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Unfortunately, these terms are not regulated. That’s why you’ll suddenly see a host of new sunscreen formulas boasting the phrase “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” on their packaging. It’s really important to understand that their language tricks you into buying their products. If you are a cynical realist like me, you may have guessed that most of the big brands went with option two because they are taking the easiest path to profit.
#Cvs thinkbaby sunscreen free#
Ultimately, in order to find truly reef-safe sunscreen, you need to see active ingredients that contain only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and the formula should also be free of parabens and triclosan at the minimum. This still won’t quite be enough to completely protect the coral reefs from what we humans slather all over our skin, but it’s another step in the right direction. Upcoming Sunscreen Ingredient Bans ComingĪs if to prove the point, Hawaii has another bill in consideration that would ban avobenzone and octocrylene two other reef offending sunscreen chemical ingredients. Therefore, reef-safe sunscreen cannot only follow the letter of the law. While the law in Hawaii is a step in the right direction there are many other ingredients that have been proven to or are likely to harm the coral reefs. Many people are now thinking that if oxybenzone and octinoxate are not in a sunscreen formula, then it is magically reef safe. However, because it only tackles two ingredients, it opens the door for confusion. It ends up supporting human health and healing as well. The bill’s purpose is to protect the coral reefs in the delicate and beautiful ecosystem surrounding Hawaii. This law does not allow for two ingredients to be sold or used. I was overjoyed when the bill in Hawaii passed into law and finally went into effect in January 2021. Here at Kitchen Stewardship ®, we’ve been closely following the legislation in Hawaii banning two of the most offensive conventional sunscreen ingredients: oxybenzone, and octinoxate. The New Reef Safe Sunscreen Law in Hawaii What do I mean? Let’s talk about some new sunscreen laws, what the research actually shows, how this connects to human health and safety, the big brands and greenwashing (aka punching their sister), and how you can follow the spirit of the law to actually save the coral reefs and protect our children. If that’s ever been your backseat, I’m sure you’re not alone.Īnd right now when it comes to saving our coral reefs and also protecting humans’ health and safety, and especially our kids’ reproductive development, it feels like the big brands of sunscreen have commenced with the punching instead of poking, and then making annoying noises. Mom: Whoa! Okay, now stop touching your sister in any way! Son: I’m not poking, mom! I’m doing exactly what you asked! Mom: I thought I said to stop poking your sister! Those of us who are parents know it more than any! We all know that sometimes following the letter of the law is far different than what’s actually effective and needed. If you just want the quick guide to the best reef-safe sunscreens, see my top recommended brands on my sunscreen review! If you want to know why it’s important to use reef-safe sunscreens and why you can’t trust the big brands to look out for the environment then keep reading!
#Cvs thinkbaby sunscreen how to#
Bottom Line: How to Find Reef-Safe Sunscreen.Is Equate Sunscreen (from Walmart) Reef-Safe?.Share This Video to Spread the Word About Reef-Safe Sunscreen!.What’s the Difference Between Reef-Safe and Reef-Friendly?.How the Big Sunscreen Brands Try to Trick You With Clever Marketing.Upcoming Sunscreen Ingredient Bans Coming.The New Reef Safe Sunscreen Law in Hawaii.
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