{"id":117623,"date":"2023-04-22T09:58:49","date_gmt":"2023-04-22T19:58:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hawaiicompro.wpengine.com\/?p=117623"},"modified":"2025-09-04T08:47:02","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T18:47:02","slug":"reef-safe-sunscreen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/reef-safe-sunscreen\/","title":{"rendered":"Hawaii Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide \u2013 15 Sunscreens That Are Reef Safe"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

This article was originally published on April 22, 2023, and was updated Aug. 29, 2025.<\/strong><\/em><\/h5>\n

Hawaii Sunscreen Ban: What Travelers Need to Know About Reef-Safe Sunscreen<\/h1>\n

Almost five years ago, the Hawaii sunscreen ban<\/strong> went into effect, making Hawaii the first state in the U.S. to prohibit the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. This landmark Hawaii sunscreen law<\/strong> was designed to protect fragile reefs from banned sunscreen ingredients<\/strong> linked to coral bleaching. For visitors, that means knowing exactly what reef safe sunscreen you can use in Hawaii<\/strong> is just as important as packing your swimsuit.<\/p>\n

Why is Reef-Safe Sunscreen Important in Hawaii?<\/h2>\n

Hawaii\u2019s coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, but they\u2019re under threat. Scientists estimate that 14,000 tons of sunscreen wash into reef areas every year<\/strong>, adding to stress from warming oceans and pollution. Studies show that chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate\u2014now banned sunscreens in Hawaii<\/strong>\u2014contribute to coral bleaching.<\/p>\n

When coral bleaches, it loses the algae that give it color and life, leaving it pale, weak, and more prone to disease. For travelers snorkeling at Hanauma Bay on Oahu or exploring reefs off Maui, the sunscreen you wear directly impacts the underwater world you\u2019ve come to enjoy. That\u2019s why following reef safe sunscreen guidelines<\/strong> is critical.<\/p>\n

\"sunscreen\"

Trading in old sunscreen for reef safe versions. (Photo: Cindy Ellen Russel \/ Honolulu Star-Advertiser)<\/p><\/div>\n

What Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreen in Hawaii?<\/h2>\n

When shopping for sun protection, steer clear of these banned sunscreen ingredients<\/strong>:<\/p>\n