The 10 Best Biodegradable Sunscreens
This wiki has been updated 18 times since it was first published in March of 2019. Many common ingredients in sunscreen can be harmful to marine life, as well as irritating to sensitive skin. That’s why we’ve rounded up this list of biodegradable choices, which are comprised of all-natural components and devoid of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances and dyes. Here you’ll find selections suitable for sun lovers of all stripes, from young beachcombers to seasoned surfers. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Kokua Sun Care
2. Coconut Joe's Mineral
3. Thinksport Plus
Editor's Notes
March 27, 2019:
When applied to sunscreens, the term "biodegradable" tends to be synonymous with reef safe, meaning they don't contain the toxic chemicals used in typical sunblock formulas that are known to harm marine life and are banned in many destination spots, like Hawaii, Mexico, and Key West. We chose to favor sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide as the main active ingredient - non-nano meaning that its particles are actually big enough to NOT biodegrade - which is important for small creatures, like brine shrimp (and the animals that eat brine shrimp), that might ingest it if it did break down. It usually settles over the ocean floor as a silt-like material.
After that, we looked to selections that used food-safe and organic ingredients, were cruelty-free, and devoid of parabens, synthetic fragrances and dyes, and other additions that might linger and adversely affect the environment. We also opted to avoid products that used titanium dioxide, which reacts in warm seawater to form hydrogen peroxide. To create our list, we consulted an array of authorities, including marine ecologists, scientists, tour guides, and the EWG (environmental working group).
Of course, protecting yourself from the Sun is still the main priority, which is why our top three choices have an SPF of 50 and outstanding water resistance. We also incorporated options for the very active (Manda Organic, Thinksport Plus), beach and pool loungers (Suntegrity Unscented, Raw Love Safe), and children (TotLogic Non-Nano). Bear in mind that sunscreen alone can only do so much, even when you apply and reapply it perfectly. Be sure to cover yourself and your kids with protective clothing, hats, and umbrellas, too.
4. Raw Love Safe
5. Reef Repair Ocean
6. Suntegrity Unscented
7. Manda Organic
8. TotLogic Non-Nano
9. All Good Sport
10. Badger Clear Cream
Born in Arizona, Gia is a writer and autodidact who fled the heat of the desert for California, where she enjoys drinking beer, overanalyzing the minutiae of life, and channeling Rick Steves. After arriving in Los Angeles a decade ago, she quickly nabbed a copywriting job at a major clothing company and derived years of editing and proofreading experience from her tenure there, all while sharpening her skills further with myriad freelance projects. In her spare time, she teaches herself French and Italian, has earned an ESL teaching certificate, traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and unashamedly devours television shows and books. The result of these pursuits is expertise in fashion, travel, beauty, literature, textbooks, and pop culture, in addition to whatever obsession consumes her next.