Gone are the days of thick, chalky sustainable sunscreens. We’ve all tried them, the ones that left us looking like ghosts at a Halloween party and required at least ten minutes of rubbing before they even considered sinking in. Thankfully, today’s sun care is a different beast entirely.
A new generation of beauty brands has been busy creating formulas that glide on like a serum, melt into the skin like a lightweight moisturiser and leave behind a dewy glow rather than an awkward white residue.
But the revolution in sustainable sunscreen isn’t just about beauty and convenience; it’s about what happens after diving into the sea.
Every year, an estimated 6,000 to 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen wash into coral reef areas around the world. Scientists have found that some UV filters, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, can contribute to coral bleaching, damage coral DNA and interfere with the growth and reproduction of marine organisms. These concerns have become so significant that places including Hawaii and parts of the Caribbean have restricted the sale of sunscreens containing these ingredients.
Scientists have found that some UV filters, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, can contribute to coral bleaching, damage coral DNA and interfere with the growth and reproduction of marine organisms
The timing couldn’t be more urgent. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the world is currently experiencing its fourth global coral bleaching event on record, with more than 80 per cent of the planet’s reef areas exposed to heat stress that can cause bleaching.
The good news is that you no longer have to choose between protecting yourself and protecting the places you love to swim. Here are four sustainable sunscreens we’ve tried, tested and can wholeheartedly vouch for.
Sade Glow Veil SPF 50 PA++++ – Ð 95
A relative newcomer making waves in the world of sun care, Sade’s sustainable sunscreen delivers high-performance protection without the chalky residue. The award-winning SPF 50 PA++++ sunscreen moisturiser is a true multi-tasker that protects, hydrates, primes and leaves skin with a summer glow. Sade avoids UV filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate, choosing modern filters that align with marine conservation recommendations instead. The result is a sunscreen that feels as good on the skin as it does on your conscience.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+/PA++++ Ð39
K-beauty’s Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ has developed something of a cult following thanks to its feather-light texture, velvety finish and lack of white cast. The vegan formula doesn’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxate and is marketed as reef-safe. Black rice extract and hyaluronic acid help keep skin hydrated throughout the day, making this feel more like a moisturiser than a traditional sunscreen – which, arguably, is half the battle when it comes to getting people to wear SPF every day.
KJ Serums Ultra Light Solar Defence SPF 50 PA++++ Facial Sunscreen – Ð 187
Sun protection has become one of the hardest-working steps in any skincare routine, and KJ Serums’ SPF 50 PA++++ sunscreen rises to the challenge. Lightweight and non-comedogenic, the formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin hydrated and protected with a smooth, natural finish that never feels greasy or heavy. While KJ Serums doesn’t make explicit reef-safe claims, the sustainable sunscreen’s formula is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate and is also vegan, cruelty-free, and handmade in the UAE. One of our sustainable beauty must-haves.
Comfort Zone Sun Soul – Ð 95
Italian skincare brand Comfort Zone has made sustainability a central part of its Sun Soul line. The range was reformulated to combine broad-spectrum UV protection with filters that are proven safe for ocean environments, along with naturally derived ingredients and recyclable packaging. The textures are more Mediterranean spa than chalky beach lotion, with options ranging from lightweight facial creams to body SPFs and after-sun care. The Face Cream SPF50+ is particularly popular among those who want strong protection without sacrificing their values.
