#Badger sunscreen ewg free

The worst of the bunch… Oxybenzone and octinoxate. Potentially Harmful Ingredients You Want To Avoid In Sunscreen

#Badger sunscreen ewg free

again, sunscreen is obviously not the only cause leading to coral reef damage, using sunscreen that is free of harmful ingredients such as those listed below, is one simple way you can help protect coral reefs and aquatic life.

And, while there is no one single solution when it comes to protecting them, i.e. These chemicals impair the growth and photosynthesis of plants and algae. Unfortunately, sunscreen ingredients have also been found to adversely affect other marine life. Without these algae, the coral “bleaches” (turns white), and often dies.”Ī separate study, published in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, shares Consumer Reports, also found that “baby coral exposed to oxybenzone exhibited signs of distress, including coral bleaching, a condition that leaves coral vulnerable to infection and prevents it from getting the nutrients it needs to survive.” The coral then becomes sick and expel their life-giving algae. “Researchers testing the effects of sunscreen on corals,” reports the National Park Service, explain that chemicals in sunscreen, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, “can awaken coral viruses. So please note, I am not advocating that reef-safe sunscreen is the one and only solution to saving our reefs!īut, as shares the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, scientists have discovered that certain chemical ingredients found in our sunscreen products are also harming the coral on our reefs. There are numerous reasons as to why our coral reefs are being threatened - climate change, unsustainable fishing, land-based pollution, coastal development, disease, and invasive species. According to Be Reef Safe, it is estimated that more than 60% of the world’s coral reefs are at risk. It is estimated that every year, anywhere between 4,000 and 6,000 tons (!) of sunscreen washes into our oceans and deposits in coral reef areas, with the greatest damage found in popular reef areas in Hawaii and the Caribbean. Bonus if its packaged in eco-friendly materials, too.īelow I’ve included a list of non toxic and “reef-safe” sunscreen brands you might consider trying out.īut first, a few facts. While conventional sunscreen is better than no sunscreen at all, I personally prefer using non toxic sunscreen brands whenever possible. Is sunscreen part of your everyday skincare routine? If it’s not, maybe it’s time to consider adding it to your morning repertoire.