There are countless types of ocean-friendly sunscreens. What conditions are required for a sunscreen to be considered ocean-friendly?
In recent years, with the rise of environmental awareness, consumers are not only focusing on the basic sun protection effects when choosing sunscreen but also paying attention to sustainability and environmental protection. Ocean-friendly sunscreen has gradually become one of the considerations when selecting sunscreen. What does “ocean-friendly” mean? What are the conditions required for sunscreen to be considered ocean-friendly? This article explores these questions!
Why is choosing ocean-friendly sunscreen so important?
The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) found that just one drop of oxybenzone is enough to affect the bleaching and growth cessation of 6.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools of coral! Therefore, to avoid coral bleaching affecting marine ecosystems, Palau and Hawaii governments have enacted corresponding marine conservation policies. Since 2020, Palau has banned non-compliant sunscreens throughout its territorial waters, while the Hawaii government has banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate since 2021.
The 4 conditions that ocean-friendly sunscreen must meet:
1/Choose sunscreen products based on physical mineral bases:
Common physical sunscreen ingredients on the market include titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO). The principle of physical sunscreen is to use mineral powders to form a defense film on the skin surface, refracting ultraviolet rays by physical principles to protect the skin from UV damage. These two ingredients do not cause coral bleaching, so their impact on the ocean is relatively small.
2/Choose waterproof or oil-water emulsion sunscreen products:
Generally, cream sunscreen is less likely to be washed away by seawater than spray sunscreen. When choosing sunscreen products, it is recommended to choose ones with waterproof effects or oil-water emulsion types, which are less likely to be washed away by seawater, thus reducing the risk of polluting the marine ecosystem!
3/Avoid using products containing Oxybenzone and Octinoxate ingredients:
Oxybenzone and octinoxate are harmful to coral. It is best to avoid products containing these ingredients for the sake of both skin health and coral conservation.
4/Avoid using sunscreen products containing Parabens:
Parabens are common preservatives. However, this type of preservative system is also one of the ingredients that cause coral bleaching. With the increasing emphasis on marine protection in the market, many brands have already launched sunscreens without this ingredient.
To provide consumers with a better user experience, most ocean-friendly sunscreen products on the market are mild, low-irritant, and less harmful to corals. They provide a refreshing and comfortable feeling of use.
Unicare’s exclusive research and development of ocean-friendly sunscreen contribute to the Earth!
►Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF50 ★★★
Featuring new UV defense technology, effectively combating UVA and UVB rays, using a pure physical sunscreen formula, friendly to both the marine environment and the skin. Exclusive NEOTECEGF provides powerful repair energy, with added Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, offering sun protection while simultaneously repairing the skin. Enriched with peptides, saccharides, and polyphenols from superfruits like cocoa, it helps resist skin photoaging. Its smooth texture is easy to apply, providing excellent hydration and a radiant complexion without whitening.
►Ultra-Hydrating Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ ★★★
This high SPF sunscreen gel effortlessly combats UVA and UVB rays with a high index formulation. The product uses a marine-friendly formula, rejecting ingredients harmful to the ocean. With its unique water-like technology, the gel feels light and cool on the skin, providing continuous hydration while protecting against sun damage. It includes L-ascorbic acid to brighten and illuminate the skin, along with extracts of Centella asiatica and organic chamomile to repair and soothe the skin after sun exposure, reducing discomfort.
►Refreshing Shake Sunscreen SPF50 ★★★
Innovatively formulated with Light low-emulsification technology, this Shake sunscreen is alcohol-free and has a high SPF, providing lightweight, non-greasy coverage against UVA and UVB rays. Utilizing a marine-friendly formula, it protects the ocean ecosystem while incorporating a Nobel Prize-level 34% high proportion of whitening and repairing essence to prevent post-sun discomfort and delay skin aging. It also contains an exclusive probiotic extract formula for acne control, ensuring long-lasting oil control and skin hydration.
With over 20 years of product development experience, Uni-care is inspired by ocean-friendliness, promotes SDGs 14 sustainable goals, insists on not adding harmful preservatives, and meets the standards of ingredients banned by Palau and Hawaii regulations. For more exclusive product development technology and formulas, please fill out the information below for free consultation services!
