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Sunscreen is essential when exposed to the sun . Canva
Sunscreen: good for skin, toxic for the ocean
We all understand the role of sunscreen in human health , but few of us know about its environmental impact. While not all sunscreens are the same, the most commercially available ones often contain chemicals that are harmful to the ocean .
Upon contact with water, they are released and dispersed. As Osvaldo Páez, Sustainability Manager at Belmond, where a coral reef protection strategy is being led, explains, these protective devices are one of the main threats to these organisms.
Their chemicals can contribute to coral bleaching, a phenomenon that weakens and can cause death, with a serious impact on marine biodiversity, where they serve as key ecosystems.
In fact, scientific research has shown that even small concentrations of these compounds can cause damage to the DNA of corals and affect their development.
Now imagine multiplying that by the thousands of people who enter the sea daily. That’s why Páez recommends, as much as possible, not using any type of sunscreen when entering the sea .
However, if you can’t avoid sunscreens for skin reasons, it’s best to steer clear of those containing oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) and octinoxate. These are two common UV filters found in commercial products.
Their function is to absorb UV radiation. However, there are substances that, instead of absorbing, reflect radiation and are less harmful, as long as they are “non-nano”; these are known as mineral sunscreens .The substances in some sunscreens can harm the ocean .
Which sunscreens are safe for swimming in the sea?
Mineral sunscreens are the least harmful option for the environment. It is recommended to choose non-nano sunscreens, meaning those whose components are not in the form of nanoparticles, as these could also harm aquatic organisms.
The best alternatives are products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in large particles, as they are less likely to be absorbed by marine organisms.
As an added bonus, look for one that’s reef-safe and water-resistant. This last feature means it stays on your skin longer and less will wash off in the ocean.
Finally, apply sunscreen to your skin at least 30 minutes before entering the water . This will allow your skin to absorb it better, protecting you and preventing it from washing off completely in the sea.
Despite these recommendations, Páez and other specialists point out that no sunscreen is one hundred percent harmless to the environment.
Therefore, whenever possible, opt for other forms of skin protection, especially if you will be entering the sea or coming into contact with marine organisms, including corals.