Best Products Style Beauty The 10 Best Reef-safe Sunscreens of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Our favorite sunscreens keep the oceans safe and are protective, nourishing, and fast-absorbing. By Anna Popp Anna Popp Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Since living overseas in 2018, Anna has been a travel writer and began reviewing products in 2021. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 21, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Other Sunscreens We Liked Our Testing Process Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao As more and more tropical destinations ban harmful chemicals often found in traditional sunscreen, one of the best ways to help preserve aquatic wildlife is to wear reef-safe sunscreen. These products don't contribute to coral bleaching, and they're just as protective and nourishing as regular sunscreen, too. When you aren’t headed to the beach, using reef-safe sunscreen lessens the chance that you're sending damaging chemicals to water sources through your sink and shower drains. There are a variety of reef-friendly sunscreens out there, so we thoroughly researched options that exclude chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate and found 24 tubes from trusted skincare brands. We tested them in our New York City lab, in everyday settings, and during sun-soaked getaways. Whether you’re surfing, snorkeling, or swimming in the ocean waves, our wide-ranging list has something to suit your needs. Plus, we have tips and tricks for buying reef-safe sunscreen to give you the best possible protection from the sun without environmental consequences. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 50 at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion at Amazon Jump to Review Best Non-greasy: Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Face: Summer Fridays ShadeDrops SPF 30 at Kohls.com Jump to Review Best Splurge: Biossance Sheer Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon Jump to Review Best Fragrance-free: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Water Resistance: Kokua Sun Care Sunscreen at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sheer: Pipette Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Families: Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Travel-size: MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 50 4.5 Target View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Water Resistance 4/5 Why We Love It: The texture of the sunscreen is milky and smooth, and it smells like a tropical breeze.What to Consider: The bottle we tested didn’t come with a cap, which could cause the press-down applicator to leak during travel. This Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen will instantly transport you to the beach thanks to its subtle but deliciously tropical scents. The milky texture applies like silk on the skin, and although it’s a little watery, it absorbs quickly without leaving a pesky residue behind. Plus, it didn't transfer at all when we rubbed our arms with a black T-shirt after application. One of T+L’s writers tested this sunscreen while working out and swimming in the pool, noting that none of the sunscreen came off or felt slimy afterward, which led us to believe that this sun lotion lives up to its 80-minute water resistance. “The sunscreen stayed on perfectly and didn't run at all. I actually felt like it repelled water, as the beads just bounced off my sunscreen-covered skin,” they raved. We love the button applicator for applying the sunscreen, but we wish it came with the cap included to avoid any possibility of spills occurring in a suitcase. That being said, we still think this is one of the best sunscreens we tried thanks to the silky texture, moisturizing effect, and sweet island aroma. Price at time of publish: $16 (1.7 ounces) SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7 ounces, 3.4 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao Best for Sensitive Skin California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Californiababy.com View On CVS Our Ratings Feel 4.5/5 Transfer 3.8/5 Opacity 4.5/5 Water Resistance 4/5 Why We Love It: The creamy and gentle formula is both reef- and baby-safe.What to Consider: There is a white cast leftover that takes about 30 minutes to go away. “I love that this [sunscreen] doesn't irritate sensitive skin so I can use it safely on my baby and myself,” our tester raved after using the California Baby Super Sensitive Lotion. The formula is free of harsh chemicals like oxybenzone and homosalate, and it’s allergy-tested so it’s safe for gluten, soy, tree nuts, peanut, and sesame allergies. We love the creamy and thick texture of the sunscreen, and even though it takes some elbow grease to rub in, it’s worth it for the non-greasy and hydrating effect it leaves on the skin. After wearing the sun lotion in the ocean, it didn’t run off or get into our testers' eyes and cause stinging, so we think this sunscreen is an excellent option if you’re going on a tropical family vacation and need sun protection for a variety of ages and skin types. Price at time of publish: $23 SPF: 30 | Size: 8 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes Best Non-greasy Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Smallflower.com Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Transfer 4.8/5 Opacity 4/5 Water Resistance 4.5/5 Why We Love It: The sunscreen rubs in seamlessly and feels nearly weightless without a trace of oily residue.What to Consider: It has a mild orange scent our tester didn’t love. Whether you’re swimming, hiking, or running, we think Suntegrity’s mineral body sunscreen is ideal for all types of adventures thanks to the non-greasy feel of the lotion. We love that it applies like a regular lotion with a little bit going a long way, and it feels super hydrating on the skin. According to our tester, “you barely feel like you're wearing sunscreen” thanks to the lightweight texture and refreshing ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber extract, and jojoba oil. Although the formula includes a variety of oil-based ingredients, the application and result don’t feel slick or greasy at all. There is a very minimal white cast after applying the sunscreen to larger parts of the body like legs and arms, but for a mineral-based sunscreen, the white cast isn’t nearly as bad as others we tried. Plus, if you’re a fan of citrus scents, you’ll like the subtle orange aroma from the sunblock. Price at time of publish: $24 SPF: 30 | Size: 3.4 ounces | Water resistance: Not listed Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao The 11 Best Travel-size Sunscreens of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best for Face Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen 4.9 Sephora View On Kohls.com View On Sephora View On Summerfridays.com Our Ratings Feel 4.8/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Removal 5/5 Why We Love It: The sunscreen is super lightweight and absorbs quickly, especially on oily skin types.What to Consider: It leaves a sheen on the face after it’s applied. We think this face sunscreen from Summer Fridays is the perfect addition to your everyday skincare routine thanks to its protective and non-irritating formula. Our tester, who has an oily skin combination, was thoroughly impressed by the lightweight feel of the sunscreen that absorbed quickly and didn’t leave an oily residue. “It went on invisible over my other makeup,” they shared. “I only reapplied a little bit and tapped it in, but it was still unnoticeable and never felt too cakey on top.” A little bit of the liquidy texture goes a long way, and while the lotion leaves a slight sheen after it’s absorbed, we like that it provides more of a glowy rather than greasy look. Best of all, the mineral formula is free of nanoparticles, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other chemicals that can harm the ocean. Price at time of publish: $36 SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Water resistance: Not listed Best Splurge Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen 4.5 Sephora View On Amazon View On Selfridges.com View On Sephora Our Ratings Feel 4.5/5 Transfer 4.5/5 Opacity 4/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Why We Love It: The gel-like texture is lightweight and cooling.What to Consider: Those with dry skin will get the most out of the moisturizing formula, and it can come out of the bottle a bit too quickly if you aren't careful. The Biossance Squalane face and body sunscreen had the second-highest scores from testing, trailing our overall pick. The texture of the sunscreen stood out to us because it has a gel-like consistency that felt both lightweight and cooling on the face and body. “The sunscreen is very easy to blend in, which I have found very rare to find with mineral-based sunscreens,” our tester shared. “When I use it on my face, it does not feel overly greasy on my dry skin but adds a nice glow and extra boost of moisture.” Plus, the sunscreen is unscented, and it absorbs super quickly without leaving a white cast or residue behind. Since there are only two smaller sizes of the sunscreen, (both are TSA-approved sizes) we think this is an excellent everyday face sunscreen, and the smaller tubes are perfect for bringing in your carry-on for weekend trips. Price at time of publish: $46 (3.38 ounces) SPF: 30 | Size: .67 ounces, 1.7 ounces, 3.38 ounces | Water resistance: Not listed Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao Best Fragrance-free Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Riteaid.com Our Ratings Feel 4.5/5 Transfer 4.8/5 Opacity 5/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Why We Love It: The watery formula is super hydrating and free of any scents.What to Consider: It doesn’t absorb easily and leaves a bit of a residue, which isn’t great for oily skin combinations. For travelers looking for a sunscreen that doesn’t have any added scent, this tube of Blue Lizard lotion is your best option. We’re big fans of the hydrating liquid texture that comes out of the bottle seamlessly and easily spreads around the body. Blue Lizard uses smart-cap technology that makes the cap of this tube change from translucent to blue if there is a harmful level of UV rays outside, so all you have to do is take the bottle out of your bag to see if application is urgently needed. Because the formula is very watery, it might take some extra rubbing in to get the sunscreen to absorb, so we think the formula is best designed for dry skin rather than oily skin combinations. The sunscreen has a slight white cast and a greasy feeling left over, but it still feels hydrating and lightweight. Price at time of publish: $15 SPF: 50 | Size: 5 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao The Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List Best Water Resistance Kokua Sun Care SPF 50/80 Min Water Resistance Reef Safe Natural Zinc Sunscreen Amazon View On Amazon View On Kokuasuncare.com Why We Love It: The sunscreen doesn’t transfer or run after getting wet, so it’s ideal for outdoor activities.What to Consider: It takes some effort to fully rub it in. Designed with outdoor activities top of mind, this sunscreen from Kokua has a plant-based formula and water resistance for up to 80 minutes. We found that the sheer formula is super gentle, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t come off in the water. The ingredients include spirulina, kukui nut oil, macadamia nut oil, noni, and plumeria — all of which are sourced from Hawaii to support local agriculture. The sunscreen ingredients are all approved in destinations with the strictest bans on harmful sunscreen including Palau, Maui, and the Big Island. The consistency of the sunscreen is slightly watery, and our tester shared that “a little goes a long way,” so the 3-ounce tube could easily last for a week-long tropical vacation. Price at time of publish: $30 SPF: 50 | Size: 3 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes Best Sheer Pipette Mineral Sunscreen 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Transfer 4.8/5 Opacity 5/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Why We Love It: The mineral formula is thick but rubs in sheerer than other sunscreens we tried.What to Consider: Some of the sunscreen ran off in the water and transferred onto a T-shirt during testing. Mineral sunscreen has a bad rap for being overly thick and pasty, but the Pipette Mineral Sunscreen defies expectations by absorbing quickly without leaving any white cast or greasy residue behind. The non-nano zinc oxide formula provides broad-spectrum protection from harmful UV rays without damaging coral reefs, so you can feel good whether you’re swimming or snorkeling in the ocean. Other natural ingredients include sugarcane-derived squalene to help make the texture extra spreadable and red gooseberry extract for sun protection to create a formula that is designed to be gentle enough for babies, toddlers, and children. We did notice that after getting out of the water, some of the sunscreen ran off and transferred to a shirt, but it didn’t cause any skin irritation or stinging in the eyes. Price at time of publish: $14 SPF: 50 | Size: 4 ounces | Water resistance: Not listed Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao Best for Families Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: The sunscreen is easy to rub in and comes with two 1.7-ounce bottles to travel with.What to Consider: It feels a little chalky once it dries on the skin. We think the gentle and natural ingredients in Reef Repair’s Suncream make it an excellent choice for the entire family. The purchase includes two 1.7-ounce tubes of sunscreen so you can easily pack it in a carry-on or personal item without having to worry about stocking up when you arrive at your destination. Our T+L writer loved that a little bit of the thicker-consistency sunscreen provides plenty of coverage, and it blends in quickly. It did feel a little sticky during application and slightly chalky when it dried, but the sunscreen stayed put when the skin came into contact with water, so it will work well for water activities. In addition, the formula is kid- and reef-friendly. It doesn’t include oxybenzone or octinoxate, so you can relax on vacation knowing you’re protecting reefs and wildlife as well as your family, too. Price at time of publish: $23 SPF: 50 | Size: 3.4 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 60 minutes Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao The 10 Best Scalp Sunscreens of 2023 Best Travel-size MDSolarSciences SPF 50 Mineral Creme 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Mdsolarsciences.com Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Why We Love It: The 1.7-ounce tube and all-in-one formula makes it easy to toss in your carry-on or personal item.What to Consider: It has a slight white cast if it’s not rubbed in well. We love that this TSA-approved MDSolarSciences sunscreen uses ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc that are designed for sensitivities like acne- or rosacea-prone skin but are still reef-friendly. For extra transparency, you can click on the name of every ingredient included in the sunscreen to learn more about its purpose on the MDSolarSciences site. When it comes to mineral sun lotions, this one was a bit thick, but after rubbing it in thoroughly, the white cast went away, and it absorbed into the body and face evenly. “When I go on vacation, I normally bring sunscreen for the face and another tube for the rest of my body, but this product does it all so I can easily bring less with me,” our tester shared. Since the formula is gentle on the body and face, we think this is an excellent all-in-one sunscreen that is easy to travel with, too. Price at time of publish: $32 SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Water resistance: 80 minutes Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao Other Reef-safe Sunscreens We Liked The reef-safe sunscreens highlighted below are still tester-approved, but due to some minor issues during testing, they didn’t quite surpass our top performers when it came to slight issues with texture, opacity, and water resistance. Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen: This surfer-approved sunscreen stayed intact on our tester's face while out in the water, but the white cast never fully went away after it was rubbed in. All Good Face & Body Sport Sunscreen Lotion: We love that the formula was non-irritating for our tester with sensitive skin and that it absorbs into the skin within seconds. However, similar-performing sunscreens had higher scores in both our lab and real-world tests. Raw Love All Natural Mineral Sunscreen: Since the sunscreen is made with beeswax, the consistency is super thick, so we think it’s best as a once-in-a-while face sunscreen rather than a full body lotion. Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao Our Testing Process We began by thoroughly researching sunscreens made with reef-friendly ingredients, which don’t leave behind harmful chemicals that cause damage to coral reefs. We tested 24 tubes of reef-safe sunscreen in our New York City lab and then sent the bottles out for testing in the real world with the help of T+L’s expert product testers, including our editors and writers. In both of the testing scenarios, we paid close attention to the texture, opacity, transfer, and water resistance of the sun lotion to compare and contrast a variety of reef-friendly sunscreens on the market. In the lab, we spritz our arms with water and rubbed them with black T-shirts to test water resistance and product transfer. Whether our testers were working up a sweat at the gym, swimming in the ocean, or lounging poolside, the best sunscreens we tried had hydrating formulas that absorbed quickly, didn’t leave any sticky or oily residue behind, and proved to be water and sweat resistant without irritating the skin or stinging the eyes. Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao Tips for Buying Reef-safe Sunscreen Carefully read the labels Some destinations have stricter ingredient bans for sunscreen than others, so the first thing you should do is look up the regulations before you start shopping. Tropical destinations like Palau, Hawaii, and Aruba have bans on chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, parabens, and more, so you’ll want to research the specific prohibited ingredients ahead of time. Similarly, if you’re looking for organic or all-natural sunscreen, find certifications on the label to ensure you’re getting the sunscreen you need. Buy for your activity type and level Depending on how you’ll be spending your vacation, you’ll want to buy sunscreen that will protect your skin for a range of activities. If you’re planning on spending most of your time in the water, consider getting a lightweight sunscreen with higher SPF and water resistance of up to 80 minutes. For those looking for an everyday sunscreen, a sheer and more watery sunscreen will be easy to apply and not super noticeable on the skin. Active versus inactive ingredients When you’re buying reef-safe sunscreen, it’s essential to look at the active ingredients. Reef-friendly sunscreen will only have non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the active ingredients, which are the two ingredients that will protect you from harmful UV rays without affecting coral reefs. Inactive ingredients include water, oils, or extracts, so you look for those to find out which ones are natural or organic if that’s important to your sunscreen shopping. Frequently Asked Questions What makes sunscreen reef-safe? Reef-friendly sunscreens don’t use any chemicals that can cause harm to ocean wildlife by bleaching coral reefs, for example. There are several tropical destinations like Palau and Hawaii that enforce bans on sunscreens that contain certain chemicals known to cause damage. A lot of sunscreen brands will be advertised as reef-friendly or reef-safe, but you’ll want to read the ingredients list to make sure the sunscreen doesn’t include chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate or nanoparticles and microplastics like exfoliating beads. Which ingredients make sunscreen not reef-safe? Generally, the ingredients that can cause harm to coral reefs include oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are two common chemicals found in sunscreen. In addition, octocrylene, homosalate, 4-methyl benzylidene camphor, Triclosan, parabens, nanoparticles, and microplastics are all harmful ingredients you don’t want in your sunscreen if you want to protect aquatic life. Where is not reef-safe sunscreen banned? Currently, non-reef-safe sunscreens are banned in Hawaii, Palau, the U.S. Virgin Islands, parts of Mexico, Key West, Aruba, and Bonaire. However, if you’re planning on snorkeling or scuba diving near coral reefs elsewhere, you may be advised to bring reef-safe sunscreen. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure, where she writes about and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna tested reef-safe sunscreen herself and worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best reef-safe sunscreens on the market. The 16 Best Sunscreens of 2023 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit