Sunscreen is one of the important steps in your beauty routine, but we now know the product you choose can potentially have harmful effects—not only on your skin, but also on the environment. Luckily, a slew of beach-ready brands are offering skin- and reef-safe formulas to keep you—and our planet—a little more protected.
LIFEGUARD-APPROVED Frustrated by the lack of ocean-friendly natural sunscreens made with quality ingredients, a veteran lifeguard took it upon himself to create his own. Raw Elements, in partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, was the brand behind the first-ever World Reef Day, which kicked off a whole month of initiatives to spread awareness and create action to support the environment and sustainability. The collection of safe suncare includes face, body, lip and keiki formulas, as well plastic-free and tinted options. $6-$43, Kailua General Store, 316 Kuulei Road, Kailua
ISLAND ROOTS Thanks to Kuleana sunscreen, consumers are protected from UVA/UVB rays, while coral reefs are protected from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, two ingredients found in traditional sunscreens. The Maui-based brand’s sunscreen formula—like its original collection of all-natural beauty oils—uses locally grown macadamia nut and sunflower oils, and delivers skin-nourishing ingredients such as aloe extract, jojoba oil and pineapple fruit extract. $18
BEST FACE FORWARD Malu Protecting day cream + SPF 30 goes on silky smooth and can—and should—be worn daily to protect your precious face from the sun and everyday pollutants. Honua Hawaiian Skincare was created by an O‘ahu-born aesthetician who spent a fair share of her life in the sun, so you know you’re in good hands. Plus, a portion of the proceeds benefits Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii. $42
CALI COOL Beauty aficionados, you may already be aware of COOLA, a California-based company with an eco-conscious arsenal of product—but did you know many are reef-safe? Well, the new Mineral Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 is a light, water-resistant, oil-free formula that goes on sheer and doesn’t harm our ecosystem. Not to mention, a blend of antioxidants helps protect skin against free radicals, while a variety of plant-based ingredients promotes youthful-looking skin. $36, Nordstrom, Ala Moana Center