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10 Best Reef Safe Sunscreen Hawaii 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion - Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E - Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) - 8 oz

The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion is a solid choice for anyone looking for reef-safe sun protection, especially in places like Hawaii where certain harmful chemicals are banned. It meets the Hawaii 104 Act by avoiding common reef-damaging ingredients like octinoxate and oxybenzone, which is great for environmentally conscious users. This lotion offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it shields you from both UVA and UVB rays, which are responsible for skin damage and sunburn. The SPF 50 rating provides strong defense against sun exposure.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,344
Active Ingredients
Broad-Spectrum Protection
Water Resistance

Most important from
33082 reviews

Active Ingredients
Provides reliable sun protection that prevents sunburn even during extended outdoor activities.
Broad-Spectrum Protection
Ideal for sensitive skin types prone to burning, offering strong protection without irritation.
Water Resistance
Stays effective for hours without the need for frequent reapplication.
Additional Skin Benefits
Offers a pleasant scent that stands out positively compared to typical sunscreen odors.
#2
8.8 score

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, 100% Mineral Sunscreen, UVA/UVB Protection, Infused with organic Aloe Vera, Soothes and Hydrates, 5 fl oz

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reef-safe option, especially in Hawaii where protecting coral reefs is important. It uses mineral-based zinc oxide as the active ingredient, which is gentle on sensitive skin and avoids harsh chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate that can harm marine life. With SPF 50, it offers strong broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, blocking up to 98% of UVB rays.

Rating
8.8
Water Resistance
Application Type
Additional Skin Benefits

Most important from
18074 reviews

Water Resistance
Provides strong, reliable sun protection even during extended water exposure, preventing sunburn effectively.
Application Type
Non-greasy formula that applies smoothly, enhancing comfort without the heavy or thick feel common in mineral sunscreens.
Additional Skin Benefits
Gentle on sensitive skin, free from irritating scents and harsh chemicals, making it ideal for those prone to skin reactions.
#3
8.5 score

Thrive Natural Care Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF50 - Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant - Mineral Sunscreen Non-Nano Zinc Oxide - Vegan, (5.8 Oz (Pack of 1))

Thrive Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF50 sets a strong standard for reef-safe sunscreens, particularly appealing for outdoor enthusiasts who care about the environment. One of its standout features is the 23.5% non-nano zinc oxide, which provides effective broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays without the harmful chemicals often found in conventional sunscreens. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it suitable for beach days or water sports.

Rating
8.5
Active Ingredients
Application Type
Additional Skin Benefits

Most important from
1555 reviews

Active Ingredients
This natural/mineral-based sunscreen truly has zero white-cast, even for brown-skinned individuals.
Application Type
Smoothest application among reef-safe sunscreens tried, with no burns after use.
Additional Skin Benefits
Feels great on the skin and offers excellent value for its size.

Top 10 Best Reef Safe Sunscreen Hawaii 2026 in the United States

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Buying Guide for the Best Reef Safe Sunscreen Hawaii

Choosing the right reef-safe sunscreen is crucial not only for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays but also for preserving marine life and coral reefs. Reef-safe sunscreens are formulated without certain chemicals that can harm coral reefs and marine ecosystems. When selecting a reef-safe sunscreen, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you are making an environmentally friendly and effective choice.
Active IngredientsActive ingredients in reef-safe sunscreens are typically mineral-based, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients are important because they provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays without harming marine life. When navigating active ingredients, look for sunscreens that list non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the primary active ingredients. Non-nano particles are less likely to be ingested by marine organisms. If you have sensitive skin, zinc oxide is often recommended as it is gentle and less likely to cause irritation.
Broad-Spectrum ProtectionBroad-spectrum protection means that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This is important because UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, while UVB rays can cause sunburn. To ensure you are getting broad-spectrum protection, check the label for the term 'broad-spectrum' or look for sunscreens that list protection against both types of rays. For everyday use, a sunscreen with SPF 30 is generally sufficient, but if you are spending extended time outdoors, consider a higher SPF.
Water ResistanceWater resistance indicates how long the sunscreen remains effective while you are swimming or sweating. This is important for maintaining protection during water activities. Water resistance is typically measured in minutes, such as 40 or 80 minutes. If you plan to be in the water or sweating a lot, choose a sunscreen with a higher water resistance rating. Remember to reapply sunscreen according to the instructions, especially after swimming or towel drying.
Application TypeReef-safe sunscreens come in various application types, including lotions, creams, sticks, and sprays. The application type is important for ease of use and coverage. Lotions and creams are great for full-body coverage and are easy to apply evenly. Sticks are convenient for targeted areas like the face and are less messy. Sprays can be quick and easy to apply but may not provide as even coverage. Choose the application type that best fits your lifestyle and preferences. For example, if you are applying sunscreen to children, a stick or lotion might be easier to manage.
Additional Skin BenefitsSome reef-safe sunscreens offer additional skin benefits, such as moisturizing properties, antioxidants, or anti-aging ingredients. These benefits are important if you have specific skin concerns or want to enhance your skincare routine. When navigating additional skin benefits, look for ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, or hyaluronic acid. If you have dry skin, a moisturizing sunscreen can help keep your skin hydrated. If you are concerned about aging, look for sunscreens with antioxidants to help protect against environmental damage.

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