Reef Safe Sunscreen

Caring for Skin, Caring for Seas: Reef Safe Sunscreen

As part of my recovery process, I spent last winter away from the Cornish rain and explored part of the far east. My travels with my family started in Japan, then Thailand, Malaysia and then Sri Lanka. It was an amazing and healing experience, meeting with welcoming and warm people, trying new foods and customs. Living simply, day to day and swimming in warm seas.

Snorkelling around the waters of Koh Chang in Thailand I was so sad to see so much die back in some of the coral reefs. Dead, grey coral and the milky residue in the water. It really brought home to me the impact of sunscreen in our oceans and as it was Reef Awareness Day earlier this month I wanted to talk further about the causes and choices we can make to reduce this devastating trajectory.

A Positive Perspective on Sunscreen Choices

At Scence, we believe everyday rituals should feel good, do good, and tread lightly on the world around us. Sun care is one of those essential rituals. It protects our skin, supports long-term health, and allows us to enjoy time outdoors with confidence. At the same time, it offers an opportunity to make thoughtful choices that support the wellbeing of our oceans.

You may have seen growing discussion around certain sunscreen ingredients and their impact on marine environments, particularly coral reefs. Some commonly used chemical UV filters, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been studied for their potential effects on coral health and marine ecosystems.

Research has shown that, in laboratory settings, these ingredients can contribute to coral stress, including bleaching and disruption to growth and reproduction. Scientists have also explored how these compounds interact with marine life more broadly, including fish and algae, where effects on development and photosynthesis have been observed.

This research is important. It helps us understand the wider impact of what we use every day. But it is equally important to approach this conversation with balance and optimism.

A Positive Shift in Awareness

What is encouraging is how quickly awareness is growing. Consumers are asking better questions. Brands are innovating. Regulations are evolving in response to emerging science. Places like Hawaii and Palau have already taken steps to limit certain ingredients, helping to protect delicate reef ecosystems. This is exactly how meaningful change happens, not through fear, but through informed, positive choices.

At Scence, we see this as part of a wider movement. People want products that align with their values, that care for their bodies and the planet in equal measure. That shift is powerful.

Choosing Thoughtfully, Not Perfectly

It is worth remembering that sunscreen itself is essential. Protecting your skin from UV damage is one of the most important things you can do for your health. The goal is not to avoid sunscreen, but to choose options that feel right for you and your environment.

Many people are now exploring alternatives such as mineral-based sunscreens, which use ingredients like zinc oxide to sit on the skin and reflect UV rays. These are often considered a more ocean-conscious option, particularly when formulated without nanoparticles.

At the same time, simple habits can make a difference:

• Applying sunscreen well before entering the water
• Wearing hats and protective clothing where possible
• Choosing products with carefully considered ingredient lists

These small choices add up.

A Broader View of Impact

Sunscreen is just one part of a much bigger environmental picture. Plastic pollution, climate change, and water quality all play significant roles in the health of our oceans. While ingredient choices matter, they sit within this wider context.

That is why at Scence we think holistically. Packaging, sourcing, formulation, and lifecycle all matter. It is about reducing impact across the board, not focusing on a single issue in isolation. This is why our zinc formulation is reef safe, non-nano and offers SPF30  broad spectrum protection.

Innovation and Responsibility

The beauty of this moment is the opportunity it creates. Science is advancing. New UV filters are being developed. Formulations are becoming more sophisticated, balancing performance with environmental responsibility.

Brands have a role to play here, not just in responding to concerns, but in leading with integrity and transparency. Consumers, in turn, are more empowered than ever to support companies that reflect their values.

Moving Forward Together

The conversation around sunscreen and marine health is not about guilt. It is about awareness, curiosity, and progress. By choosing thoughtfully, staying informed, and supporting responsible innovation, we can continue to enjoy the benefits of sun protection while caring for the natural world that inspires us.

At Scence, that balance sits at the heart of everything we do. Gentle on skin. Mindful of nature. And always evolving.

Thanks for being here!

Krista

PS Did you know that June 1st is Reef Awareness Day?

Scence SPF30 Reef Safe Sunscreen.