Certain ingredients in sunscreens have an impact particularly in aquatic ecosystems

Here, we will explain the negative effects they bring with them and options to enjoy the sea.

What chemicals cause harm to marine life?

Sunscreens are harmful due to their chemical compounds, causing silent deterioration:

• Octocrylene, harmful to aquatic life and limited degradation. Its potential as an endocrine disruptor, affecting the hormonal system, has been questioned.

• Homosalate, a toxic component for aquatic environments, fish, algae and corals, with low biodegradability and bioaccumulation capacity. It has recently been restricted due to its possible effects as an endocrine disruptor.

• Butyl, also known as (avobenzone), is another non-biodegradable sunscreen component.

Warning

Among these, there is a more dangerous one called “Oxybenzone”. This is a component of sun creams that is harmful to human health, causing allergies, hormonal alterations over time, and even damaging cells, causing possible cancer. In marine life it causes excessive growth of algae and also causes coral bleaching.

Bleaching is a phenomenon in which corals lose their vibrant, healthy colors due to the expulsion of symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, which live in their tissues. This can weaken the corals and make them more susceptible to disease and even death. Between 231 and 313 tons of sunscreen are released into the sea annually. These compounds are highly toxic because they accumulate in coral tissues, cause bleaching, abnormalities in their development, and can alter their DNA - a catastrophe that still continues to unfold.

Several countries and regions of the world such as Thailand, the Virgin Islands in the United States and Hawaii have managed to reduce environmental impact by regularizing their policies for the use of sunscreens. Mexico, especially, the state of Quintana Roo, has continuously implemented campaigns and programs to prevent the sale and use of sunscreens made with harmful chemicals, encouraging the use of biodegradable sunscreens or other alternatives such as clothing specially made for the water with sun protection.

So, what kind of sunscreen can we use?

You should read the ingredients and look for one that is truly biodegradable. Choosing one that protects you and does not harm ecosystems may sound like a complicated task. Although we will show you which ones you can use and what characteristics they should have:

They must be “reef friendly” – opt for natural components. This term means that they contain ingredients suitable to not harm nature, and to ensure that the “reef friendly” label really corresponds to non-toxic ingredients.

Sunscreen should be formulated with minerals containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and these particles should be "non-nano" in size. These particles are so small that they are microscopic. If ingested or absorbed by marine life, this could cause damage to the reef's growth processes. Even to verify their ecological authenticity, check if they have a stamp with an “eco” reference – that is another key point. These alternatives are water resistant, suitable for sensitive skin and enriched with vitamin E.

Examples of non-aggressive sunscreens that you can use:

• Nanah
• Freshy Cosmetics
• Safe Sea
• Stream2Sea
• And here more examples: https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/

However, the best alternative will always be to opt for hats, shirts and other clothing such as leggings or long-sleeved t-shirts with UV protection, to reduce your need for sunscreen by up to 90%. Additionally, these items are likely to last longer than a bottle of sunscreen.

Options exist, but the correct answer is in your hands.

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