, the accumulation of tons of sunscreen washing off in the water can have a significant impact on the health of coral reefs.

Best Sunscreen To Use In Hawaii

We’ll go over more about the products below but here’s a quick look at the top options:

Banana Boat Simply Protect SPF 50+ Sunscreen

This sunscreen by Banana Boat is a 100% mineral sunscreen that is designed to provide long-lasting protection from sun exposure for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s marketed as being sweat and water resistant for up to 80 minutes.

It’s free of parabens, oxybenzone, and octinoxate, making it one of the best reef-safe sunscreens that is also widely accessible. It’s also hypoallergenic and has no added essential oils or fragrances, making it a good choice for everyday wear and for those with sensitive skin.

Alba Botanica Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45

Alba Botanica Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45 is a reef-safe and water-resistant sunscreen designed specifically for kids. It provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection using a mineral-based formula that is free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other harmful chemicals. It’s pediatrician tested and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

This sunscreen also contains a blend of natural ingredients, including aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula, to soothe and nourish the skin. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly. There are also variations that come in and fun tropical fruit fragrances. If you’re going on a family vacation to Hawaii and want the best sun protection for your kids, then this is the best reef safe sunscreen for you!

Thinksport SPF 50 Sunscreen

Thinksport SPF 50 Sunscreen is a reliable sunscreen that provides great protection from the sun’s rays while being free of harmful chemicals. It has a non-toxic biodegradable formula with active ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide which is known to be reef-safe.

The sunscreen is fast-drying so it won’t leave you feeling sticky or oily. It also provides the highest water resistance per the FDA, with up to 80 minutes of protection before the need to reapply.

Raw Love All Natural Mineral Sunscreen

If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly and plastic-free option, then this is one of the best sunscreen options. It’s also made in Maui so it’s a great way to support locally-made products. This sunscreen is not only reef-safe but it’s also baby safe, plant based, and cruelty free. It has SPF 35+ protection against UVA and UVB rays and is free of all toxic chemicals, preservatives, parabens or synthetic fragrances.

Badger SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream

Badger SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen is another great eco-conscious option. This sunscreen’s formula was actually the first to achieve the reef-friendly Protect Land + Sea Certification which indicates that the product has been tested to ensure it is free of harmful chemicals listed on the HEL list. This is a list of chemicals that are pollutants that pose a threat to different natural environments.

It’s made with 4 simple natural ingredients, including zinc oxide, sunflower oil, beeswax, and vitamin E. The vitamin E in the formula leaves your skin moisturized and protected, perfect for long days of surfing and swimming in the beach.

Raw Elements SPF 30 Certified Natural Sunscreen

Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen is a reef-safe and eco-friendly sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection using non-nano zinc oxide as its active ingredient. Aside from being reef-safe, the formula is also cruelty-free, non-GMO and biodegradable.

There are many different variations available. There’s a one that is specifically-formulated for babies and kids, a tinted facial moisturizer, a lotion pump, and a tin – all come in sustainable packaging and are reef-safe!

Other Sunscreen Safe for Hawaii

All Good SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Lotion

All Good SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Lotion is a reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen with nourishing organic ingredients such as green tea, rose hips, and buriti oil. It comes in a butter stick version and the traditional sunscreen lotion formula as well. The butter stick is great for on-the-go and no-mess application.

Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian SPF 50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen

Kokua Sun Care is a luxury sunscreen that uses the highest percentage (25%) of non-nano zinc oxide as its only active ingredient. The formula is also rich with antioxidants, many of them locally sourced from Hawaii like, plumeria extract, Hawaiian spirulina, macadamia nut oil, kukui nut oil, and organic noni juice.

Babo Botanicals SPF 30 Clear Zinc Lotion

Babo Botanicals SPF 30 Clear Zinc Lotion is a great reef-safe sunscreen for sensitive skin. It’s specially formulated with skin-soothing organic oils like sunflower oil. The clear formula is lightweight, easy to apply, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave an unflattering white residue.

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide SPF 50+

​​Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide SPF 50+ is a reef-safe sunscreen containing a blend of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The formula is oil-free, fragrance-free, and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

The bottle’s innovative design features a color-changing Smart Bottle cap that turns blue in the presence of harmful UV rays, reminding you to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.

Using reef-safe sunscreens in Hawaii not only protects your skin from harmful UV rays but also helps to protect the beautiful coral reefs and marine life of the island. By avoiding chemical sunscreens and choosing mineral-based, reef-safe alternatives, you can be confident that your Hawaii sunblock won’t contribute to the destruction of these delicate ecosystems.

More Hawaii travel resources:
– Oahu Hiking Guide for Visitors
– One Week Oahu Itinerary & Activities List
– Where to Stay on Oahu & Where to Stay in Honolulu Outside Waikiki
– Kona, Hawaii on a Budget
– Hawaiian language 101 for visitors
– What to pack for a week in Hawaii: Packing Checklist

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