A good reef-safe sunscreen is more than just a beach-day essential. It protects your skin from harmful UV rays while being kind to our oceans.
If you’re heading to the coast or planning a sunny escape, these eco-friendly sunscreens offer solid protection without the harsh chemicals that damage coral reefs.
Here are our top picks from PT based on ingredients, performance, and user reviews.
1. Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray
Best for: beach days, travel, and everyday UV protection
Rating: 4.7 
based on 25,000+ reviews
Highlights
- SPF: 50
- Size: 6 oz
- Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes
- Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Vitamin E
- Features: vegan, Hawaii 104 Reef Act compliant, oxybenzone and octinoxate free, moisturizing
Why it’s a great pick
Sun Bum’s SPF 50 spray combines high-performance UV protection with clean ingredients and a tropical scent that feels like vacation. It’s non-greasy, reef-safe, and designed for quick, even coverage. Ideal for everyday use and travel.
Customer review:
“This is hands down my favorite sunscreen! It sprays on evenly, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave a greasy or white residue. I used it during a full beach day with kids and didn’t burn at all, even after swimming. Definitely a summer must-have.” – Porch Drop Diaries
Don’t forget a roomy beach bag to keep your sunscreen, towel, and snacks in one place.
2. Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 40
Best for: eco-conscious travelers, surfers, and sensitive skin
Rating: 4.4 
based on 3,900+ reviews
Highlights
- SPF: 40
- Size: 2.9 oz
- Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes
- Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, sunflower oil, beeswax, vitamin E
- Features: 98% organic, unscented, hypoallergenic, reef safe, non-GMO, cruelty-free
Why it’s a great pick
Made with only four clean ingredients, this mineral sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection without chemicals. It’s ideal for sensitive skin, safe for coral reefs, and made in a solar-powered facility.
Customer review:
“This product seems to be a great alternative to all the other sunscreens on the market with too many chemicals that are still being studied. The sunscreen kept me protected while being outside for a few hours in the hot sun, and I received no burns.” – Timmy
3. Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 30+
Best for: diving, snorkeling, cruises, and coral reef protection
Rating: 4.4 based on 2,000+ reviews
Highlights
- SPF: 30+
- Size: 4 oz
- Water Resistance: Up to 40 minutes
- Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (non-nano), coconut oil, red raspberry seed oil, shea butter, beeswax
- Features: 100% reef safe, biodegradable, moisturizing, no white cast, non-greasy, chemical-free
Why it’s a great pick
Developed by dive professionals in Phuket, this natural sunscreen is a reliable companion for ocean adventures. It delivers solid UV protection, applies transparently, and helps preserve marine ecosystems, no parabens, no nano particles, no guilt.
Customer review:
“We purchased several bottles before a sailing and beach holiday in the Seychelles. This sun cream was amazing hiking, sailing, biking, snorkeling and swimming all day for 2 weeks and NEVER got sunburned. It does have a gritty texture but this rubs in and saving the environment is worth a little extra effort.” – Melissa Halbach-Merz
4. Kokua Sun Care SPF 50/80 Lotion
Best for: ocean getaways, daily outdoor use, sensitive skin
Rating: 4.5 based on 1,400+ reviews
Highlights
- SPF: 50/80
- Size: 4 oz
- Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes
- Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide (25%), kukui nut oil, macadamia oil, aloe, spirulina
- Features: reef safe, moisturizing, vegan, cruelty-free, clear finish, Hawaii compliant
Why it’s a great pick
This Hawaii-made sunscreen offers clean, reef-friendly protection with luxurious hydration. It applies easily, smells light and tropical, and won’t irritate skin or eyes. Ideal for travel, water sports, or everyday sun defense.
Customer review:
“Goes on smooth, no white cast, and feels great on the skin. I’ve used it for swimming and hiking—it holds up well. My favorite reef-safe sunscreen so far!” – Olivia R.
5. BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Best for: daily protection, beach trips, sensitive skin
Rating: 4.4 based on 3,900+ reviews
Highlights
- SPF: 50+
- Size: 5 oz
- Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes
- Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide (10%), titanium dioxide (8%), aloe vera, beeswax
- Features: reef friendly, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, Smart Cap technology, suitable for sensitive skin
Why it’s a great pick
A dermatologist-trusted formula that protects and soothes at once. It’s lightweight, effective even during long sun exposure, and doesn’t irritate or clog pores. The UV-activated Smart Cap is a useful bonus.
Customer review:
“Applies easily, doesn’t sting the eyes, and keeps my skin protected all day. The cap changing color in UV is a great reminder to reapply!” – Nicole A.
A sunscreen-friendly beach day starts with a waterproof bag that keeps moisture out.
6. BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ (5 oz)
Best for: sensitive skin, water activities, full-day sun exposure
Rating: 4.6 based on 29,000+ reviews
Highlights
- SPF: 50+
- Size: 5 oz
- Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes
- Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (10%), Titanium Dioxide (8%), beeswax, aloe vera
- Features: mineral formula, fragrance-free, reef-friendly, Smart Bottle technology, dermatologist-tested
Why it’s a great pick
This sunscreen delivers strong, safe, and consistent protection without irritating sensitive skin. The Smart Bottle cap reacts to UV, reminding you to reapply. A beach-day essential for the whole family.
Customer review:
“Applies smoothly, doesn’t sting, and protects all day. I love that it’s fragrance-free and gentle enough for daily use.” – Matthew L.
7. Alba Botanica Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50, Island Vibe, 3 Oz
Best for: tropical scent lovers, sensitive skin, eco-conscious users
Rating: 4.5 based on 3,500+ reviews
Highlights
- SPF: 50
- Size: 3 oz
- Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes
- Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Aloe Vera
- Features: 100% vegetarian, reef-friendly, cruelty-free, no oxybenzone or octinoxate
Why it’s a great pick
Lightweight and soothing, this sunscreen offers strong UVA/UVB protection without irritation. The tropical scent and smooth texture make it a pleasant daily essential.
Customer review:
“Smells great and goes on easily. It kept my skin protected even after swimming. Definitely one of my go-to sunscreens.” – Patricia O.
8. Surface TROPIX Sheer Touch Sunscreen SPF 50
Best for: reef-safe sun protection, clean ingredients, tropical scent fans
Rating: 4.3 based on 60+ reviews
Highlights
- SPF: 50
- Size: 6 oz
- Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes
- Features: reef-safe, oxybenzone-free, fast absorbing, tropical mango-coconut scent
Why it’s a great pick
This reef-safe lotion blends smooth application, vibrant tropical fragrance, and high UVA/UVB coverage. Ideal for beach days, it protects and hydrates without feeling greasy.
Customer review:
“I used it all week in Cancun and didn’t burn once. Smells amazing, absorbs fast, and feels clean on the skin.” – Amazon Customer
9. Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen SPF 70
Best for: high SPF lovers, tropical scent fans, glowing skin finish
Rating: 4.7 based on 1,500+ reviews
Highlights
- SPF: 70
- Size: 8 oz
- Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes
- Features: oil-free, non-greasy, oxybenzone-free, with Vitamins C & E, mango scent, luminous skin finish
Why it’s a great pick
A tropical favorite with ultra-high SPF, this lotion protects, hydrates, and leaves skin with a light shimmer. Absorbs quickly, smells divine, and feels like a vacation in a bottle.
Customer review:
“It smells amazing, absorbs fast, and leaves skin soft with a light glow. My go-to for sunny days.” – Nick S.
10. Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen SPF 70
Best for: high-SPF beach protection, families, sensitive skin
Rating: 4.7 based on 22,000+ reviews
Highlights
- SPF: 70
- Size: 6.7 oz
- Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes
- Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
- Features: oil-free, fast-absorbing, oxybenzone & octinoxate free, Hawaii 104 compliant, dermatologist-recommended
Why it’s a great pick
This SPF 70 lotion is lightweight, quick to absorb, and stays on during beach activity. Ideal for those needing strong sun protection without the heavy feel.
Customer review:
“Works well even on long sunny days. Feels clean on the skin, not greasy, and provides excellent protection for the whole family.” – Amazon Customer
Choosing a reef-safe sunscreen means taking care of your skin and the planet at the same time.
These options deliver reliable sun protection with clean, conscious formulas.
From tropical vacations to everyday use, you can stay sun-safe and ocean-friendly with confidence.
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