6 Destinations with Sunscreen Bans, and What You Need to Know

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Think the plastic straws you gave up sipping from are bad for our oceans? It’s time to consider the same about the sunscreen you use. Non-biodegradable sunscreens that contain harsh chemicals like oxybenzone have been proven to be toxic to coral reefs and other sea life. But travelers haven’t been as quick to widely abandon them for a natural alternative—so now some destinations are enacting sunscreen bans themselves.

Here are some of the most popular destinations that have banned non-biodegradable sunscreens, and how you can switch to a responsible alternative.

U.S. Virgin Islands

In 2019, the U.S. Virgin Islands announced a ban on chemical sunscreens that are harmful to coral reefs, outlawing all imports and sales of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. The bill was signed into law in July 2019, and its terms went into effect in March 2020.

Hawaii

The reef-rich state of Hawaii voted to ban the sale of sunscreens that contain the reef-damaging chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate as of 2021. Experts have said the move is an effort to put pressure on sunscreen manufacturers to better label and produce natural sunscreens that use equally effective zinc oxide, which doesn’t harm reefs.

“In my lifetime, our planet has lost about half its coral reefs. We’ve got to take action to make sure we can protect the other half as best we can because we know that time is against us,” said Hawaii Senator Chris Lee. The ban doesn’t include cosmetic products like SPF makeup, or sunscreens prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons.

Key West, Florida

Key West, Florida—the home of the largest coral reef in the continental United States—followed Hawaii in enacting a non-biodegradable sunscreen ban on its businesses. As of 2021, no stores in Key West can carry sunscreens that contain the reef-damaging chemicals.

Key West leaders have said they hope the move will spread awareness about the issue and encourage travelers to buy natural sunscreens that work just as well. “There are thousands of sunscreens out there, and we have one reef,” Key West Mayor Teri Johnston said of the move. “And we have an opportunity to do one small thing to protect that. I believe it’s our obligation.”

Bonaire

In 2018, the Caribbean island of Bonaire unanimously voted to ban the sale of reef-killing sunscreens in its stores by 2021. Now, any sunscreens containing the ingredient oxybenzone are off-limits on the island. Scientists studying the effects of oxybenzone and octinoxate on reefs have conducted research in the Caribbean and said “about 90 percent of the reefs in the Caribbean have disappeared since 1980.”

Palau

But it’s not just the U.S. and Caribbean banning harsh sunscreens—parts of the Pacific are starting to follow suit. In 2020, the archipelago nation of Palau became the first country to enact a sunscreen ban. Palau lawmakers have said businesses could be fined up to $1,000 for selling non-biodegradable sunscreens.

“The power to confiscate sunscreens should be enough to deter their non-commercial use, and these provisions walk a smart balance between educating tourists and scaring them away,” former Palau President Tommy Remengesau said of the change.

Mexican Vacation Spots

While there are many popular vacation spots in Mexico where typical sunscreen is accepted, many natural preserves require visitors to stick to reef-safe, biodegradable options. Popular cenote swimming holes in the Riviera Maya that are home to copious animal life typically require visitors to only use natural sunscreens. Ecotourism preserves and natural water parks like Xel Ha, Xcaret Park, Garrafon Natural Reef Park, and similar spots in Cozumel and Playa del Carmen have banned the use of chemical sunscreens from their parks.

How to Find Natural Sunscreen

Once you’re at your destination, resorts and shops can (and will) charge a pretty penny for natural sunscreens. Stock up before you go to avoid the price gouge, and order online to ensure you get the best price. Avoid all aerosol sunscreens (spritzing sprays are fine), and check the ingredients list yourself to make sure oxybenzone and octinoxate aren’t listed; not all sunscreens marketed as “natural” are actually reef safe. Truly natural sunscreens typically list zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as an active ingredient.

SmarterTravel’s Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel. Follow her on Instagram @shanmcmahon.

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