Vegan, Cruelty-Free + Ocean Friendly Sunscreens

We highly recommend you use reef-safe sunscreens while enjoying your time in the Caribbean. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that are harmful to our coral reefs (ingredients such as Oxybenzone and Octinoxate).

According to the Coral Reef Alliance, Oxybenzone is harming corals:

  • Increasing a coral’s susceptibility to bleaching
  • Damaging coral DNA which interferes with reproduction
  • Causing deformities and growth anomalies
  • Disrupting a coral’s hormonal processes for growth and reproduction

Instead of your chemical sunscreen, grab a zinc-based sunscreen to protect you from the harsh rays while sailing with us.

Some reef-safe sunscreens on a boat.
Some of the reef-safe sunscreens we have personally tested [Photo: Sasha R.]

1. EC Soap Co Sixty Islands Mineral Sunscreen

  • SPF 30+
  • Made right here in the British Virgin Islands!
  • Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide 

2. Kiss my Face Cool Sport Spray

  • SPF 30
  • Water resistant (40 minutes); vegan, cruelty free; broad spectrum
  • Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 7.8%
  • In my opinion (IMO): Sprays on very white, hard to rub in

3. JĀSÖN Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum

  • SPF 30
  • Water resistant (80 minutes); hypoallergenic; no parabens, SLS, petrolatum, artificial colors or phthalates
  • Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 14.5%, Titanium Dioxide 2.0%

4. Nature’s Gate Mineral Sport Broad Spectrum

  • SPF 20
  • Fragrance Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free
  • Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide 8.3%, Zinc oxide 2%

5. Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body

  • SPF 30
  • Paraben, Phthalate and Mineral Oil Free; Fragrance Free; Non Greasy for Smooth Application
  • Active Ingredients: 20% Zinc-Oxide

6. MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield

  • SPF 28
  • Made without GMO, Gluten, Parabens, Petroleum, Phthalates, Sulfates, Ureas, Artificial Fragrances, and Artificial Colors
  • Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 11.6%, Titanium Dioxide 0.67%
  • IMO: Used on my face as it came on matte, which was good for my oily complexion (did not cause any breakouts); rubbed in well, did not appear white as most mineral sunscreens do

7. Goddess Garden Organics Everyday Natural Sunscreen

  • SPF 30
  • Non-GMO, Biodegradable, Alcohol Free, Paraben and Phthalate Free, and Free from Gluten Ingredients. 
  • Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 6.4%, Zinc Oxide 6.0%
  • IMO: Rubs in well, a little goes a long way, but your skin will have a white sheen to it

8. Eco Logical Skin Care Natural Sunscreen

  • SPF 30+
  • Made with organic ingredients and a natural preservative
  • Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 20%

9. BARE Republic Mineral Lip Balm

  • SPF 30
  • Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide- 2.8%, Zinc Oxide- 1.0%
  • IMO: My lips burn like crazy, so a lip balm with an SPF is essential. This one is amazing – does not taste like sunscreen as most do, goes on clear, and lasts forever!

10. Alba Botanica Very Emollient Mineral Sunscreen 

  • SPF 30
  • Water resistant (40 minutes); paraben free
  • Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 14.5%, Titanium Dioxide 2.0%
  • IMO: Rubs in very well even though it is very thick
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By: Sasha R – January 20, 2020

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