Banana Boat Sunscreens Contain Toxic Ingredients Despite Reef Friendly Claims
Condreay claims she purchased a Banana Boat SPF 30 sunscreen labeled Reef Friendly, from a Simi Valley CVS earlier this year, however, she says she would not have purchased the product or paid as much for it as she did had she known it was not actually Reef Friendly.
Avobenzone and octocrylene, ingredients in Banana Boat sunscreens, cause coral bleaching and negatively affect the reproduction of coral reefs, according to the class action lawsuit. Octocrylene specifically is toxic to the development and reproduction of marine life, says the plaintiff.
Condreay wants to represent herself and a California Class of consumers who purchased any of the above Banana Boat sunscreens that claim to be Reef Friendly.
Condreay alleges the defendant intentionally is misleading a growing base of consumers who are more likely to purchase a product they believe is not going to harm the environment.
The plaintiff claims Edgewell Personal Care Brand is in violation of Californias Consumers Legal Remedies Act, False Advertising Law, and Unfair Competition Law.
Condreay is demanding a jury trial and seeking injunctive relief as well as statutory and monetary damages for herself and all Class Members.
Countersun Daily Sheer Defense
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT SUNSCREEN
The clean beauty company was a loud-and-proud supporter of Hawaiis Safer Sunscreen bill. Its sunscreen line, Countersun, is mineral-based using non-nano zinc oxide. The SPF 30 lotion version is so lightweight it can be used by everyone from babies to sufferers of sensitive skin. If you are ride or die for sprays, this is the brand to pledge allegiance to as the SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Mist uses a non-aerosol air-powered propellant mechanism. The lines newest addition, the Daily Sheer Defense for Face SPF 25, is perfect for everyday protection of your moneymaker. It can be worn under makeup, hydrates with chicory root extract, and even offers protection from HEV blue light rays.
Sports Sunscreens Are Often More Eco
Whether you plan to go surfing or just hit beach, many individuals are conscious of the environmental impact that some sunscreens can have. A recently released report claims that most regular sunscreen is damaging the ocean’s coral reefs, impacting the reefs ability to cope with fluctuating climate change and other environmental issues. That’s why countless sunscreen producers are designing products that are eco-friendly and reef safe.
Most of these sunscreen manufacturers, like SolRX, design sport-specific sunscreen for individuals who are active around oceans and other natural bodies of water. In fact, SolRX products have been tested by the industry’s leading provider of SPF waterproof testing. The science-based results show that it is impossible for SolRX sunscreen to deposit on the reef if it is on the skin.
Like many of the best sports sunscreens, SolRX formula remains on the individual for 8 hours and sustains 97% or more of its SPF protection that entire time. This translates to no deleterious effect to the our ocean’s reefs and the environment as a whole.
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Mama Kuleana Sunscreen Reviews
Heres another genuinely Hawaiian product with an equally Hawaiian name, kuleana, directly translated to mean right. Ultimately its a unique Hawaiian quality that means to take responsibility for self and community.
Mama Kuleana takes that responsibility seriously when it comes to protecting our skin and the environment as a whole.
With ingredients like organic shea butter, organic coconut oil, beeswax, organic almond oil, zinc powder, Vitamin E oil, and essential oils, Mama Kuleana includes no preservatives, toxins, fillers or additives, and even comes in a biodegradable container.
The company has thought about it all, and users are raving about their products too:
Brian on Facebook writes
Mama Kuleana is great for the environment and effective! Working on the beach everyday, one container lasted me over a month! Love the biodegradable container, too! The rash guard long sleeve is awesome! Can wear it even on hot sunny days! Appreciate the great product!
Jnett had this to say
I had the pleasure of vacationing in Maui for almost 2 weeks recently . I applied #MamaKuleana 2-3x a day & it lasted me the entire time. Im so happy we are all becoming aware of how important it is to protect our ocean, the animals that inhabit the ocean, our beaches, our planet. Thank you Hawaii & Mama Kuleana for leading the way on #reefsafesunscreen. BTW:my skin is glowing!!!
Spread The Word And Advocate For Bans On Reef Harming Sunscreens
In addition to changing our actions and purchasing decisions to protect the marine environment, itâs also important to spread awareness about the issue to friends, family and community members. At the local level, ensure that your townâs stores are offering reef friendly sunscreen products, and encourage them to stop the sale of harmful products.
You can also advocate for local legislation that bans the sale and use of toxic sunscreens. For instance, in 2018, Hawaii passed the first ever statewide ban on oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens, soon after, island nations including Palau, Bonaire and Aruba followed suite. Due to widespread community support, the Florida Keys were also able to pass an oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreen ban in Key West, but chemical companies have been working tirelessly to try and revoke this important legislation through the use of statewide preemption.
At the federal level, you can ask your federal representatives to support the first federal bill to ban oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens in National Marine Sanctuaries with coral reefs!
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Elina Organics Sun Day Spf 35
Amazon
This non-nano zinc oxide-powered SPF created by cosmetic chemist/celebrity esthetician Elina Fedotova goes on smoothly, is free of fragrance, is blended with botanical oils and vitamins and starts working instantly. We also give Fedotova a slow clap for being one of many that urged consumers to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and throw on protective clothing and accessories in the directions section.
Our Pick: Coppertone Ultra Guard Sunscreen Lotion Spf 70
*At the time of publishing, the price was $8.
Weve noticed stock issues with this item. If Coppertone Ultra Guard Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 is unavailable, we recommend Banana Boat Light As Air SPF 50 Lotion as a substitute. Read more about the Light As Air sunscreen.
Coppertone Ultra Guard Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70, a chemical sunscreen that earned top marks in our testing, is a great choice for most people. It offers adequate SPF and broad-spectrum protection and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Its easy to apply and comfortable to wear, while still being affordable. It has no added fragrances. Although we could detect a slight sunscreen scent when we first applied it, after its been rubbed in, it doesnt really smell like anything, said Wirecutter social media strategy editor Sasha VanHoven, who was a member of our test panel and has been using Coppertone Ultra Guard consistently since. Its texture made it one of the easiest to apply of the sunscreens we tested. And it didnt turn white when we wore it running, as some sunscreens did.
One : It didnt feel overly greasy, and it rubbed in fine, no white residue. The reviewer concludes that it does the job its intended to do. We agree.
It comes in a packable, easy-to-grip, 8-ounce bottle with a seal-tight cap.
The active ingredients are avobenzone , homosalate , octisalate , octocrylene , and oxybenzone .
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Will Mineral Sunscreens Protect My Childrens Skin As Effectively As Chemical Sunscreens
While protecting the environment for most people is a high priority, the health of their children is more so. If youre worried that reef safe sunscreen may not be as effective at protecting you childs skin compared to chemical sunblocks then you need not worry.
Reef safe sunscreen is highly effective at protecting skin from the damage the sun can inflict, so there should be no concern that switching to reef safe sunscreen will be less effective.
What Sunscreens Have Oxybenzone
Ok, I get it. None of those scientific words mean anything to you well unless you are a scientist, that is.So I figured I would research for you, and it seems that a simple search to find a list of sunscreens containing oxybenzone, which has been said to cause coral bleaching, does not bring up a list to avoid.
Fortunately, I was able to find some information so you at least know a few brands to avoid.Of course, after this section, Ill let you know several Reef Safe options that have received high Hawaiian approval, but before we go into that
Lets take a look at some of the brands and products you will want to steer clear of:Johnson & Johnson In a 2017 safety and care statement by Johnson & Johnson, it is clear that they do not find the study about these chemicals to have enough scientific evidence to change their products at this time.
This may change later, but a portion of their statement on oxybenzone reads:
Therefore, Johnson & Johnson, a parent company to Neutrogena, will not be sold and deemed harmful to the coral reefs and banned by Hawaiian legislation.
Bayer All current products contain oxybenzone, but they have stated they will comply with the new regulation for Hawaii. You will need to look at labels to make an informed decision when buying these products.
Most Generic Brands
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Badger Clear Zinc Spf 40
Amazon
A pioneer in the eco-friendly mineral sunscreen market since 2005, the New Hampshire-based certified B Corporation specializes in super-simple yet effective formulations that start with uncoated zinc oxide and end with high marks from the Environmental Working Group and on the Protect Land + Sea certification test. In between, youll find organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and plant-based inactive ingredients like beeswax, jojoba, and other essential oils. Clear Zinc SPF 40 comes in a squeeze tube or eco-friendly tin. Borrow your childrens lotion, the SPF 40 Kids Sunscreen Cream, for the dreamy tangerine and vanilla notes.
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How Safe Is Reef Safe
If our goal is to have the smallest possible impact on the ocean, while providing ourselves the most possible protection, the answer is it isnt. In the same way, its hard to prevent chemicals and free-radicals from leaching into your skin after long term use.
From an ethical and utilitarian standpoint, we should rely on UPF clothing and placing other physical barriers between our bodies and the sun sunscreen should be used only as a last resort tactic. If Im being realistic though, standing in the sun feels good and Im going to keep using sunblock because Im heavily invested in my long term wellbeing.
As mentioned in our article above, theres a definite trend of products that are built with coral habitats in mind being as a whole better for our individual health. While Reef Safe doesnt completely solve the problem for us, its a great place to start.
If you already have a sunblock or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.
1 Comment
Thank you for the recommendations! I am constantly on the hunt for a good reef safe sunscreen
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Hurley Water Resistant Sunscreen Spray
For those looking for a safe, lightweight, and clear sunscreen, here’s your ideal choice. The Hurley Water Resistant Sunscreen sprays easily on the skin without leaving any marks. Besides, it has a non-greasy finish, so it will protect the skin without causing any itchy feeling. Also, the manufacturer doesn’t use any chemicals that could induce coral bleaching. Therefore, it’s safe for the ecosystem and won’t affect marine life and coral reefs.
What Are The Benefits Of Protecting Reefs
Reefs are arguably the most valuable ecosystems on earth, providing a home to over 25 percent of all marine life. A healthy coral reef provides humans with food, construction materials, and even medicine, Appleby says. Scientists believe coral reefs may be the future of medicine, using the chemical defenses present in marine life to produce drugs to battle cancer, viruses, arthritis, and Alzheimers.
They also protect our shores and communities from damage from waves, storms, and flooding. Reefs work as a natural barrier, absorbing over 95 percent of the energy caused by waves, she says. Damaged coral will no longer effectively reduce the power of the waves hitting the shore, leading to more lives lost and greater damage.
Beyond all that, reefs are just stunning features of our natural environment, full of wonder and mystery, she says .
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What Sunscreen Is Banned In Hawaii Plus 7 Reef Safe Options
I guess that if you have a vacation planned to the tropical islands, you will most likely be visiting any one of the most beautiful Hawaii beaches at your disposal.Even if some saltwater therapy isnt in the cards, you will want to make sure to protect your skin.
With Hawaii being much closer to the equator than where you will be traveling from, the likelihood of a sunburn increases, not to mention you should be looking after your skin no matter where you are.
There are WAY too many sunscreen options these days, but the state of Hawaii might have just made your choice a little easier.Before you go out and buy your favorite spf30, you should know what sunscreen is banned in Hawaii first well on January 1st, 2021 that is.
The ban does not take effect until Jan. 1, 2021 and prohibits the sale of sunscreens containing certain ingredients in the state of Hawaii.You can still bring your own sunscreen into the state that may be banned for purchase in Hawaii, but doing so could harm the sensitive coral reefs and beautiful sea life you will be exploring during your visit to the islands.
Please keep reading to find out what types you should avoid, and I even included some great reef-safe sunscreen options for your next Hawaiian island visit.
Kokoa Sun Care Hawaiian Spf 50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen
To understand this product, we need first to know more about the name and the spirit with which it gives more meaning.
After consulting several places, I have come to find that Kokua means help. But it is more than to help it seems to have a deeper meaning to offer help with no intent of personal gain.This represents the powerful story behind Kokoa Sun Care
A product made in Hawaii with Hawaiian ingredients by two Hawaiian transplants who were brought together by the will of the ocean and their mutual love and respect of the sea, the island and their inhabitants.
Kokoa Sun Care is created and manufactured right on the islands. It includes seven local superfood ingredients to benefit the skin and support local agriculture to boot.
The bottle boasts a Reef Safe stamp which was a feature decided upon presumably even before the sunscreen ban took place. Aside from the locations around the Hawaiian Islands, the best place to purchase this product is on their website or .
And with all 5-star ratings that seem to be kid-tested and approved, you cant go wrong to pack this in your bag or search it out once you arrive on the island of your choice.
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Sun Bum Original Spf 30 Sunscreen Spray
Do you want a budget-friendly and safe sunscreen? Well, the Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray offers that alongside other useful functions. To start with, it’s infused with vitamin E antioxidant that gives you healthy and clear skin. It also neutralizes radicals, thus offering protection against premature aging. The lack of, Gluten, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, and Paraben makes it safe for use in all conditions.
Wear Sun Protection Clothing
Avoiding sunscreen is the simplest solution. Cover yourself, not just your kids, in sun-protecting clothing hats, shirts, shade, and 100% UV-protection sunglasses.
You can buy UPF-rated clothes or just wear a plain t-shirt.
Consumer Reports testing found white t-shirts provided as good, if not better, UV-protection than advertised UPF-rated clothing. Even when wet.
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The Hawaii Sunscreen Ban
Did you know that in July 2018, Hawaii became the first state to pass a bill banning sunscreens that include chemicals believed to be harming the beautiful coral reefs that many locals and travelers like you come to admire?
Studies have shown that sunscreens including oxybenzone and octinoxate cause mortality in developing coral increase coral bleaching that indicates extreme stress, even at temperatures below 87.8 degrees Fahrenheit and cause genetic damage to coral and other marine organisms.
These chemicals have also been shown to degrade corals resiliency and ability to adjust to climate change factors and inhibit the recruitment of new corals.Furthermore, oxybenzone and octinoxate appear to increase the probability of endocrine disruption.
Of course, Hawaii wants to keep the coral safe, so they prohibit the sale and distribution of sunscreens that have these ingredients that are damaging to the aquatic environment unless you have a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.
NOTE: This is NOT a ban on sunscreens in general. Sunscreens are necessary for skin health by blocking UV rays known to cause skin cancer with overexposure.So whats a responsible tourist to do?
The Best Sunscreens Of : Daily
For its 2021 sunscreen report, EWG rated these products to be among the best:
- Algenist Alive Prebiotic Balancing Moisturizer, SPF 15
- AKT Therapy Elemental Sun Balm, SPF 30
- Andalou Naturals Men Face Guard Daily Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Ao Skincare 6000X Elemental Screen, SPF 30
- ATTITUDE Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen, Fragrance Free, SPF 30
- Beautycounter Countersun Daily Sheer Defense for Face, SPF 25
- Biossance Squalane + Mineral, SPF 45
- Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Block Island Organics Natural Face Moisturizer, SPF 30
- Cyberderm Every Morning Sun Whip, SPF 30
- Earth Mama Lady Face Mineral Sunscreen Tinted Face Stick, Light/Medium & Medium/Dark Tints, SPF 40
- Eleven By Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum, SPF 35
- Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer, SPF 30
- Kari Gran Essential SPF Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 28
- Keys KPRO Tinted Moisturizer with Sunscreen, SPF 30+
- Love Sun Body Moisturizing Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Loving Naturals Daily UV Cream, Unscented, SPF 20
- MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Creme, SPF 30
- Raw Elements Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30
- Solara Suncare Clean Freak Nutrient Boosted Daily Sunscreen, Unscented, SPF 30
- Solara Suncare Time Traveler Ageless Daily Face Sunscreen, Unscented, SPF 30
- Suntegrity 5 in 1 Natural Moisturizing Tinted Face Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Sunumbra Daily Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15+
- thinksport Everyday Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Naturally Tinted, SPF 30+
- White & Elm Everyday, SPF 15
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