Best reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling
Which sunscreens are reef-safe, what Hawaii, Maui County, the US Virgin Islands, Aruba and Palau actually ban, and the best mineral sunscreens for snorkelers.
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Snorkelers spend hours face-down in the sun, often in places that have banned common sunscreen ingredients to protect coral. The fix is simple: wear a rash guard and use a mineral sunscreen on everything it does not cover.
What is banned where
| Place | What is restricted |
|---|---|
| Hawaii (state) | Oxybenzone and octinoxate |
| Maui County, Hawaii | Only mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) allowed for sale |
| US Virgin Islands | Oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene |
| Aruba | Oxybenzone |
| Bonaire | Oxybenzone and octinoxate |
| Palau | A list of ten chemicals including oxybenzone and octinoxate |
| Mexican marine parks and cenotes | Biodegradable sunscreen required; cenotes often ban all sunscreen |
Rules change; check before you travel. Whatever the local law, a mineral sunscreen is the safe choice.
How to read a label
- Active ingredients: look for zinc oxide (and optionally titanium dioxide) and nothing else.
- Avoid: oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), octinoxate (octyl methoxycinnamate), octocrylene, homosalate, avobenzone if you want the strictest standard.
- Non-nano: larger particles that are considered less likely to be absorbed by marine life.
- Water resistant (80 minutes): reapply after that, or after toweling.
Our picks
| Pick | Best for | Skip it if | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Stream2Sea mineral sunscreenBest for snorkelers | Long snorkel days | Those who dislike a visible tint | Check price |
Raw Elements zinc sunscreenBest water-resistant zinc | High-exposure days | Those wanting a clear finish | Check price |
Thinksport mineral sunscreenBest for kids | Children | Those wanting the lightest feel | Check price |
Badger mineral sunscreenBest gentle | Sensitive skin | Those who dislike a thick texture | Check price |
Sun Bum MineralBest easy-to-find | Buying it on the island | Strictest ingredient standards | Check price |
All Good mineral sunscreenBest stick for face | Faces, ears and noses | Full-body use | Check price |
How we chose
We looked for mineral-only active ingredients, water resistance, ease of application around a mask and availability at destinations. Formulas change, so always check the current label.
Best for snorkelers
Stream2Sea mineral sunscreen
A brand built around reef-friendly formulas, using non-nano mineral filters and publishing ingredient information.
- Filter
- Non-nano mineral
Good
- Designed for ocean use
Not so good
- Thicker texture
Best water-resistant zinc
Raw Elements zinc sunscreen
A high-zinc, water-resistant mineral sunscreen popular with surfers and snorkelers.
- Filter
- Non-nano zinc oxide
Good
- Very water-resistant
Not so good
- Leaves a white cast
Best for kids
Thinksport mineral sunscreen
A mineral sunscreen line with versions for kids and sensitive skin.
- Filter
- Zinc oxide
Good
- Kid-friendly
Not so good
- Needs rubbing in
Best gentle
Badger mineral sunscreen
Simple, short ingredient lists with zinc oxide.
- Filter
- Zinc oxide
Good
- Simple ingredients
Not so good
- Thick
Best easy-to-find
Sun Bum Mineral
Widely sold in Hawaii and beach towns; mineral versions use zinc oxide.
- Filter
- Mineral line
Good
- Easy to find
- Pleasant feel
Not so good
- Check you buy the mineral version
Best stick for face
All Good mineral sunscreen
Mineral sticks are easy to apply around the mask line without getting in your eyes.
- Format
- Stick and lotion
Good
- No running into eyes
Not so good
- Slow for large areas
Sun protection tips for snorkelers
- Wear a long-sleeve rash guard and consider leggings. The backs of your legs burn first.
- Apply sunscreen 15–30 minutes before you get in, so it bonds to your skin.
- Use a stick around the mask line so it does not run into your eyes.
- Reapply after 80 minutes or after toweling.
- Snorkel early. The sun is strongest from late morning to mid-afternoon.
See the full list of rules by destination in best places to snorkel in Hawaii and the best snorkeling in the Caribbean.
Questions people ask
What does reef-safe sunscreen mean?
Is zinc oxide reef-safe?
What sunscreen is banned in Hawaii?
Can I bring my own sunscreen to Hawaii?
Do I still need sunscreen if I wear a rash guard?
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