Applying sunscreen before enjoying a hot beach day is a requirement that becomes essential if we want to protect our skin. It's a simple gesture that defends us against solar radiation, but... have you ever wondered what happens when that sunscreen ends up in the sea?
In recent years, various studies have focused on a worrying reality: many conventional sunscreens contain ingredients that are not only harmful to human health but also to marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs. It is a silent problem, yet with a great impact, which has already led some destinations to take action.
In this article, we tell you how the toxic ingredients in conventional sunscreens affect coral reefs, why they have been banned in certain places, and what alternatives you should choose to care for both your skin and the planet.
How some sunscreens harm the sea
Every time we enter the water after applying sunscreen, a part of that product washes off our skin and ends up in the ocean. It is estimated that up to 25,000 tons of sunscreen are released into the sea each year, especially in areas with a high influx of bathers.
The problem is not the amount of sunscreen applied, but its composition. Conventional sunscreens contain ingredients toxic to people and the environment. In the water, these harmful compounds can cause coral bleaching through a process in which they expel the algae that give them color and nutrients, altering their DNA to hinder their reproduction, and increasing their vulnerability to diseases.
Some of the most dangerous ingredients for the marine ecosystem are oxybenzone and octinoxate. The first of these is a very common UV filter in conventional sunscreens, but it interferes with the growth and development of corals, contributing to their bleaching. The second substance also accelerates coral bleaching by absorbing ultraviolet light.
If the sunscreen you use contains any of these ingredients, even in very low concentrations, it can cause significant damage to the environment. Furthermore, many of these compounds act as endocrine disruptors in people, substances capable of altering the proper functioning of the body's hormonal system.
Why is it so important to protect corals?
Coral reefs have a fundamental value in marine ecosystems. Although they occupy less than 1% of the seabed, it is estimated that they host around 25% of all oceanic biodiversity. Corals sustain many forms of life in the oceans, making them essential for the proper functioning of the sea.
Corals are created by the activity of coral polyps, which are invertebrates that live in colonies. These create calcium carbonate protections around themselves. When all these protections come together, the large structures that we know as reefs are created.
These ecosystems are very fragile and are in danger due to factors such as pollution, climate change, or the use of products with harmful ingredients. All of this has led to more than 50% of the world's coral reefs having died in the last 30 years.
The case of Hawaii: when environmental protection becomes law
The seriousness of the problem led Hawaii to make a historic decision. These islands are often full of tourists looking for sun and beaches, and many of them used conventional sunscreens. In 2018, a law was approved prohibiting the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.
The regulation came into force in 2021 and made Hawaii one of the first places in the world to regulate this type of product due to its environmental impact. The objective of this measure was clear: to protect its coral reefs not only as a natural treasure but also as a fundamental pillar for its marine life.
Since this law came into force, other destinations have also followed Hawaii's example. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Bonaire, Aruba, and some areas of Mexico.
These measures not only reflect a change in mindset regarding environmental protection but also a greater desire for respect for the environment and for our own health.
Are all sunscreens harmful?
The good news is that they are not. There are much more environmentally and body-friendly alternatives.
Sunscreens with mineral filters reflect UV radiation like a mirror, and the ingredients do not penetrate the body, making them generally more respectful of the body.
At Banbu, all our sunscreens are formulated with respectful ingredients, free of toxins and endocrine disruptors. In addition to caring for people's health, they also protect the environment.
The future depends on us
If no urgent measures are taken, coral reefs will continue to disappear and be damaged at an alarming rate. Although climate change remains the main threat, with small gestures such as using respectful sunscreens, we can help protect and preserve the environment.
Every choice counts, and opting for an ocean-friendly sunscreen is not only a gesture of environmental responsibility but also a way to contribute to the preservation of one of the planet's most valuable ecosystems.
Sun protection is essential, but it should not come at a hidden cost to health or the environment. Today, effective alternatives exist that care for both your skin and the oceans. The next time you pack your beach bag, remember that your sunscreen can make a difference. Enjoying the sea also means taking care of it.
