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What does ‘reef-safe’ sunscreen mean, and can you buy it in the Philippines?
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With summer approaching, talks of beach trips and sun essentials are ripe.
Sunscreen especially is a non-negotiable to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays — especially when you’re out there getting sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
But protecting your skin from the sun shouldn’t be the end of the story. According to a 2022 study published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, some sunscreen ingredients — UV filters found in chemical sunscreens, in particular — may pose risks to corals and other marine life.
With climate change and global warming in full throttle, that's a real concern.
Enter "reef-safe" products. A growing number of local and international brands are promoting “reef-safe” products designed to protect the skin without harming coral reefs.
In a GMA News Online interview, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Bea Chan said the term “reef-safe” generally refers to sunscreens that avoid ingredients believed to damage coral reefs.
“When we say ‘reef-safe’ sunscreens, we are referring to sunscreens that don’t contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, ethylhexyl salicylate, and parabens,” Chan said.
These chemicals are among the most commonly linked to coral bleaching and other damage to marine ecosystems.
Dr. Giselle Lazaro, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of NU.U Asia adds that reef-safe products typically use mineral UV filters rather than chemical ones.
“The term ‘reef-safe’ typically means that the sunscreen only contains mineral UV-blocking ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, rather than chemicals like oxybenzone that harm coral reefs,” Lazaro said.
Is there a difference among labels "reef-safe," "reef-friendly, and "ocean-safe"?
As a consumer, you may notice several variations of these labels, but dermatologists say they are often used interchangeably.
Generally, reef-safe and reef-friendly sunscreens are those free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, two ingredients strongly associated with coral bleaching.
Meanwhile, “ocean-safe” is a broader term that refers to products that are biodegradable or designed to minimize harm to marine life.
Says Chan, the "labels aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, it’s hard to distinguish them properly."
As such Lazaro recommends reading ingredient lists rather than relying solely on marketing labels.
“Check the 'active ingredients' label on the back of your sunscreen to ensure that the reef-harming chemicals are not included,” Lazaro said.
She also advised avoiding products containing microplastics or nano-sized zinc and titanium particles, which may also affect marine ecosystems.
Do reef-safe sunscreens still protect your skin?
Despite avoiding certain chemicals that are harmful to corals and marine life, dermatologists stress that reef-safe sunscreens can still provide effective sun protection.
“We have the SPF and PA rating scales, which effectively measure how well a sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB,” Chan said.
For complete protection, Lazaro recommends combining sunscreen with other sun-safety measures such as UV-protective clothing, hats, and accessories like umbrellas.
Reef-safe sunscreen is safe for every day yse, Chan said, but pregnant or breastfeeding women and infants under six months should consult a dermatologist before using any sunscreen.
Ultimately, dermatologists say the effectiveness of sunscreen, reef-safe or not, depends on proper use.
“It’s important to remember proper application every two hours and to reapply after swimming and sweating,” Lazaro said.
Chan echoed the same point, saying that reef-safe sunscreen can be effective at the beach, “unless you don’t reapply them.”
Below is a list of reef-safe sunscreen available in the Philippines.
Beach Hut
Sunblock Natural Reef Safe SPF 50 (P689.00)
Belo
Sun expert reef-friendly Sunscreen 50ml (P450)
Magwai
MAGWAI Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 80ml (P699)
Human Nature
Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 60 100ml (P349.75)
Target Pro
Target Pro Repairing Face Milk Sunscreen SPF50 60g (P1,299)
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