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Summer is the time to get outside. Whether it’s relaxing by the pool, boat rides on the lake, hikes in the mountains, or brunch alfresco, it’s important to take advantage of those warm, sunny days while we have them. But increased time outdoors comes with increased risks of sun exposure.
Applying sunscreen can allow for some sun exposure without potential hazardous effects. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, regular daily use of sunscreen, even at a lower sun protection factor of 15, can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40% and lower your melanoma risk by 50%. Sunscreen usage also can help reduce wrinkles, sagging and age spots.
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With so many sunscreen options — lotions, sprays, solids — it can be tough to choose the right one for you, and it can be tougher to choose one that keeps your skin and the environment safe. These reviews will help you find the perfect reef-safe sunscreen for your next outdoor adventure.
Keep it natural
Finding personal care products made from safe, clean ingredients can be tricky. Lathering up with a sunscreen you know features natural ingredients will give you the peace of mind you need for maximum enjoyment of the outdoors. You also get bonus points for taking care of the environment.
Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+: $19.95 List Price | A top-rated option for natural sunscreens among Amazon users, Reef Repair’s Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a revolutionary cream that is as effective as it is safe. Enjoy broad-spectrum, chemical-free protection from the sun. And it doesn’t stop at sun protection; Reef Repair features organic red raspberry seed and coconut oil for extra moisture.
Coola Organic Sunscreen & Sunblock Body Lotion: $32 List Price | A plant-based, organic body sunscreen that will see you through busy days in the sun. Free of GMO ingredients, gluten, and parabens, this lightweight, guava mango scented sunscreen will be your new everyday go-to. With more than 1,000 five-star ratings, this product rates as a consumer favorite.
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion: $18.49 List Price | With Vitamin E as a key ingredient, this vegan and reef-friendly option has proven strong enough to handle the sizzling sun in Sun Bum’s corporate headquarters of Cocoa Beach, Florida. Free of oil and chemicals, this sunscreen doesn’t stick to your skin. As far as aromas, this one boasts what some users have dubbed the smell of summer. Who doesn’t need that scent in their life?
A first-line defense against facial wrinkles and sunspots
The (not so) secret to a smooth, glowing complexion isn’t expensive serums and treatments — it’s SPF. Applying sunscreen to your face daily will help keep you looking young, bright, and healthy. These noncomedogenic, reef-safe sunscreens are specifically formulated for delicate facial skin.
Coral Safe SPF 50 Face Stick: $11.97 List Price | An eco-friendly, biodegradable solid sun stick that’s designed to go on clear forms a protective layer between the skin that’s most susceptible to sun damage and powerful UV rays. This pocket-sized, TSA-safe solid is perfect for travel.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen: $38 List Price | This weightless, invisible formula is perfect for all skin types and tones. SPF 40 offers broad protection and the antioxidant-rich, reef-friendly formula glides easily onto skin and doubles as a primer for makeup. But it’s not just for ladies — because of its clear texture, this sunscreen makes for a beard-friendly option.
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen: $20.49 List Price | This lightly tinted, zinc-based, reef-safe sunscreen glides onto the skin like butter. You’re left with a clean, matte finish and broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Nearly 90% of users who purchased this product gave it a four- or five-star rating.
