10 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens UK 2022 | Babo Botanicals, Badger and More

For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:

1. Babo Botanicals - Clear Zinc Sunscreen for £16.54
2. Suntribe - All Natural Zinc Sunscreen for £18.15
3. ThinkSport - ThinkSport Sunscreen for £29.99
4. Alba Botanica - Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen for £8.09
5. Lancaster - Sun Beauty Body Milk for £28.00

For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of reef-safe sunscreens available and understand how our ranking was determined.

This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.

1. Opt for a Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Sunscreen to Ensure High Reef-Safety
2. Avoid Ingredients Such as Oxybenzone, Octinoxate and Microplastics
3. Choose a Broad-Spectrum Product With a High SPF to Protect Your Skin
   
4. Consider a Mineral-Based Facial Sunscreen if You Are Wearing a Wetsuit
   

To protect your skin but also the beautiful coral reefs and the ecosystem it supports, choose sunscreen with natural or non-toxic UV filters. Mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the main active ingredient provide a natural UV filter by forming a shield on your skin to deflect and disperse the sun's rays.

Mineral sunscreens can contain either non-nano or nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are smaller, which makes the cream easier to apply without leaving a white cast on the skin – great for the face or under makeup. However, some environmental bodies state that these larger particles can be ingested by coral, advising instead that non-nano is the truly reef-safe of the two. 

With increasing research and development, there are also some great water-based reef-safe sunscreens that provide benefits to the skin. With a silky lotion-like texture, water-based sunscreens with non-toxic UV filters will not only help your tanning aspirations but nourish your skin, all while being safe for the marine environment.

Looking for an everyday option? Browse our top mineral-based sunscreens.

Since the terms 'reef-safe' and 'reef-friendly' are not yet regulated, be sure to avoid chemical UV filter ingredients and microplastics as these contribute to the bleaching of coral reefs and the destruction of our marine wildlife and habitats. Non-reef-safe ingredients as stated on the HEL (Haereticus Environmental Laboratory) list are:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octocrylene
• Parabens
• Homosalate
• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
• PABA
• Triclosan
• Any form of microplastic sphere or bead

Water reflects light, so you are exposed to even more UV rays when you are in the sea. This is why it is important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF of at least 30 to avoid sunburn and premature skin ageing. The SPF determines the strength of protection against UVB rays, so the higher the number, the more rays it will block, enabling longer periods of sun exposure without sunburn. 

A zinc oxide sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection will shield your skin from both the burning UVB rays and the ageing UVA rays. Just be aware titanium oxide on its own is not enough to completely protect against both UV rays and needs to be combined with zinc oxide to be effective.

To save frequent reapplication and avoid interrupting your fun in the sea, choose a sunscreen with water resistance that will protect you for the length of time you are out on the water. Always be sure to re-apply a layer after each venture into the ocean, though, especially if you have dried yourself with a towel.

Need a beach-friendly towel? We have that covered too!

Reef-friendly sunscreens will suit most skin types because of their natural-based ingredients. However, if your skin is prone to breakouts and you want to avoid blocked pores, choose products that are non-comedogenic, water-resistant and nourishing for the skin. These are great for beach days in your swimsuit involving snorkelling and regular dips in the water to cool off.

Divers, surfers and sailors who wear wetsuits should consider a sweat-resistant sunscreen that has been formulated for your face and suits your skin type. For those with sensitive skin, choose a hypoallergenic face cream to avoid sunburn, skin reactions and stingy eyes from drips of sweat. Be sure to use a reef-safe sunscreen on any other exposed areas of skin too!

Heading out surfing? Browse some of our favourite wetsuits.

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.

Coral reefs are living organisms that support a whole marine ecosystem, yet they are increasingly under threat from chemicals and plastics. The chemical UV filters from sunscreens contribute to coral bleaching, resulting in its deterioration and the devastation of marine wildlife. Choosing a non-toxic or natural reef-safe sunscreen will help save these beautiful marine environments.

The terms 'reef-friendly' and 'reef-safe' found on sunscreen and other cosmetics are not currently regulated, making it very easy to be misled or misinformed by companies promoting their products as such. Therefore, it's extra important to check the active ingredients and avoid chemicals that are non-reef-safe. 

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Written and researched by Amanda Norman