What's the Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen? A Dermatologist Weighs In — Plus 5 Nontoxic Picks

Are you applying sunscreen every day? Excellent! This kind of discipline can drastically reduce both your risk of developing skin cancer and looking older than your age. But traditional sunscreens have a dark side: many contain ingredients that can be toxic to marine life, particularly coral reefs. These potential carcinogens get into your bloodstream, too, says the FDA, which is deciding whether to officially ban them. Regardless, the future looks bright for sun protection, and some of the best reef-safe sunscreen products excel at protecting the ocean and your health by using safer, mineral-based ingredients to deflect UV rays.

Green Matters asked California-based dermatologist Dr. James Kilgour to help us navigate the sunscreen aisle.

Best lotion: Sunly Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 ($28)

Best spray: Babo Botanicals Swim & Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 ($19.50, was $20.50)

Best sport: Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($24)

Best for face: Mama Sol 100% Mineral Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 ($48)

Best for kids: Stream2Sea EcoStick Sunscreen for Kids ($16)

For the record, those bad ingredients in question, which are included to filter UV rays and prevent sunburn, are not officially banned just yet. "The FDA closely regulates sunscreen filters," says Dr. Kilgour, noting that some safer alternatives already used throughout Europe and Asia are still waiting on approval in the U.S. For the time being, a good rule of thumb is to stick to the two UV-filtering ingredients that the FDA does stand by: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. "I generally recommend mineral-based [sunscreen] products, because zinc and titanium dioxide offer the best UVA protection available domestically," Dr. Kilgour adds.

With this in mind, we handpicked five standout, FDA-approved, reef-safe sunscreens for the whole family that use non-toxic, mineral-based formulations. Most of the picks below have earned the coveted EWG VERIFIED label for meeting the Environmental Working Group's famously strict standards for health and safety.

If you love sunscreen lotion, this vegan formulation by Sunly is a great go-to with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection via reef-safe non-nano zinc oxide. The Skin Cancer Foundation and other leading sources say SPF 30 is high enough for extended time outdoors. This lotion is lightweight, hydrating, and perfect for head-to-toe daily use.

"I bought the tropical scent and was worried it would be too strong but it’s very light and you can hardly smell it. Leaves my skin looks really healthy after being in the sun," wrote one user, who echoed others by saying it needs to be rubbed in well — and a little goes a long way.

If you prefer a daily sunscreen in spray form but want to avoid aerosols, Babo Botanicals is the non-toxic, hypoallergenic, reef-safe formulation to reach for. The waterproof sunscreen is great if you want something you won't sweat off, but not as thick as a sport sunscreen. Like all the sunscreens in this list, it offers broad-spectrum protection, which means it blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

"Love that’s it’s clean and does not smell!" noted a reviewer.

For swimming, outdoor sports, or prolonged exposure in the blazing sun, opt for a waterproof formulation with a higher SPF like Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 (anything beyond 50 provides a negligible difference). It can withstand the rigors of tough workouts and gives you broad-spectrum protection without hurting marine life. Remember to reapply every two hours whether or not you swim.

"My skin is fair and crazy sensitive. The sunblocks from [ThinkSun] don't bother my skin at all," wrote a customer. "I'm an avid cyclist, so I'm outdoors A LOT especially in the summer. I use it on my face without any stinging and it doesn't sweat into my eyes."

Put your best face forward by keeping a bottle of Mama Sol 100% Mineral Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 — which Dr. Kilgour officially recommends — in your makeup bag for multi-tasking broad-spectrum protection every morning. It works as a sunscreen, moisturizer, and makeup primer in one, and it's gentle enough for sensitive skin. It even protects against blue light from digital devices.

"This product has been a staple in my self-care routine for nearly 4 months. I don't go a day without it. It doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, and my skin is always moisturized," a customer wrote.

Tiny beach-revelers are covered thanks to Stream2Sea EcoStick Sunscreen for Kids SPF 35+, a hypoallergenic (and spill-proof) stick sunscreen that's made for delicate and sensitive skin. It gives broad-spectrum protection using plant-based, biodegradable ingredients. It's also water-resistant up to 80 minutes and won't sting their eyes.

'Easy to apply, especially on squirmy children!" wrote a parent. "I love the ingredients in it, they're safe for sensitive skin. My 12-year-old child prefers this over the Stream2Sea Sunscreen cream in a tube because it is easier to apply a thin even layer all over the body and face and blend in. It is also not as whitening as I thought and I just feel proud to be wearing a truly reef safe sunscreen."