The Surprising Truth Behind Your Favorite Sunscreen

As surfers, we often take our love for the ocean and its waves for granted. We'll paddle out to catch a gnarly wave, feeling the rush of adrenaline as we ride it all the way to shore. But have you ever stopped to think about how your daily routine affects the environment?

Let's consider a scenario: you're out surfing at a popular beach on a sunny summer morning. You spend a few hours catching waves and soaking up the sun. As you're packing up to leave, you notice that the beach is littered with discarded plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other trash. The smell of sunscreen wafts through the air, and you wonder if it's really worth the environmental cost.

But here's the thing: many commercial sunscreens are made from a chemical called oxybenzone, which has been linked to coral bleaching and other marine life problems. And that's not all - many popular brands use palm oil, a tropical tree that's ravaged by deforestation and habitat destruction. Palm oil is also a key ingredient in many cosmetics and food products.

The Problem with Commercial Sunscreens

Commercial sunscreens are designed to be easy to apply and provide broad-spectrum protection. But this often comes at the cost of environmental impact. Here are some reasons why:

• Palm oil: As mentioned earlier, palm oil is a major contributor to deforestation and habitat destruction. By using it in sunscreen production, manufacturers are indirectly contributing to these problems.
• Chemicals: Many commercial sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone, which have been linked to coral bleaching and other marine life problems. These chemicals can also harm human skin, including causing allergic reactions and rashes.
• Packaging waste: Commercial sunscreens are often packaged in single-use plastic bottles that contribute to ocean pollution and waste.

The Eco-Friendly Alternative

But there's hope! There are many eco-friendly sunscreen alternatives available, made from natural ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and plant-based oils. These products are just as effective at protecting your skin from the sun, but they're gentler on the environment.

Here are some examples of eco-friendly sunscreens:

• Badger Balm Mineral Sunscreen: Made with organic zinc oxide, this sunscreen is free from oxybenzone and other chemicals.
• Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen: This mineral-based sunscreen is made from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and is free from palm oil and other harsh chemicals.
• Kopari Coconut Oil Sunscreen: This product uses coconut oil to provide broad-spectrum protection, with no chemicals or artificial fragrances.

Palm-Free Sunscreens

If you're looking for even more eco-friendly options, consider searching for sunscreens that are certified by organizations like the Reef-Safe Alliance. These certifications ensure that the products meet strict standards for environmental sustainability and coral reef conservation.

Here are some palm-free sunscreen brands to look out for:

• Supergoop! Mineral Sunscreen: This sunscreen is made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and is free from palm oil.
• EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50: This sunscreen is certified by the Reef-Safe Alliance and is made from zinc oxide.

Conclusion

As surfers, we know that our passion for the ocean should be balanced with a commitment to environmental sustainability. By choosing eco-friendly sunscreens and making conscious choices in our daily routines, we can reduce our impact on the environment and protect the marine life that depends on us. So next time you're out surfing or just running errands, remember: your skin is just as important as the ocean it's surrounded by. Here are some eco-friendly sunscreen alternatives made from natural ingredients:

And here are some palm-free sunscreen brands:

When shopping for sunscreen, be sure to read the ingredient labels and look for certifications from organizations like the Reef-Safe Alliance. These certifications ensure that the products meet strict standards for environmental sustainability and coral reef conservation.

Here's a comparison table of some popular commercial sunscreens:

Note: SPF values may vary depending on the product and location.

Join our community on Discord: