Sunscreen is a valuable tool in protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. However, the regular use of traditional sunscreens comes at a cost. Not only do they harm coral reefs, marine life, and sensitive aquatic ecosystems, but they can also disrupt hormone function and vitamin absorption in humans. With 4,000-6,000 tons of sunscreen ending up in the ocean each year, it is clear that a change is necessary.
Fortunately, biodegradable sunscreen brands have emerged as a solution to this problem. These brands not only protect our skin, but they also prioritize the health of our oceans and marine life. In this article, we will explore the benefits of biodegradable sunscreen and recommend some of the top brands in the market.
The Top Biodegradable Sunscreens For A Sustainable Sun-Kissed Glow
When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, biodegradable sunscreens are a great option. They not only protect your skin but also protect the environment by being free from harmful chemicals that can harm marine life. Here are some of the top biodegradable sunscreens that you can use for a sustainable sun-kissed glow.
1. FORAH
FORAH offers a range of biodegradable sunscreens that are perfect for those who want to protect their skin and the environment. Their Reef Safe Facial Sunscreen is a great option, offering both a tinted sunscreen tin and a standard sunscreen cream in a recyclable aluminum tube. The tinted Zinc Surf Balm contains a simple combination of non-nano zinc oxide, virgin coconut oil, cacao powder, and beeswax. The Everyday liquid sunscreen, on the other hand, contains a more complex formula specially designed to soothe and moisturize the skin. It includes organic cold-pressed golden jojoba oil, organic sea buckthorn oil, seaweed extract, and biodynamic avocado oil. All of FORAH’s biodegradable sunscreens are certified organic, cruelty-free, and non-GMO.
2. Activist
Activist’s Reef Safe & Biodegradable Sunscreen is a water-resistant sunscreen that provides fuller coverage than most sunscreens. It comes in a range of tints and contains nourishing ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil, making it perfect for those who want to protect their skin and look their best. The California-based brand is woman-owned, offering refillable, vegan, and cruelty-free organic skincare, like natural makeup remover. Many products come shipped in glass containers, compostable materials, or recyclable refill pouches. The shipping materials are low-impact, recyclable, and or compostable and created using post-consumer waste.
3. ATTITUDE
ATTITUDE’s Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Sunscreen SPF 30 is a mineral-based sunscreen that contains non-nano zinc oxide, which protects against harmful UV rays. Other natural ingredients, like coconut oil, shea butter, and organic sunflower oil, help keep the skin moisturized in dehydrating summer conditions. ATTITUDE’s hypoallergenic and reef safe sunscreens are suitable for all skin types, including options for damaged, oil, and sensitive skin. Some of the brand’s products come in plastic tubes, but most of the zero waste sunscreen catalog is packaged neatly in stylish compostable cardboard tubes.
4. Butter Me Up Organics
Butter Me Up Organics’ Biodegradable Sunscreen is entirely plastic-free and suited for babies, kids, and adults. The reef safe sunscreen ingredients include coconut oil, shea butter, mango butter, non-nano zinc oxide, grapeseed oil, vitamin E, and beeswax. These ingredients work together to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays while also keeping it moisturized. Butter Me Up Organics stands by the belief that sunscreen doesn’t need harmful chemicals to be effective.
5. SurfDurt
SurfDurt offers a range of biodegradable sunscreens that are perfect for those who love to surf. Their sunscreens are water-resistant and provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. They offer a range of sunscreens, including a sunscreen spray and a lip balm with SPF 30. SurfDurt’s sunscreens are perfect for those who want to protect their skin while enjoying the waves.
6. Palm & Pine
Palm & Pine’s biodegradable sunscreen is perfect for those who want to protect their skin and the environment. Their sunscreen is water-resistant and provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It contains natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. Palm & Pine’s sunscreen is also free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
7. EmpireSquid Organics
EmpireSquid Organics offers a range of biodegradable sunscreens that are perfect for those who want to protect their skin and the environment. Their sunscreens are water-resistant and provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. They offer a range of sunscreens, including a tinted face sunscreen and a sunscreen spray with SPF 50. EmpireSquid Organics’ sunscreens are perfect for those who want to protect their skin while enjoying outdoor activities.
8. All Good
All Good’s biodegradable sunscreen is perfect for those who want to protect their skin and the environment. Their sunscreen is water-resistant and provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It contains natural ingredients like organic green tea, rose
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Why Use Biodegradable Sunscreen?
Biodegradable sunscreen is a safer and eco-friendly alternative to traditional sunscreens. Unlike traditional sunscreens, biodegradable sunscreens do not contain harmful chemicals that can damage marine life and sensitive ecosystems. These chemicals include PABA, octinoxate, avobenzone, oxybenzone, 4-methyl benzylidene, camphor, and butylparaben.
The National Ocean Service has stated that these ingredients can build up in coral, inhibit algae growth, damage reproduction in fish and sea urchins, and more. In response to this environmental disaster, some areas have made it a legal requirement that beach-goers only use reef-safe sunscreen, Hawaii and the Virgin Islands included.
Biodegradable sunscreen is designed to break down naturally in the environment, reducing the amount of harmful chemicals that enter the ocean and harm marine life. Biodegradable sunscreen is made from natural ingredients, such as non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide sun protection without harming the environment.
Physical sunscreens, like biodegradable sunscreen, sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away from the skin. This is different from chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV rays and can harm the body’s natural hormone and endocrine systems. Biodegradable sunscreen is also safe for people with allergies and is less likely to cause skin irritation.
In conclusion, using biodegradable sunscreen is a responsible and safe way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays while also protecting the environment. By choosing biodegradable sunscreen, you can help reduce the amount of harmful chemicals that enter the ocean and harm marine life, coral reefs, and other sensitive ecosystems.
How We Found The Best Biodegradable Sunscreen Brands
When it comes to finding the best biodegradable sunscreen brands, there are several factors to consider. The team looked for sunscreens that not only provide protection from harmful UV rays but also have a minimal impact on the environment. Here are the factors that were considered:
Non-Toxic Ingredients
The team looked for natural sunscreen products that do not contain chemicals that are harmful to marine life. Ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, octinoxate, 4-methyl benzylidene camphor, PABA, and triclosan were avoided. The team also avoided other ingredients that are harmful to the skin.
Vegan and Cruelty-Free
The team looked for biodegradable sunscreen products that are vegan and cruelty-free. Although some of the products include beeswax, the team avoided any animal byproducts or animal testing.
Ethical Ingredient Sourcing
The team looked for biodegradable sunscreen products that source their ingredients ethically. This means that the ingredients are sourced in a way that does not harm the environment or the people involved in the production process.
Thoughtful Materials
The team looked for biodegradable sunscreen products that use zero waste, compostable, reusable, or recycled packaging and shipping materials. This ensures that the product has a minimal impact on the environment.
Reef Safe vs. Biodegradable
While shopping for sustainable alternatives, it is important to understand the difference between reef safe and biodegradable sunscreen. Reef safe products are formulated to minimize or eliminate ingredients known to have harmful effects on coral reefs, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. On the other hand, biodegradable sunscreen refers to materials or substances that can break down naturally and decompose into simpler, non-harmful compounds over time.
It is important to note that the term “Reef Safe” is not regulated universally, so it’s advisable to look for products that are certified by reputable organizations.
Is Mineral Sunscreen Biodegradable?
Mineral sunscreens are generally considered to be more biodegradable compared to chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens primarily use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their active ingredients, which are minerals derived from natural sources. These minerals are known to be biodegradable and do not persist in the environment. However, not all mineral sunscreens are created equally. Some conventional mineral sunscreens contain additional additives, emollients, or inorganic ingredients affecting their overall biodegradability. It’s always a good idea to check the specific product to understand its biodegradability and environmental impact better.
Final Thoughts On Biodegradable & Reef Safe Sunscreen Brands
The team recommends using biodegradable and reef safe sunscreen to protect both yourself and the environment. These products do not contain harmful chemicals and are formulated to minimize the impact on marine life. It is important to choose products that are certified by reputable organizations and to check the specific product to understand its biodegradability and environmental impact better.
