The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen Is Gentler on Skin—And the Planet
With that in mind, below are 10 of the best reef-safe sunscreens to swap into your routine. From easy-to-pack SPF sticks and lightweight body mists to tinted formulas that double as makeup, each one is vetted with input from leading dermatologists.
Vogue's Favorite Reef-Safe Sunscreens:
In This Story:
Best Overall: Ultra Violette Velvet Screen
Why We Love It: 'Made with zinc oxide, this mineral-based SPF 50 sunscreen offers a matte finish and contains Kakadu plum as a source of antioxidants and pentavitin, a plant-based carbohydrate complex that helps moisturize the skin,' explains Dr. Camp. It has a velvety texture that feels great on the skin—never sticky or chalky. And unlike a lot of sunscreens that leave behind a shiny, almost glittery finish, this one delivers a matte, skin-like effect that works like a real-life blur filter.
'Made with zinc oxide, this mineral-based SPF 50 sunscreen offers a matte finish and contains Kakadu plum as a source of antioxidants and pentavitin, a plant-based carbohydrate complex that helps moisturize the skin,' explains Dr. Camp. It has a velvety texture that feels great on the skin—never sticky or chalky. And unlike a lot of sunscreens that leave behind a shiny, almost glittery finish, this one delivers a matte, skin-like effect that works like a real-life blur filter. Chemical or Physical: Physical
Physical Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, kakadu plum, pentavitin
Zinc oxide, kakadu plum, pentavitin SPF Level: 50
50 Texture: Cream
Cream Size: 1.7 oz
Best Spray: Soleil Toujours Clean Conscious Antioxidant Sunscreen Mist
Soleil Toujours
Clean Conscious Antioxidant Sunscreen Mist
$36
AMAZON
Why We Love It: While the packaging alone caught our eye when we were first introduced to it, Soleil Toujours also has anti-aging benefits in addition to sun protection, thanks to its formula packed with aloe leaf juice, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman says, 'This is great for those looking for sun protection but also wanting to target concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and blemishes.' It goes on clear (no white cast, we promise!) and, because it's a spray, it's super easy to reapply every few hours.
While the packaging alone caught our eye when we were first introduced to it, Soleil Toujours also has anti-aging benefits in addition to sun protection, thanks to its formula packed with aloe leaf juice, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman says, 'This is great for those looking for sun protection but also wanting to target concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and blemishes.' It goes on clear (no white cast, we promise!) and, because it's a spray, it's super easy to reapply every few hours. Chemical or Physical: Chemical
Chemical Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, vitamin C, vitamin E
Aloe leaf juice, vitamin C, vitamin E SPF Level: 50
50 Texture: Spray
Spray Size: 6 oz
Best Scent: Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen
Why We Love It: An ode to her mother who lost her life to melanoma skin cancer, Trisha Trimble, the founder of Suntegrity, is not cutting corners when it comes to her brand's formulations. Designed for the body, this mineral sunscreen is made with 20% non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide, which Dr. Spearman says makes it reef-safe and effective. That said, she notes it's lightly scented, so those with sensitive skin may want to steer clear.
An ode to her mother who lost her life to melanoma skin cancer, Trisha Trimble, the founder of Suntegrity, is not cutting corners when it comes to her brand's formulations. Designed for the body, this mineral sunscreen is made with 20% non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide, which Dr. Spearman says makes it reef-safe and effective. That said, she notes it's lightly scented, so those with sensitive skin may want to steer clear. Chemical or Physical: Physical
Physical Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, cucumber extract, pomegranate seed oil
Green tea extract, cucumber extract, pomegranate seed oil SPF Level: 30
30 Texture: Cream
Cream Size: 3 oz, 5 oz
Best Drugstore: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Blue Lizard
Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
$11
AMAZON
Why We Love It: A drugstore classic (now with new packaging!), this is a great option if you don't want to spend a lot on sunscreen and (or!) have plenty of kids to slather. Dr. Spearman explains that it's formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it reef-safe, and a 'very good option for sensitive skin.' She also notes that it's water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so whether you're headed to swim practice or the beach, you're covered.
A drugstore classic (now with new packaging!), this is a great option if you don't want to spend a lot on sunscreen and (or!) have plenty of kids to slather. Dr. Spearman explains that it's formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it reef-safe, and a 'very good option for sensitive skin.' She also notes that it's water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so whether you're headed to swim practice or the beach, you're covered. Chemical or Physical: Physical
Physical Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, aloe vera
Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, aloe vera SPF Level: 50
50 Texture: Cream
Cream Size: 3 oz
Best Lotion: Vacation Mineral Lotion
Why We Love It: Not your mother's sunscreen—this chic mineral lotion from Vacation is 'a non-nano mineral formula with zinc oxide and includes ingredients like niacinamide and shea butter for nourishing and regulating the skin,' says Dr. Spearman. Unlike some of the brand's other formulations, this one is fragrance-free, which she notes is ideal for sensitive skin types.
Not your mother's sunscreen—this chic mineral lotion from Vacation is 'a non-nano mineral formula with zinc oxide and includes ingredients like niacinamide and shea butter for nourishing and regulating the skin,' says Dr. Spearman. Unlike some of the brand's other formulations, this one is fragrance-free, which she notes is ideal for sensitive skin types. Chemical or Physical: Physical
Physical Key Ingredients: S hea butter, niacinamide, cucumber extract, zinc oxide, vitamin E
hea butter, niacinamide, cucumber extract, zinc oxide, vitamin E SPF Level: 30
30 Texture: Cream
Cream Size: 3.4 oz
Best Tinted: Iris&Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50
Why We Love It: If base makeup feels like too much in the summer heat, might we suggest adding Weekend Skin to your routine? It comes in four sheer, radiant shades—pale pink glow, golden glow, bronze glow, and a universal glow if you want something more classic. You can also use it as a makeup primer if you decide to layer on more coverage. Aside from how good it looks on the skin, it's formulated with niacinamide, vitamin C, and it's reef-safe. 'If you have dry skin and uneven texture, this one is great,' adds Dr. Spearman.
If base makeup feels like too much in the summer heat, might we suggest adding Weekend Skin to your routine? It comes in four sheer, radiant shades—pale pink glow, golden glow, bronze glow, and a universal glow if you want something more classic. You can also use it as a makeup primer if you decide to layer on more coverage. Aside from how good it looks on the skin, it's formulated with niacinamide, vitamin C, and it's reef-safe. 'If you have dry skin and uneven texture, this one is great,' adds Dr. Spearman. Chemical or Physical: Physical
Physical Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, zinc oxide
Vitamin C, niacinamide, zinc oxide SPF Level: 50
50 Texture: Cream
Cream Size: 1.18 oz
Best Broad-Spectrum Formula: Dune The Bodyguard Invisible Gel Sunscreen
Why We Love It: 'Made with hibiscus fruit extract, neem leaf and flower extract, and vitamin E, this SPF 30 sea salt–scented, gel-based chemical sunscreen is reef-safe, offers broad spectrum coverage, and is water resistant for up to 40 minutes,' says Dr. Camp. And like the name implies, it's an invisible gel formula, so if you've ever had a beach vacation photo ruined by a white cast, you're in the clear (literally).
'Made with hibiscus fruit extract, neem leaf and flower extract, and vitamin E, this SPF 30 sea salt–scented, gel-based chemical sunscreen is reef-safe, offers broad spectrum coverage, and is water resistant for up to 40 minutes,' says Dr. Camp. And like the name implies, it's an invisible gel formula, so if you've ever had a beach vacation photo ruined by a white cast, you're in the clear (literally). Chemical or Physical: Chemical
Chemical Key Ingredients: Hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract, neem leaf extract, flower extract, vitamin E
Hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract, neem leaf extract, flower extract, vitamin E SPF Level: 30
30 Texture: Gel
Gel Size: 8.4 oz
Best Glowy: Kosas DreamBeam Mineral Sunscreen
Why We Love It: 'Available in peach or golden hues, this lightweight SPF 40 mineral sunscreen is also rated for UVA protection,' says Dr. Camp. Thanks to a formula that includes peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, it works well as a standalone product or a hydrating base under makeup. It now comes in two mini sizes too, making it perfect for travel or tossing in your bag for quick midday touch-ups (which you should be doing every two to three hours, FYI).
'Available in peach or golden hues, this lightweight SPF 40 mineral sunscreen is also rated for UVA protection,' says Dr. Camp. Thanks to a formula that includes peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, it works well as a standalone product or a hydrating base under makeup. It now comes in two mini sizes too, making it perfect for travel or tossing in your bag for quick midday touch-ups (which you should be doing every two to three hours, FYI). Chemical or Physical: Physical
Physical Key Ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid SPF Level: 40
40 Texture: Cream
Cream Size: 1.3 oz
Best Sunscreen Stick: Cay Skin Isle Invisible Sunstick
Cay Skin
Invisible Sunstick
$24
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Not only is this sunscreen stick TSA-approved and easy to apply and reapply, but Dr. Camp assures us it's safe to use on the lips and even over makeup without disturbing it. The stick is totally clear, so there's no white cast to worry about, and it's water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice for everyday sweating, outdoor activities, and even snorkeling through the coral reef if you're lucky enough to find yourself there.
Not only is this sunscreen stick TSA-approved and easy to apply and reapply, but Dr. Camp assures us it's safe to use on the lips and even over makeup without disturbing it. The stick is totally clear, so there's no white cast to worry about, and it's water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice for everyday sweating, outdoor activities, and even snorkeling through the coral reef if you're lucky enough to find yourself there. Chemical or Physical: Chemical
Chemical Key Ingredients: Sea moss, jojoba oil, aloe stem cells
Sea moss, jojoba oil, aloe stem cells SPF Level: 35
35 Texture: Balm
Balm Size: 0.5 oz
Best for Mature Skin: Augustinus Bader The Mineral Sunscreen
Why We Love It: Fans of The Rich Cream can breathe a sigh of relief—Augustinus Bader has finally ventured into TCF8-infused sunscreen. Dr. Camp explains that non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the active ingredients in this mineral-based, reef-safe SPF 50, which also contains microalgae extract and cotton seed extract. It leaves a nice sheer finish on the skin, though it may take a few sweeping motions to fully blend in without any white cast.
Fans of The Rich Cream can breathe a sigh of relief—Augustinus Bader has finally ventured into TCF8-infused sunscreen. Dr. Camp explains that non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the active ingredients in this mineral-based, reef-safe SPF 50, which also contains microalgae extract and cotton seed extract. It leaves a nice sheer finish on the skin, though it may take a few sweeping motions to fully blend in without any white cast. Chemical or Physical: Physical
Physical Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, microalgae extract, cotton seed extract, raspberry seed oil
Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, microalgae extract, cotton seed extract, raspberry seed oil SPF Level: 50
50 Texture: Cream
Cream Size: 1 oz
Everything You Need to Know
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
95% of People Don't Get Enough Fiber —These 6 Dietitian-Approved Tips Helped Me
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RDKey Points Most Americans are not eating enough fiber, a nutrient which is important for our health. There are several ways you can incorporate fiber-rich foods throughout the day to increase your intake. The key is eating a variety of different high-fiber foods daily to best meet your 1 out of 20 Americans are consuming the recommended amount of dietary fiber each day. Yes, you read that number correctly: 1 out of 20. Fiber is a type of indigestible carbohydrate. The fact that it's nondigestible is a good thing because it helps things move through your digestive tract, feeds your beneficial gut bacteria and helps prevent constipation. In other words, it keeps you regular. Fiber also helps us regulate our blood sugar levels, helps balance cholesterol levels, lowers the risk of certain cancers such as colon, assists our digestive health and helps us feel satisfied from what we're eating. There are two main categories of fiber: Soluble fiber that dissolves in water and can be metabolized by the 'good' bacteria in the gut. Insoluble fiber that does not dissolve in water and adds bulk to our stool. We need both types, and a total daily intake of about 25 to 30 grams per day for adults. Many people are simply not consuming enough, and if you are only consuming a side of veggies at dinner, it may not be enough to meet your needs. For example, 1 cup of cooked broccoli has about 3.8 grams of fiber—only about 14% of your daily needs. The key is to add various foods throughout your day in order to meet your fiber requirement. Even as a dietitian, I have to put some effort into making sure that I get enough fiber each day. These are six small changes that have helped me reach my goals. 1. Don't Fear Fruit Many people try to avoid fruit because of the sugar content. However, fruit is your friend because though it is naturally sweet, it contains numerous vitamins and minerals as well as fiber. I always find ways to add fruit during the day, and this helps with my fiber intake goals. For instance, I add fruit to yogurt, cereal, smoothies and salads, and I snack on fruit on its own. One Fuji apple with the skin has 2 grams of fiber. One cup of blackberries has about 8 grams of fiber. Fruits can vary in the amount of fiber they contain, so consuming a variety is your best bet. 2. Add Beans to Your Meals Beans are a great way to get in more fiber daily. There is a variety to choose from, and opting for canned beans can save you time compared to preparing them from dried. They are also great for those looking for a plant-based protein option. Black beans happen to be my favorite and have about 7 grams of fiber per ½ cup. I love adding black beans to my baked potatoes and also in my soups and salads. Chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) are also a great option to add to salads, pasta dishes or even roasted as a snack. One half-cup of chickpeas will provide about 7 grams of fiber for your day. 3. Start Your Day with Oats I am a big fan of oatmeal, and it can be a great way to start the day. I love the versatility of flavors and ingredients I can add to customize it. Plus, one half-cup of old-fashioned rolled oats provides about 10 grams of fiber—about one-third of your daily needs. Oats are often thought of as a warm and comforting type of porridge, but you can also make overnight oats, which are perfect to prep ahead so you can grab and go in the morning. Adding fruit to your oats can also increase the fiber they contain. For example, topping your oatmeal with ½ cup of raspberries will add almost 5 more grams of fiber. 4. Opt for Whole Grains I will never give up pasta, and you don't have to either. One reason I love pasta so much is that it's easy to add ingredients, such as beans and vegetables, to increase the fiber content. But to take it a step further, I try to choose a whole-wheat or whole-grain pasta noodle when I can. One cup of whole-grain pasta provides about 5 grams of fiber, compared to about 2 grams per cup in pastas that are not made with whole grains. Be thoughtful about the protein content in your pasta toppers as well. If you are not ready to go completely plant-based, you can add white beans in addition to another protein source like meatballs to increase your fiber intake. One half-cup of canned white beans provides about 7 grams of fiber. 5. Snack Smart Snacks can also be a great way to up your fiber intake. I mentioned fruit above, but there are some other high-fiber foods that make great snacks as well. Sometimes I'll make my own trail mix with grains, nuts and seeds, which is not only tasty and satisfying, but also gives me a boost in fiber for my day. For example, if you mix together 3 cups of microwave-popped popcorn, 1 ounce of pumpkin seeds and 1 ounce of almonds, you'll have a snack with about 8 grams of fiber. To round out the flavors, I like to add something to sweeten it, such as dried cranberries or chocolate chips. 6. Eat More Vegetables Like fruits, vegetables provide us with a variety of vitamins, minerals and fiber—and different types of vegetables offer different benefits. It's recommended to consume about five servings daily, which can be spaced out throughout the day. I like adding leafy green vegetables to smoothies and omelets for a boost of nutrients and fiber in the morning. Salads, pastas, soups and sauces can be other great ways to get in more vegetables. And including a veggie side at dinner can be helpful, too. A half-cup of cooked Brussels sprouts provides about 3 grams of fiber. Even starchy vegetables contain fiber. One ear of corn will add 2 grams to your day. The key is to make vegetables a regular part of your meals, and to consume a variety to meet your needs. Our Expert Take Several foods can contribute fiber to your diet, which is why it's important to find ways to incorporate them throughout the day. This could include oats in the morning, nuts as a snack, whole-grain pasta for dinner and various fruits and vegetables throughout the day. The key is variety and finding ways to add in high-fiber foods that you enjoy. That way, your fiber intake can gradually increase in a way that feels sustainable for you. Nutrition is also more nuanced than being told not to eat a certain food or to concentrate on only one food group. Except in cases of allergy or intolerance, no one food can cause disease or illness, and no one food will cure it. They all work in harmony together, and there are a lot of ways to meet your needs. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
CNN
41 minutes ago
- CNN
Having trouble experiencing joy? This may be why
Dr. Judith Joseph says joy isn't just a nice-to-have — it's a part of who we are. 'We are built with that DNA for joy. It's our birthright as human beings,' she told me recently. Joseph is a board-certified psychiatrist and researcher who has made it her mission to study joy — and what prevents people from feeling it. Her work, including her new book, 'High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy,' has drawn widespread attention, in part due to her pioneering research into the condition of high-functioning depression, which is finally being taken seriously. 'I wanted people to learn that, listen, depression looks different,' Joseph said. 'There are some people who struggle with anhedonia, (which means) a lack of joy,' Joseph told me. 'They don't seem depressed (but) you don't have to have sadness to meet criteria for depression.' Joseph includes herself among those individuals who have had high-functioning depression, and she noted that 'many of us are pathologically productive.' One of the biggest challenges in self-identifying high-functioning depression, she said, is that some people experience psychological barriers such as anhedonia and alexithymia, which is a difficulty in identifying and expressing emotions. Both can kill joy and are often overlooked in conversations about mental health because you can still function at work and at home, at least according to everyone else. Joseph unlocked more joy in her life through strong connections with family and community. Her joy, she said, also comes from helping others access their own. But that took time to discover. She not only did clinical studies on high-functioning depression but she herself experienced it, even as she racked up accolades professionally. 'That was me in 2020,' Joseph said. 'I wore this mask. On the outside it looked like everything was great — I was running my lab, I had a small child, a perfect family, I was on TV. But I was struggling with anhedonia,' or the inability to feel pleasure. So how do you combat it? Validation: Name how you feel. Acknowledge it. Accept it. 'If we don't know how we feel, if we can't name it, we're confused, it's uncertain. We feel anxious, so naming how you feel and accepting it is so important,' Joseph explained. Venting: Find someone you trust to express what you are going through, with a caveat. If you are not talking to a mental health professional, Joseph said to beware of 'trauma dumping' on friends and family. 'You want to check in. You want to ask for emotional consent and say, 'Is this a good time?'' Values: What gives you meaning and purpose in life? 'Think about things that are priceless. … I used to chase the accolades, the achievements, those are things that, you know, at the end of the day I'm not gonna talk about on my deathbed,' she said. Vitals: These are the things that keep you alive and well: healthy food, consistent exercise and good sleep. They're easy to say but hard for many of us to do. Vision: This is difficult to have when you are blinded by your own discomfort. But the joy doctor recommends you plan for more joy and stop revisiting the past. Do not try to do all of these at once or in rapid succession, Joseph warned me. 'Don't be high functioning,' she said, when it comes to this process. It's not another problem at work. It's your life. And remember: Happiness is external and a short-term fix like the rush you get when you buy something new or win an award. Joy is internal. 'It's harnessed within,' Joseph said. 'You don't have to teach a child joy. We are built with it.' Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
CNN
42 minutes ago
- CNN
Having trouble experiencing joy? This may be why
Mental healthFacebookTweetLink Follow Dr. Judith Joseph says joy isn't just a nice-to-have — it's a part of who we are. 'We are built with that DNA for joy. It's our birthright as human beings,' she told me recently. Joseph is a board-certified psychiatrist and researcher who has made it her mission to study joy — and what prevents people from feeling it. Her work, including her new book, 'High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy,' has drawn widespread attention, in part due to her pioneering research into the condition of high-functioning depression, which is finally being taken seriously. 'I wanted people to learn that, listen, depression looks different,' Joseph said. 'There are some people who struggle with anhedonia, (which means) a lack of joy,' Joseph told me. 'They don't seem depressed (but) you don't have to have sadness to meet criteria for depression.' Joseph includes herself among those individuals who have had high-functioning depression, and she noted that 'many of us are pathologically productive.' One of the biggest challenges in self-identifying high-functioning depression, she said, is that some people experience psychological barriers such as anhedonia and alexithymia, which is a difficulty in identifying and expressing emotions. Both can kill joy and are often overlooked in conversations about mental health because you can still function at work and at home, at least according to everyone else. Joseph unlocked more joy in her life through strong connections with family and community. Her joy, she said, also comes from helping others access their own. But that took time to discover. She not only did clinical studies on high-functioning depression but she herself experienced it, even as she racked up accolades professionally. 'That was me in 2020,' Joseph said. 'I wore this mask. On the outside it looked like everything was great — I was running my lab, I had a small child, a perfect family, I was on TV. But I was struggling with anhedonia,' or the inability to feel pleasure. So how do you combat it? Validation: Name how you feel. Acknowledge it. Accept it. 'If we don't know how we feel, if we can't name it, we're confused, it's uncertain. We feel anxious, so naming how you feel and accepting it is so important,' Joseph explained. Venting: Find someone you trust to express what you are going through, with a caveat. If you are not talking to a mental health professional, Joseph said to beware of 'trauma dumping' on friends and family. 'You want to check in. You want to ask for emotional consent and say, 'Is this a good time?'' Values: What gives you meaning and purpose in life? 'Think about things that are priceless. … I used to chase the accolades, the achievements, those are things that, you know, at the end of the day I'm not gonna talk about on my deathbed,' she said. Vitals: These are the things that keep you alive and well: healthy food, consistent exercise and good sleep. They're easy to say but hard for many of us to do. Vision: This is difficult to have when you are blinded by your own discomfort. But the joy doctor recommends you plan for more joy and stop revisiting the past. Do not try to do all of these at once or in rapid succession, Joseph warned me. 'Don't be high functioning,' she said, when it comes to this process. It's not another problem at work. It's your life. And remember: Happiness is external and a short-term fix like the rush you get when you buy something new or win an award. Joy is internal. 'It's harnessed within,' Joseph said. 'You don't have to teach a child joy. We are built with it.' Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
