What is reef-safe SPF — and why a beauty expert says you should switch before summer

Whether you are planning a staycation or jetting off somewhere with clearer waters, SPF is non-negotiable for protecting skin from harmful UV rays. But not all sun creams are created equal, and the ingredients inside your bottle can have a significant impact on underwater ecosystems.

To mark World Oceans Day, in-house beauty expert Rina Teslica at Cult Beauty reveals what to look out for in a reef-safe SPF, why the ingredients list matters more than just a label and her top reef-safe SPF products for protecting your skin against UV without harming the ocean.

Many conventional sunscreens contain chemicals including oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene. While effective at filtering UV rays, these ingredients are toxic to coral reefs and marine life, washing off into the ocean during swimming and snorkelling and disrupting fragile underwater habitats. This is where reef-safe SPF comes in.

What is reef-safe SPF?

Reef-safe sun creams are designed to protect both your skin and the environment. While the term ‘reef-safe’ is not officially regulated, it is used to describe formulas that avoid ingredients known to harm underwater habitats. Most rely on mineral UV filters, typically zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which reflect and block UVA and UVB rays to combat sun damage.

Why choose reef-safe SPF?

For sun care that aligns with environmental responsibility, reef-safe SPF is the ideal option. In some destinations with particularly fragile marine habitats, it is now prohibited to use anything else. Thanks to their natural, non-toxic ingredients, mineral sun creams are also very gentle on sensitive skin, making them a great choice for all skin types. The lightweight and often non-greasy formulas also ensure easy application with minimal irritation.

Beauty expert reveals what to look for in a reef-safe sunscreen

Rina Teslica, beauty expert at Cult Beauty, says: “Go for an SPF that skips oxybenzone and octinoxate, and instead opt for a mineral formula with non-nano zinc oxide, as it’s the safest choice for protecting both your skin and the reefs.”

Rina adds that, as ‘reef-safe’ is not a tightly regulated term, it is always worth checking the full ingredients list. She also notes that tinted mineral SPFs are a great option for those who want a natural, skin-evening finish without the typical white cast.

Rina’s checklist for choosing a reef-safe SPF:

• Stay away from oxybenzone, octinoxate and any form of microplastic (look at the ingredients list).

• Look for products containing non-nanoparticles (particles larger than 100 nanometres). Rather than breaking down, these larger particles simply sink and become part of the ocean sediment, posing less risk to marine life and being gentler on skin, too.

• Stick to mineral-based SPFs.

• Avoid other chemical nasties and look for products that are free from parabens, silicones and sulphates.