5 derms on their favorite reef-safe SPFs

Written by Krystin Arneson
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5 derms on their favorite reef-safe SPFs

Finding a good everyday sunscreen is one thing, but it’s worth switching things up when you hit the beach. In order to protect marine environments, the best SPF for the beach tends to be what’s known as “reef safe”: It doesn’t contain ingredients known to do additional damage to coral reefs. 

‘Reef-safe’ is an unregulated term, but generally refers to sunscreens free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are linked to coral damage,” says Ursula Diaz, cofounder of Honor MD Skincare and the Dr. John Diaz Med Spa in Beverly Hills. 

How to protect yourself from sun while swimming

If you’re venturing out into the water, the best way to protect yourself from the sun is to wear a long-sleeve shirt, rash guard, or wet suit, and only apply sunscreen to the neck, face, and the back of your hands. According to the Divers Alert Network, the largest scuba diving safety association, this strategy reduces sunscreen loads in the water by 90 percent.  

What to look for in a reef-safe sunscreen

For typical days at the beach, there are two ingredients to steer clear of on your SPF’s ingredient label: oxybenzone and octinoxate.

“I generally recommend any 100% mineral, non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen that avoids oxybenzone and octinoxate,” says dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye, who dispenses skin advice to more than 61,000 followers on Instagram. “These ingredients are better for both the skin and the environment, especially for patients who are ocean enthusiasts or eco-conscious.” 

FYI, You don’t necessarily need an SPF over SPF 50 to get adequate sun protection. “Properly applied SPF 50 sunscreen blocks 98 percent of UVB rays; SPF 100 blocks 99 percent,” according to the Environmental Working Group. “When used correctly, sunscreen with SPF values between 30 and 50 offers adequate sunburn protection, even for people most sensitive to sunburn.” 

Boakye’s given us her recommendation for best reef-safe sunscreen below, plus we found TK more top-of-their game skin experts to recommend their best reef-safe SPF picks, too. Then, we checked them against the Environmental Working Group’s ratings for personal health and environmental safety and only included those that were top scorers. 

The result? A great list of reef-safe sunscreens, as recommended by those who know best. Read on and shop their expert picks below.

Dermatologists’ top picks for reef-safe SPFs:

Blue Lizard Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, $10: Affordable water-resistant formula for sensitive skin

$10 AMAZON

Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 45, $38: Airy, mousse-like SPF that acts like a blurring primer

$38 AMAZON

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 50 Gentle Lotion, $26: Primer-like SPF with water resistance

$26 AMAZON

La Roche‑Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Fluid, $36: Lightweight formula also great for daily use

$36 AMAZON

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $45: Derm-loved SPF has niacinamide to reduce redness

$45 AMAZON

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Best affordable SPF for acne-prone skin Blue Lizard Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, $10 at Amazon

Blue Lizard regularly comes up at the top of derm-recommended sunscreens, and its Sport formula is no different. It’s gentle on skin, uses mineral filters to protect your skin from the sun and seas from chemical damage, and it’s easy to blend in—no whitecast to see here. 

“This water-resistant mineral formula is reef safe and offers higher SPF 50 protection,” says dermatologist Dr. Scott Walter, who frequently chats about skincare with his TikTok followers, where he goes by @denverskindoc.  

$10 at Amazon

Pros

  • ✓ Water resistant up to 80 minutes 
  • ✓ The cap turns purple in UV light to remind you to apply
  • ✓ Mineral formula dries relatively clear

Cons

  • ✕ Formula is a little on the thicker side 

Best multitasking reef-safe SPF Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 45, $38 at Amazon

Peter Thomas Roth’s travel-size-friendly mineral SPF is perfect for your next beach vacation (and the added tint means you can leave your BB cream at home, too).

“Although the reef-safe debate is ongoing, many people prefer mineral formulas,” says dermatologist Dr. Dylan Greeney, who talks all things skincare with his almost 16,000 subscribers on YouTube. He recommends this Peter Thomas Roth formula because it’s “hydrating, tinted, and works well across a wide range of skin tones.” 

$38 at Amazon

Pros

  • ✓ Luxe-feeling mousse-like texture
  • ✓ Leaves behind slightly dewy finish 
  • ✓ Great alone or as a blurring, redness-reducing primer 

Cons

  • ✕ Limited range of shades 

Best fragrance-free SPF for acne-prone skin La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 50 Gentle Lotion, $26 at Amazon

La Roche-Posay’s mineral formulas are much-feted for a reason: They blend well, don’t make skin break out, and don’t feel super heavy on the face. Plus, they’re generally not as harmful to sea life as other options on the shelves. 

“One-hundred-percent mineral UV filters make this a great reef-safe option,” says dermatologist Dr. Zain Husain. “It’s smooth, non-greasy, and perfect for anyone who wants eco-friendly protection without sacrificing performance.” 

$26 at Amazon

Pros

  • ✓ Less expensive than other La Roche-Posay SPFs
  • ✓ Water resistant for up to 80 minutes 
  • ✓ Can be used as a primer for makeup 

Cons

  • ✕ Can leave behind white cast worn alone or pill up when layered 

Best low-impact sunscreen for daily use La Roche‑Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Fluid, $36 at Amazon

Whether you hit the beach regularly or just want a one-and-done SPF, La Roche-Posay’s fluid SPF is where it’s at. 

Dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu, whose skincare channel on YouTube boasts an impressive 300,000 followers, casts another vote for La Roche-Posay, this time with a bit more SPF. 

La Roche‑Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Fluid has that barely-there feel that the brand is famous for, making it a great option to wear everyday and layer under makeup. 

“Even though it’s not strictly labeled reef-safe, its formula is very clean and lightweight, and it’s less harmful to marine ecosystems than many chemical sunscreens,” says Liu. “It feels like nothing on your skin.” 

$36 at Amazon

Pros

  • ✓ Lightweight texture feels and looks invisible 
  • ✓ Non-comedogenic, oil-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free
  • ✓ Water resistant up to 80 minutes 

Cons

  • ✕ Above-average price tag 

Best overall SPF for acne-prone skin EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $45 at Amazon

Much loved and recommended by dermatologists, EltaMD’s SPF is “a tried-and-true favorite for acne-prone skin,” says Boakye. 

“It’s non-comedogenic and formulated with niacinamide to calm inflammation and fade post-acne discoloration,” she says, meaning your skin will benefit from the extra TLC that’s packed in.

Plus, it’s designed to blend easily into your daily makeup routine, letting you skip the primer step each morning. “It sits beautifully under makeup and helps maintain a healthy barrier, making daily SPF effortless for breakout-prone patients,” Boakye adds. 

$45 at Amazon

Pros

  • ✓ Specifically formulated for breakout-prone skin 
  • ✓ Sits well under most foundations 
  • ✓ Contains niacinamide to reduce redness and acne scarring 

Cons

  • ✕ Above-average price tag 

FAQ

Reef-safe sunscreen refers to sunscreens that are made without certain UV filters that have been linked to coral reef damage. No SPF is totally impact-free, but these products typically avoid ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate; instead, they use mineral UV filters or alternative chemical filters considered less harmful to marine ecosystems.

Most reef-safe sunscreens avoid:

  • Oxybenzone
  • Octinoxate
  • Octocrylene
  • Homosalate

These ingredients have been associated with coral bleaching and harm to marine life. Always check the SPF’s ingredient lists since“reef-safe” isn’t a regulated term.

Mineral sunscreens are generally considered the most reef-safe option. Instead of chemicals, they use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients, which sit on the skin and reflect UV rays. Non-nano mineral formulas are often preferred, since they’re less likely to be absorbed by marine organisms.

Yes, some destinations require reef-safe sunscreen by law. Places like Hawaii, parts of Mexico, and certain island nations ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect coral reefs. Be sure to check your destination’s laws before you leave for your next beach vacation. 

Reef-safe sunscreen can provide the same level of UV protection as conventional sunscreen when it is broad-spectrum and rated SPF 30 or higher. Be sure to reapply after two hours or after going in the water, since that’s a huge part of staying protected in the sun. 

Some reef-safe sunscreens, especially mineral formulas, can sometimes leave a white cast since the product sits directly on top of the skin. However, many newer products use micronized minerals, tinted formulas, or lightweight lotions to improve how they blend in and show up on different skin tones.

Reef-safe sunscreen is a good choice for anyone hitting the beach or who has sensitive skin (the ingredients in these formulas are often also reef-friendly). Think: 

  • Ocean swimmers and snorkelers
  • Travelers visiting reef-protected areas
  • People with sensitive or acne-prone skin
  • We only spoke to dermatologists (MDs) to recommend products for this article. 
  • All recommendations from the featured dermatologists are independently chosen. They don’t have any brand affiliation with the featured brands or products.
  • We never pay experts for their recommendations.

If These Walls Could Talk” operates independently and exercises sole editorial discretion in all content decisions. While certain brands, products, or services referenced may have current or prior relationships with our affiliated marketing agency, such relationships do not influence our editorial content. We disclaim any liability for conflicts of interest, omissions, or outcomes arising from reliance on our content. All information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional or individualized advice.

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