Chemical vs. Physical. 

There are two types of sunscreen (which you can read a little about here)  with physical sunscreen being arguably the more Clean to Skin. Neither however are perfectly ‘reef safe’. A chemical sunscreen uses compounds like Oxybenzone and Avobenzone (to name a couple) to absorb the sun's rays, change them into heat and release that heat from the skin. Once these chemicals reach the reef they have the ability to decrease corals’ defenses against bleaching, damaging their DNA and hurting their development.

Mineral sunscreens create a physical shield using components like Zinc Oxide to offer a protective layer that deflect the sun rays off the skin. However, to dull down that often ‘chalky’ cast from an all-mineral sunscreen, these compounds are sometimes reduced to tiny ‘nano-particles’ to apply smoother and more transparent. So in addition to chemical sunscreens, nano-sized minerals can also pose a threat to coral, fish and other aquatic life.

 

Non-nano technology. 

We get a little stick for Clean Screen applying white at first application - but we’re going to own it. It’s down to us using Non-Nano Zinc Oxide which is less likely to damage coral or aquatic creatures due to being a larger size. Plus, it protects skin just as effectively from sun’s rays, without the need for aforementioned chemicals of oxy and avobenzone - which can sometimes cause reactions on sensitive skin anyway. 

We (in theory) *could* create a sunscreen that’s untraceable, transparent and easily applied - but we’re not prepared to compromise the planet to do that. Plus, once Clean Screen is thoroughly rubbed in (easier if your skin is well moisturised) the pay-off is an uber-matte, smooth, sun and pollution protected complexion that's friendlier to our reefs. We think that’s worth a little extra rubbing, don’t you?

 

Clean to planet considerations. 

As we’ve discovered – no SPF is truly reef-safe, but there are steps we can take to make sure we’re all being more reef-friendly while staying safe from the sun. 

•    Even if you’re using SPF, try to avoid sun at its strongest between 10am – 2pm. 

•    Cover up. Who doesn’t love showing some skin? But to minimise the need for so much sunscreen, cover with clothing or hats if you can. 

•    Use a ‘reef-friendly’ sunscreen – and check the label to make sure its active ingredients are mineral-only non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. 

•    Spread the word. Be that mildly preachy friend who recommends using reef-friendly sunscreen – don’t feel guilty about preaching, you’re helping the planet, after all.