Fortunately, there are reef-safe sunscreen options available that protect both our skin and our beautiful oceans. The company does state that it lab tests each of its face and body sunscreens to ensure they are marine safe. If buying organic is important to you, be sure to check for an official certification seal somewhere on the product label in addition to checking the ingredients lists for harmful substances. To be as safe as possible, the sunscreen should contain only non-nano mineral sunscreens. It feels very lightweight on my skin, and theres absolutely no white cast upon application, nor any pilling. In addition to sinking seamlessly into skin, we find that this reef-safe sunscreen leaves skin looking semi-matte without making it feel dry. Best spray: Blue . Filter by. This absorbs quite quickly and doesnt require much rubbing to get it to lose its white cast., Best of all, this water-resistant, reef-safe sunscreen, which smells like an orange creamsicle, lives up to its claims. All Good Brand SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion [VEGAN] . Best for intense activity. What We Dont Love: Its not water resistant despite claiming to be. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen has a very thin texture so much so that its quite runny and takes pretty much zero effort to squeeze out of the tube. $16 at Amazon. Best for Sensitive Skin: Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion. After all, over the past few years, people everywhere are finally beginning to understand that sunscreen is essential. The best reef-friendly sunscreen. Why We Love It: The vegan formula is hypoallergenic and not tested on animals. Size: 4 oz. Wear hats and sunglasses, find shade and limit the amount of time in the sun. Costco's reef-safe or reef-friendly sunscreen is Alba Botanica (spray). What We Dont Love: It gets a bit sticky once wet, and it has a strong lemony scent. I found this list of reef safe sunscreens on one of our Hawaii blogs. Ward off harmful UV rays with Pacifica's collection of sunscreen for all skin types. Purchased at Target on the mainland. According to our tester, the formula, which is infused with organic and sustainably-grown ingredients, blends in easily despite feeling a bit sticky fresh out of the tube. There is no official FDA definition or criteria as to what makes a sunscreen 'reef-safe'. [Just be sure to] go through the ingredient list to rule out octinoxate, oxybenzone, and octocrylene, Dr. Henry says. We rounded up nine of the best reef-safe sunscreens on the market to ensure you're protecting your skin and keeping the oceans oxybenzone-free. | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 50 | Water-Resistant: No. And if youre really prone to burning, select a formula with a higher spf level, like Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50. Reef-safe labeling is primarily used by brands as a marketing term. It has a very faint smell that doesn't seem deliberate, she says. What We Love: The formula is very smooth, which makes it spread easily. Inactive ingredients look pretty benign? Did you notice the InStyle Picks seal of approval at the top of this story? They reflect light and do not convert it to heat like chemical sunscreens, thus making them ideal for sensitive skin.. "I love using the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion," says surfer Kirra Seale. Hotels, flights, car rentals, experiences and more! One of the biggest reasons people stay away from mineral sunscreens is how they look (chalky) and feel (filmy) on their skin. Neutrogena SheerZinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (Pack of 3) Now 15% Off. SPF 50 only filters 1% more: 98%. Here is a list of sunscreens considered to be reef safe. This sunscreen blends nicely into my skin its not dry, nor oily it feels so smooth that I cant even tell I'm wearing sunscreen, our tester shares. Likewise, if your sunscreen claims to do double-duty as an exfoliant or create a shimmer effect, it may contain nanoplastics, which are harmful to the marine environment. Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion at Walmart, Biossance Sheer Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon, California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion at Amazon, Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 30+ at Amazon, Maui Naturals Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon, Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion - SPF 50 at Target, MDSolarSciences Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40 at Amazon, Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion, Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, 8 Clean Sunscreens That Won't Leave a White Cast Behind, Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30 Lotion, Maui Naturals Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion - SPF 50, MDSolarSciences Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40. That word "zinc" is what gives this sunscreen its good name, both for you . What We Love: This tropical-scented sunscreen will transport you to an island with every application. Baby Sunscreen; Baby Toothpaste. Size: 0.6 oz. As we learn more about the effects of some chemicals on marine life, many popular destinations, including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii, have even banned specific ingredients that harm coral reefs and other ocean species. What to Consider: It needs to be reapplied after only 40 minutes of water contact. Rebecca R. Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the DC metro area. Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen is another product formulated for children that adults can most definitely benefit from. Best overall: ThinkSport SPF 50. It's water-resistant, free of harmful chemicals, and trusted by dermatologists all over the world. Tinted Sunscreens Available too; 7. Sunbutter SPF50 Water Resistant Reef Safe Sunscreen, $29.95 from Sun Butter. 4. | Scented: Yes (but not artificially) | SPF Level: 50+ | Water-Resistant: Yes. Not only is it reef-safe, it also comes in . productslearn more about SPF 30 or higher: Filters out 97 percent, necessary for extended outdoor activities. Buy a few different sunscreens and try them all to figure out which one your skin likes best because all skin is different, says Bhanusali. Los Angeles-based dermatologist Dr. Jasmine Yun wears reef-safe sunscreen every day and recommends getting into the habit of always applying a thin layer of sun protection on any exposed areas, especially the face. The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens to Wear This Summer, 15 Long Lasting Colognes, According to Experts, Food and Drug Administration proposed a new rule to regulate common chemicals found in sunscreens, as advised by the American Academy of Dermatology, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. While it doesnt dry down for an unnoticeable feel, she says that the creamy paste feels similar to applying a heavy moisturizer, so its not distracting or uncomfortable. Experts including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce have tried over 100 reef-safe sunscreens and evaluated them for their protection, texture, and finish, and if their ingredients lined up with the Protect Land & Sea's requirements for a reef-safe sunscreen. Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, it meets basic non-regulated guidelines for being reef-friendly. A naturally sourced lotion that is lightweight, oil-free, and water-resistant up to 80 minutes. "The term reef safe typically means that the sunscreen contains only mineral UV-blocking ingredients like oxide and titanium dioxide," explains Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. What to Consider: The label does not specify non-nano ingredients. To help focus your search, here are our picks for the best reef-safe sunscreens available. This 100 percent mineral-based sunscreen from Anthelios is a fan favorite for its non-whitening and fast-absorbing formula. Best for Activity: Stream2Sea Sport Sunscreen. It's super lightweight perfect if you're putting it on before you apply makeup and it's cruelty-free and sustainable. Best for Kids: Earth Mama Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. Researchers have developed a prototype for coral-reef-friendly sunscreens by using polymerization to create large molecules that still block UV radiation but are too big to . But did you know that, if youre someone who likes to spend a lot of time in and near the water, the type of sunscreen you use is important, too. Here is a list of sunscreens considered to be reef safe. after sun product (5) antiperspirant/deodorant (9) around-eye cream (6) . Its the dose that makes the poison, so if you had 6,000 people go into [the same water] with nanosized zinc oxide, yes, I think there would be an impact, he says. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen | Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, 95% Organic, Very Water Resistant, Reef Safe, Non-GMO, Cruelty Free, SPF 30+, All Ages Safe, Moisturizing, in Bio-Resin Tube, 3oz (2-Pack) at Amazon.com. It contains ingredients like squalane and red algae to help moisturize and protect skin, while also allowing it to spread easily and quickly. The reason? In this article, we'll be sharing the 14 best reef-safe sunscreen brands to consider for your next beach trip. They tend to accumulate god knows where, says Dr. Bhanusali. That may have been true for the old-school zinc, but now formulas are smoother and easier to rub in, though may still take some getting used to. Best Water . But just what "reef safe" means is unclear, and the science about the possible . From the beach, to the pool, to tropical vacations in far off dreamy . It comes in medium/dark and light/medium shades for lightweight, reef-safe, ultramoisturizing sun protection that works for virtually any skin . Reef-harming chemicals found in sunscreen are introduced into the environment when people wear sunscreen while swimming. Here's everything you need to know about these eco-friendly SPF formulas. Selecting a sunscreen that is both effective and reef safe can be overwhelming. Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. It quickly absorbs into my skin without need for frequent rubbing, our tester says. While this product is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate and labeled reef-friendly, it contains octocrylene, an ingredient that is banned in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thats because some products use essential oils, which in and of themselves have a fragrance. It is best to avoid these. Which sunscreen ingredients are not reef-safe? coverage in exchange. What We Love: Since its developed for kids, this sunscreen is incredibly gentle. In addition to being mineral-based and reef-safe, it contains Senna alata, an antioxidant that helps shield the skin from free radicals . Best for Activities: Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+. <. Reef-safe sunscreen, also known as reef-friendly sunscreen, are basically sunscreen products that do not contain octinoxate and oxybenzone, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry, of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan. It still leaves a slight white cast at first, but is useful to see if youve missed a spot before it disappears. Choosing the right sunscreen is important not only to protect skin from burns and cancer, but also to preserve our oceans and marine life. Diapers; Fragrance. We found eight clean sunscreen options that meet our standard of safety and apply well. The Pipette Mineral Sunscreen - SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Sunblock with Non-Nano Zinc outperformed the competition with its ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formula that quickly sinks into skin, doesnt leave a white cast, and doesnt transfer onto clothes. on Skincare, The Best Safety Razors for a Close, Smooth Shave, 10 Very Best Hair Gels for Any Hair and Hairstyle, 8 Great Toothbrushes for a Brighter Smile, These Are the Best Beard Trimmers for Men. Just because a sunscreen is reef-safe doesnt make it inherently water-resistant. The first step to buying reef-safe sunscreen is to check which active ingredients are in the bottle. A few things to consider when choosing the right type of sunscreen for your needs are method of application, SPF level, length of water-resistance, portability, and appearance after application. It's an ideal buy for beach-goers who like to take dips in the ocean and don't want to fuss with sandy applications (or reapplications) of sunscreen throughout the day. There were six products listed. It is also one of the best sunscreens for surfers; handmade by surfers for surfers. This sunscreen is formulated to increase the invisible barrier protection when exposed to external heat and water or sweat, making it ideal for very sunny days spent in the waves. Source: Project Reef. Scan the ingredients lists on this product and you'll only find organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, uncoated zinc oxide, sea buckthorn extract, and sunflower vitamin E. Badger sunscreens are also one of the few brands that take the extra step to have its products run through lab tests to verify the absence of all harmful chemicals on the HEL list, earning this product a certification seal from Land + Sea that assures consumers it's free from environmental pollutants. Baby Wipes. Credit: Zeng et al. People may have reactions to certain ingredients, so you have to play around with it. Always choose a sunscreen that is at least broad spectrum SPF 30, as advised by the American Academy of Dermatology, and look for versions that are water resistant. Researchers have developed a prototype for coral-reef-friendly sunscreens by using polymerization to create large molecules that still block UV radiation but are too big to penetrate our skin . What to Consider: Tint can transfer to clothing, bedding, or towels. So keep your eyes peeled for these ingredients in any products that claim to be reef-friendly. In doing so, our testers rated every sunscreen on a scale of 1 to 5 in four key categories: Feel, transfer, opacity, and water resistance. $36 at Amazon $32 at Ulta Beauty $31 at Nordstrom. Best Budget: Banana Boat Simply Protect Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon. It doesnt feel greasy or overly thick and doesn't leave a white cast on my skin, shares our tester. Best Natural: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen at Amazon. Keep in mind that reef safe is not a standardized term - its something come up by marketers. Rebecca Norris has covered beauty for nearly 10 years. That said, Dr. Jamal says it depends on the exact formulation. This sunscreen applies really smoothly, and the texture is pleasant to rub across my skin, our tester says though she points out that it feels a bit chalky and looks grayish-purple out of the tube. Badger Active Mineral Sunscreen has an SPF 30 rating and protects against broad spectrum UV exposure. Even when our tester used a tablespoon of the SPF (instead of the recommended teaspoon), she found that there was no white cast. There are potentially harmful effects as they seep into the skin, which can be bad news for humans as well as marine life. Truthfully, the only downside of this SPF is the bottle design. ", SPF: 30+| Size: 2.9 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. Why We Love It: This mineral sunscreen is made from just five ingredients. It rubs on so silky and smooth and the water-resistant veil means less product washes off when you enter the ocean." Rubber Ducky Is Amazing for Safe Sun and Reef Protection. Why We Love It: It's gentle enough to use on top of makeup. our process. Best overall reef-safe sunscreen. What We Dont Love: Because this isnt noncomedogenic, it can clog pores. Photo: Napua Heen / Hawaii.com. Without nano-zinc particles and meant to last in the water, this a great all-around cream. Diaper Cream. Courtesy of Amazon, Sephora, Black Girl Sunscreen, Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon, Alba Botanica Hawaiian Coconut Clear Spray SPF 50 at Amazon, Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, Supergoop! While technically developed for children, the formula far exceeded our adult expectations, cementing it as the best overall reef-safe sunscreen we tried. Made in Hawaii sunscreens are marked with an *asterisks. The impact is still being studied and may not be as extreme in some cases as chemical sunscreens, but is still something scientists like Downs are concerned about. As a result, youve probably noticed more sunscreens promoting themselves as "reef safe". On the luxe end of the spectrum, this Drunk Elephant mineral sunscreen costs a bit more than others, but is ideally suited for everyday wear on your face. Formulated to be lightweight and creamy, the stick SPF applies beautifully, absorbs quickly, and doesnt leave a white cast not even on darker skin tones. Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black-owned brand that offers daily SPF 30 protection specifically designed for use on darker skin colors. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. North American market . We had all of our testers try the sunscreens so that they could analyze the performance of each and write down their insights during the process. As mineral sunscreens climb higher in SPF, some can start feeling heavier and stickier with greater sun protection. It also glides on smoothly and is safe for children as well. Size: 1.69 oz. What to Consider: It may leave a slight white cast on darker skin. When we apply sunscreens containing these ingredients and then swim in waters where there is coral, the sunscreen gets into the water and poisons the coral, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sumayah Jamal, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. "I bring loads of it in my luggage on vacation to be prepared to slather it on my three kids," says Dr. Yun. Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. .css-13y9o4w{display:block;font-family:GraphikBold,GraphikBold-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-13y9o4w:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.05rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.39461rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.5rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.3;}}15 Long Lasting Colognes, According to Experts, 8 Reliable Head Shavers, According to Experts, The 13 Best Trimmers to Get Rid of Nose Hair, The 18 Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin, 16 Best Shampoos for Men, According to Experts, The 15 Best Electric Shavers on the Market Now, Here's Where to Spend (And Save!) Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion. View our list of vegan and reef safe sunscreens that are good for you, the planet, and the animals. To help focus your search, here are our picks for the best reef-safe sunscreens available. Remember that being labeled "organic" does not mean a product is reef-friendly. If youre just sweating a lot, though, you can probably get away with holding out for the duration of the products purposed resistance (which is typically in the 80 minute range). What We Love: Its lightweight and creamy, and it doesnt leave a white cast. What We Dont Love: The very wet consistency could be a recipe for a mess. Want more product recommendations? These now banned chemicals are believed to be one of the contributing factors to the coral reef destruction. Physical sunscreens also tend to be natural, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, whereas chemical sunscreens are synthetic. Surf Mud is a natural zinc-based cream suitable for all skin types. Thats why chemical sunscreens were developedthey sink into skin easier and dont usually leave a white, chalky cast. Minimize your need for sunscreen by covering up with a hat and rash guard. Without nano-zinc particles and meant to last in the water . For example, I ended up on a page on Walmart.com that literally said Neutrogena Reef-Safe Sunscreen in Sunscreen. The North Shore is sublime. He's written for Esquire, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light and held staff positions at GQ and W. Follow his skincare obsession on Instagram at @garrettmunce. Wed be willing to bet youll find one you like so much, you wont even miss your old chemical screen. Instead of using oxybenzone or octinoxate, these sunscreens use minerals to protect your skin from sunburns and skin cancer, as well as prevent aging due to sun exposure. Shop Now. While it doesnt drip and run, our tester found that, once wet, it does feel more slippery and transfer more. The lightweight and natural ingredients are gentle on any type of skin and can even be applied over makeup, so you can stay protected all day long. When coral bleaches, it is not dead, but under significant stress and subject to increased mortality levels. To no surprise at all, Pacifica has made a product that is my families new obsession. Best Sunscreens | Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin | Best Mineral Sunscreens | Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens | Best Face Sunscreens. Luckily, we found multiple options that are, including Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen, BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 50+, and Maui Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen. The new law goes into effect January 1, 2021, but many visitors and residents are already trading in their non-reef safe sun protection. The consistency, while a potential leaking/mess hazard, is what makes this sunscreen absorb so well into skin. Reef Safe Sunscreens To Shop In Australia. A reef-safe sunscreen is a sunscreen free of chemical ingredients and small particles known to damage and . TSA-Friendly: Reef Repair Reef-Safe Sunscreen SPF 30. It's lightweight, fragrance-free, and won't make you break out. Note that La Roche-Posay does not use "reef-safe" marketing terms, nor does it specify whether its main ingredients are non-nano. Why We Love It: It doesn't contain any chemicals or artificial scents, perfect for delicate baby skin. SPF: 30 | Size: 3 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. Made in Hawaii sunscreens are marked with an *asterisk. Swim tights or athletic tights (like you would wear to the gym) also provide effective sun protection. Some shoppers may choose to skip this biodegradable sunscreen if they plan to head to the pool, however, as it contains avobenzone, an ingredient that had a concerning reaction to chlorine in one study. Pacifica After Sun Body Spray Coconut Vanilla Person & Covey, Inc. SolBar PF Sunscreen Cream SPF 50 Person & Covey, Inc. Solbar Zinc Oxide SPF 38 Unscented Transparent Sunscreen Cream Equate Sunscreen's active ingredients include: avobenzone 3%, homosalate 15%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%, oxybenzone 6%. 2. Their subsequent study found that there was over 14,000 tons of sunscreen in our oceans, which they have now been able to directly link to irreversible damage to coral and other marine life. Mineral sunscreens work by staying on top of the skin and blocking UV rays by reflecting them to keep from entering the surface, Dr. Henry says. And if you cant find a mineral sunscreen you like, but still want to be reef safe, consider UPF clothing which still protects your skin from UV rays. Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 30+ might not look like the highest quality SPF on the market, but inside the tube youll find a lighter-weight reef-safe sunscreen that feels considerably better than most of its competitors. That was the heading on my search results page. That's not the case with this formula. With so many reef-friendly sunscreens on the market, it can be hard to know which ones work the best. It offers SPF 17 broad spectrum . 5 min read. A totally vegan brand that is firmly opposed to animal testing, Pacifica has done it again with a facial sunscreen and CC cream you'll obsess over! What We Love: This body SPF is easy to travel with given its TSA-friendly size. Dear SB Community, There is still a lot of conversation and debate around the impact of sunscreen on coral reefs. #1 Apply at least 10 - 15 minutes before entering the water. Her pick for daily use is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Mineral Sunscreen. Mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are broad spectrum protectors, which means they protect from UVA and UVB rays (not all chemical sunscreens protect you from both). Best Sunscreen for Kids Comes From Thinkbaby. The ultra-sheer formula dries clear with no residual white cast and is ideal for wearing under makeup. Pacifica Sun + Skincare Mineral Sunscreen Coconut Probiotic SPF 30. With a selection of powerful sun protection & vegan suncare products that pack a potent punch, you're sure to stock up on SPF favorites for the whole family. Its complicated. What We Dont Love: The stick is quite small and may not last very long. This fragrance-free zinc sunscreen lotion is top rated by the EWG because of the 70% organic formula and . To Save Body SPF50 Superscreen, $30.00 from Mecca. Thus, reef-safe sunscreens are more environmentally friendly options for sun protection.. I would recommend this to someone looking for [high-quality] daily facial sunscreen, but I wouldn't recommend this as your go-to sun protection on long summer days at the beach, our tester concludes. This clean-ingredient formula contains zinc to help protect your face from UV rays but is non-greasy and contains rice starch to help soak up excess oil. Nanominerals make the product easier to apply, but ecotoxicology . What to Consider: This sunscreen moisturizes skin, so can feel greasy after multiple reapplications. Im very impressed with its ability to absorb into my skin, she admits. For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the top reef-safe sunscreens for men. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 All Natural, Water Resistant, Organic Sunscreen at the best online prices at eBay! For this article, Katherine Alex Beaven researched and tested dozens of reef-friendly sunscreens, consulted with a dermatologist, and spoke to a professional surfer to see which products make the cut to keep you and the ocean protected on sunny days. This means any "reef-safe" or "reef-friendly" label claims are primarily used by companies as a marketing tactic, and are usually applied to products free from the two main chemicals known to harm marine life: oxybenzone and octinoxate. SPF: 50+ | Size: 5 ounces | Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes. We may get samples for free to try but we never promise positive (or any!) What to Consider: It is not considered reef-safe in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Though, its citrusy, so it may not be for everyone. What We Dont Love: The bottle design is prone to leaks. Although it's not listed on the label, the company claims this product is "coral reef-safe. Or perhaps you like to take a more active approach, spending the majority of your time on a board, in the surf, or snorkeling below the surface. | Scented: Yes | SPF Level: 30 | Water-Resistant: No, though it passed our splash test. It's arguably the most well known and feels the most natural on the skin - it's super lightweight and not greasy at all. While the small format makes it easy to toss in any purse for touch ups, we find that if you apply it regularly, it probably wont last you more than a month or two. But nanoparticles arent perfect, even those of natural substances like zinc or titanium dioxide. Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, it meets basic non-regulated guidelines for being reef-friendly. It sinks in quickly without feeling heavy on your skin. "I have peace of mind when I wash my face at night, knowing the water going down the drain is safe for ocean life.". In addition to absorbing quickly, this sunscreen, which is infused with castor oil and vitamin E, doesnt leave a white cast behind. The reef-safe tag on a sunscreen bottle is meaningless.