The term “reef safe” refers to consumer products, primarily sunscreens and personal care items, formulated to minimize harm to coral reefs and the broader marine ecosystem. These products aim to protect human skin without introducing substances detrimental to marine life.
The Threat to Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems supporting immense marine life diversity. They provide habitat, feeding grounds, and shelter for approximately 25% of all marine species. These structures also serve as natural barriers, protecting coastlines from erosion, storm surges, and waves. Reefs support local economies through fisheries and tourism, and offer potential sources for new medicines.
Despite their significance, coral reefs worldwide face numerous threats. Rising ocean temperatures due to climate change are a primary cause of coral bleaching, where corals expel the symbiotic algae that provide them with food and color, turning white and becoming vulnerable to disease and death. Ocean acidification, from excess carbon dioxide absorption, reduces essential minerals corals need to build skeletons, slowing growth and making them more fragile. Pollution from land-based sources, including agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial waste, introduces sediments, nutrients, and chemicals that can impede coral growth, cause disease, and disrupt reef functions. Overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and physical damage from coastal development and tourism also contribute to reef degradation.
Ingredients That Harm Reefs
Certain chemical ingredients in sunscreens and personal care products harm coral reefs. Oxybenzone is a chemical UV filter known to cause coral bleaching by making sunlight toxic to corals. It can also deform coral larvae, damage coral DNA, and disrupt coral reproduction and growth, even at low concentrations. Octinoxate, another common UV filter, has been linked to coral bleaching and can degrade into hormone disruptors.
Other chemical UV filters under scrutiny include Octocrylene, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Avobenzone, which may also contribute to negative impacts on marine life, including impaired growth and developmental issues in aquatic organisms. Beyond UV filters, microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters, are incorporated into many cosmetics, exfoliants, and personal care products. These microplastics can pass through wastewater treatment systems and enter oceans, where marine animals may ingest them, leading to digestive blockages and potential exposure to absorbed toxins. Nanoparticles, specifically nano-sized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are also a concern because their small size (<100 nanometers) allows them to be ingested by marine organisms and potentially cause cellular damage and bleaching in corals.
Navigating “Reef Safe” Labels and Certifications
The term “reef safe” or “reef friendly” is not universally regulated by law. This allows companies to use the label without specific criteria, making it challenging for consumers to identify truly environmentally sound products. For instance, a product labeled “oxybenzone-free” may still contain other chemicals harmful to marine ecosystems.
To make informed choices, consumers should look beyond marketing claims and carefully check the ingredient list on product packaging. Sunscreens generally considered “reef safe” utilize mineral-based active ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide and non-nano titanium dioxide. These mineral filters create a physical barrier on the skin, reflecting UV rays rather than absorbing them, and are less likely to harm marine life compared to chemical alternatives. It is important to ensure these minerals are “non-nano,” meaning their particle size is larger than 100 nanometers, to prevent ingestion by corals and other marine organisms. Some regions, like Hawaii, have implemented bans on sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, reflecting a legislative effort to protect local reefs.
Beyond Sunscreen: Other Products to Consider
While sunscreen receives significant attention in the “reef safe” discussion, other personal care and household products also contribute to marine pollution. Cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and even certain detergents can contain ingredients that negatively impact aquatic environments. These products may include microplastics, silicones, and other synthetic compounds that are not biodegradable and can accumulate in marine ecosystems.
Such ingredients can enter waterways through household drains, often bypassing wastewater treatment systems due to their small size or chemical composition. Once in the ocean, they can be ingested by marine life, disrupt ecological functions, and introduce toxins into the food web. Choosing alternatives free from microplastics and harsh chemicals, and opting for products with biodegradable ingredients, can help reduce the overall environmental footprint. Supporting brands that prioritize sustainable sourcing, manufacturing, and packaging further contributes to protecting marine environments.