Getting fried to a crisp is nobody’s idea of a fun diving holiday! Whether you are exploring the vibrant coral reefs of Balicasag or snorkeling with the school of sardines in Napaling, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is essential. But the way you protect yourself matters. Conventional sunscreens are often laden with chemicals that can be detrimental to the delicate marine environment. This is why we use non-nano reef-safe sunscreen.
What’s Wrong with Basic Sunscreen?
Basic sunscreen contains chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. When we swim, snorkel, or shower, these chemicals wash off our skin and end up in the ocean. These substances can cause coral bleaching, disrupt marine life reproduction, and ultimately contribute to the decline of delicate underwater ecosystems—something no eco-conscious diver wants to be responsible for.
Not All Reef-Safe Sunscreen is Equal
Reef-safe sunscreen, on the other hand, is formulated with mineral-based active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide rather than harmful chemicals. That said, not all reef-safe sunscreen is beyond reproach. Some products still contain nanoparticles—tiny particles of zinc or titanium small enough to penetrate the skin and, unfortunately, harm marine life.
These nanoparticles can be toxic to marine organisms when they dissolve in water. They are also likely to be ingested by small marine creatures like plankton, which are the foundation of the ocean food chain. As these particles move up the food chain, their negative impact multiplies, affecting larger marine species through biomagnification and bioaccumulation.
Enter Non-Nano Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Non-nano sunscreen uses larger particles of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that are too big to be absorbed into the skin or dissolved in water. These sunscreens provide a physical barrier on top of the skin, reflecting and scattering UV rays. Because the particles are too large to penetrate the skin or dissolve in water, non-nano sunscreens are considered safer for the reefs than other formulas.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
Unfortunately, the “Reef Safe” label is not regulated, and many manufacturers use it even on products that contain nanoparticles. You may see sunscreen brands use many different phrases such as “Ocean-Friendly”, “Organic”, and “Mineral Based” to promote their products, but the only way to be sure your sunscreen is actually reef-safe is to look for the specific term non-nano on the ingredients list.
As a Green Fins member and an aspiring sustainable diving operator, we only allow guests to use non-nano sunscreen when participating in our activities. If you do not have your reef-safe sunscreen with you, you will be happy to know that we stock a non-nano, Philippine-made sunscreen to protect both your skin and the marine environment during your visit.
Responsible Sun Protection
Maximize your sun protection by coupling your non-nano sunscreen with other responsible practices like covering up with rash vests, wearing wide-brimmed hats, and seeking shade whenever possible. Avoid spraying or misting sunscreen products as particles can be more easily inhaled or washed into the sea. Apply your sunscreen at least 20 minutes before entering the water to allow it to form a proper coating on your skin.
Cheat List: Chemical Blocklist
Chemicals that should be in your sunscreen blocklist include:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
- Octocrylene
- Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
- Methyl Paraben
- Ethyl Paraben
- Propylparaben
- Butyl Paraben
- Benzyl Paraben
- Triclosan
- Homosalate
- Octisalate
- Butyloctyl salicylic acid
- Propylparaben
- Any form of microplastic sphere or beads.
- Any nanoparticles like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
