Recently, scientists found that some of the chemicals in sunscreen can destroy coral reefs. In case you need some background, that sunscreen we usually use to protect our skin from harmful UV radiation has chemical ingredients that are potentially harmful to marine ecosystems, especially to coral reefs. It is really concerning since coral reefs are one of the most precious ecosystems on earth that can give a positive impact to the ecosystem, beach protection, and tourism sector.


While we’re talking about sunscreen, there are two types of sunscreen based on its ingredients and how it works. Everyone, meet: chemical sunscreen and physical sunscreen. The main ingredients of chemical sunscreens are oxybenzone and octinoxate, while those in physical sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Chemical sunscreen works by absorbing sunlight and turning it into heat. Meanwhile physical sunscreen only reflects the light. The most-use sunscreen nowadays is chemical sunscreen, the one with dangerous impact to coral reefs and overall ecosystem. 


How can it possibly happen? Yep, research found that oxybenzone and other chemical ingredients in sunscreen is indeed designed to get rid of light energy and change it into heat, so it will stop sunburn. However, when sea water gets warm it gets rid of  algae that actually protects coral reefs from oxybenzone. That’s how coral reefs that we see turn to be white, this process called “bleaching” . According to research by NOAA in 2016, octinoxate and oxybenzone are the most toxic ingredients for marine biota, even if it’s only a little dose it can be the main cause of coral reef’s death. Furthermore, NOAA put forward that coral reefs who's still growing are the most seriously affected. Coral reefs turn white, have damage on its DNA (genotoxicity), its growth doesn’t seem normal (by endocrine disorders), and abnormalities in the shape of coral reefs.


When you think it’s over between sunscreen and marine biota.

Wait until you hear about another marine biota that is affected by sunscreen use. 



            It is important to prioritize the health and preservation of our marine ecosystems by making conscious choices and taking action to reduce our impact. By choosing reef-safe or ocean-friendly sunscreen products, we can minimize the negative effects of sunscreen on marine ecosystems and promote a healthier planet. We can use sunscreen with a more marine biota friendly, like sunscreen that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide non-nano, or sunscreen with natural ingredients of raspberry seed oil, carrot seed oil, wheat germ oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, and coconut oil.