How does Sunscreen Damage the Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most beautiful places in the world to swim and witness the variety of colours of marine life and coral.

Listed as one of the seven wonders of the world and the largest living thing on earth, it is no surprise this attraction is at the top of everyone’s bucket list! Located along the coast of tropical North Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef offers sapphire waters for travellers to explore and experience one of the planet’s greatest marvels.

Travellers spend hours on end snorkelling or diving through the various reefs, islands, and sand cays that comprise the Great Barrier Reef. But before you head out to explore the reef, consider making a small change to what you pack to help reduce damage to the reef—your sunscreen. We know the Australian sun is harsh and sunscreen is essential, but many sunscreens contain chemicals that harm the reef. Instead of your everyday sunscreen, opt for a reef-safe one! We will delve into the details below.

What’s in Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential for protecting our skin from sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Unfortunately, many of these sunscreens pose a slow but significant threat to the reef. These lotions are primarily composed of active ingredients that absorb and reflect harmful UVA and UVB rays.

There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and mineral filters. Harmful chemicals found in sunscreen include ingredients like oxybenzone, nanoparticles, camphor, or methylparaben, which can all negatively affect the reef in various ways.

How it can damage the Reef

When travellers apply sunscreen before entering the water, even after waiting 20 minutes for it to dry, it can still wash off and seep into the water. The harmful ingredients then infiltrate nearby corals, disrupting their reproduction and growth. This process can lead to coral bleaching, which slowly kills the coral and displaces hundreds of marine species from their habitats.

Sun-blocking Alternatives

Thankfully, there are some other ways you can still protect yourself from the sun that doesn’t harm the reef.

• Sun-protecting clothing

  

  Wearing sun-protective clothing is another straightforward way to safeguard your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. Avoid sunbathing and protect yourself by wearing lightweight clothing such as dresses, pants, or long-sleeved shirts.

• Reef -Safe Sunscreen

  Don’t chuck out your sunscreen just yet! Instead, look for reef-safe alternatives that exclude harsh ingredients. Reef-safe sunscreens substitute oxybenzone or octinoxate with non-nano titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, ensuring both safety and sustainability for swimmers.
  Tour operators on Great Barrier Reef tours often provide reef-safe sunscreen onboard. But if you are wanting to bring some of your own, recommended brands include Thinksport, All Good, and Babo Botanicals!

  

• Swimwear

  You could consider using waterproof attire like a rash vest, stinger suit, or bathers while swimming. Rash vests and bathers are good choices with various styles and quick-drying materials. However, the best option is probably a stinger suit, which is designed to protect you from the sun and jellyfish stings. Stinger suits are available to hire on most Great Barrier Reef tours.

Ready to see the reef yourself? Pack all your essentials and book a tour to experience the stunning waters of the Great Barrier Reef. If you are new to snorkelling or diving, consider joining the cruise deluxe tour that offers both of these activities.

As you apply reef-safe sunscreen, remind yourself that you are protecting your skin and also helping preserve the reef’s ecosystem