In 2018, Hawaii became the first state to ban the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. Sunscreens containing these chemicals have been shown to damage coral reefs and may even affect human health. I am extremely proud of my state for enacting this law, and think it’s important for everyone to understand how certain sunscreens can harm our marine ecosystem. In honor of this ban becoming effective as of January 1, 2021, I’m using this post as an opportunity to explain what you need to know about this landmark legislation.
According to National Geographic, 14,000 tons of sunscreen wash into our oceans each year. Once in the ocean, two active ingredients found in most chemical sunscreens—oxybenzone and octinoxate—are responsible for damaging coral reefs in the following ways:
Just a single drop of oxybenzone in an area the size of 6.5 Olympic swimming pools can induce coral stress. Now consider that at Trunk Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a popular tourist destination, up to 2,000 people can swim and snorkel near an offshore coral reef each day.
Both oxybenzone and octinoxate are active ingredients in most chemical sunscreens. These chemicals protect skin by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation; however, they also begin to break down once they’re exposed to the sun, leaving them free to wash off in the ocean.
In addition to harming reefs, chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate may also be dangerous for humans. Consider the following facts:
Hawaii is home to over 410,000 acres of living reefs. Coral reefs are some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on earth, providing food and protection to billions of fish and other marine life. Reefs also protect coastlines from erosion and create the beautiful white sand beaches found along Hawaii.
In addition to environmental benefits, reefs provide significant economic benefits to Hawaii, including job creation, recreational opportunities, tourism revenue, and food production.
In sum, reefs provide many important benefits for everyone living in and visiting our state.
The U.S. Virgin Islands also banned the sale of OTC sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2020. Both the City of Key West and California tried to pass similar bans over the last couple of years, but those bills have been unsuccessful thus far.
Outside of the U.S., the island territories of Aruba, Palau, and Bonaire have also banned the sale of reef-damaging sunscreens.
Opponents of Hawaii’s new law—which include the Hawaii Medical Association, the Hawaii Skin Cancer Coalition, and the Hawaii Food and Industry Association, to name a few—argue that the state’s residents and visitors won’t have affordable and accessible sunscreen options. I disagree.
Chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other potentially harmful ingredients aren’t necessary for full sun protection. Although most chemical sunscreens are broad-spectrum, meaning they protect against both UVA and UVB rays, physical sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are also broad-spectrum and, according to the organization Save the Reef, are considered to be reef-safe. Physical sunscreens also tend to be less irritating, don’t clog pores, and start working immediately.
Opponents of Hawaii’s new law argue that the state’s residents and visitors won’t have affordable and accessible sunscreen options. I disagree.
I know that many people choose chemical sunscreens over physical sunscreens because the latter can leave a white cast, but you can usually avoid this by rubbing your physical sunscreen together in your hands before applying it to your face and body. Also, try “patting” your sunscreen on rather than smearing it to help avoid streaking.
For all of the above reasons, I prefer physical sunscreens, and recommend them to my patients. Some of my favorite physical reef-safe sunscreens include All Good’s SPF 30 Sport Mineral Sunscreen, Badger’s SPF 35 Sport Mineral Sunscreen, and Mama KULEANA’s SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen. These brands have all been verified by Save the Reef and are well-priced for their quality and safety.
I couldn’t conclude a post about sunscreen without providing a few tips for minimizing your risk of sun damage. These suggestions don’t just apply to summer, either; make sure you follow them year-round:
Whether you live in Hawaii or simply love visiting our wonderful state, I invite you to join me for a personal consultation at my practice, the Breast Implant Center of Hawaii. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience specializing in breast augmentation, mommy makeovers, and gynecomastia surgery, I have helped countless men and women optimize their appearance. Contact my office online or call (808) 597-8835 to schedule your appointment.