When you go out or go to the beach, it is important to protect your skin from the UV light. There are so many brands that offer sun protection on market, but it’s not easy to see which one is also good for the environment.
Some sunscreens contain ingredients that are harmful to marine coral and marine life and are banned on some beaches such as in Hawaii.
I have listed 8 eco-friendly sunscreen brands that you can buy in Japan. If you have hard time finding reef-safe and natural sunscreens, check it out!
How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Sunscreen?
The National Ocean Service labels the following sunscreen ingredients as harmful to coral reefs and marine life.
- Oxybenzone (オキシベンゾン)
- Benzophenone-1 (ベンゾフェノン-1)
- Benzophenone-8 (ベンゾフェノン-8)
- Octinoxate (オクチノキサート)
- 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-メチルベンジリデンカンファ)
- Butylparaben (ブチルパラベン)
- 3-Benzylidene camphor (3-ベンリジデンカンファ)
- OD-PABA
- Nano Titanium Dioxide (ナノ二酸化チタン)
- Nano zinc oxide (ナノ酸化亜鉛)
- Octocrylene (オクトクリレン)
Choose a sunscreen that does not contain UV absorbers such as ethylhexyl methoxysilicate (メトキシケイヒ酸エチルヘキシル) , oxybenzone (オキシベンゾン) , or octinoxate (オクチノキサート). Also choosing a non-chemical UV scattering agent (such as a silicic acid derivative) that reflects UV rays to prevent sunburn, can reduce the impact on the environment.
8 Eco-Friendly Sunscreen Brands
amritara
Why we recommend it:
- No UV absorbents
- Plant-derived moisturizing ingredients
- Blue light cut
This organic sunscreen blocks 95% of blue light. It also has a skin toning effect and can be used as a base for makeup. It blocks UV rays while moisturizing the skin with plant-derived ingredients.
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WELEDA
Why we recommend it:
- B Corp certified
- UV absorber free
WELEDA is a B Corp certified sustainable cosmetics manufacturer. It is UV absorber-free, so it is safe to use even in the ocean. It also has a toning effect, so it is perfect as a base for makeup.
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ALL good
Why we recommend it:
- Made with certified organic ingredients
- Plastic-free
This is an SPF50 sunscreen that firmly protects the skin from ultraviolet rays. It is made from simple, natural ingredients such as coconut oil and beeswax.
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CORALITY Earth & Coral Friendly UV Balm
Why we recommend it:
- Chemical-free
- Plastic-free
This coral-friendly sunscreen is safe to use in the ocean. It does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, which are banned on some beaches in the world. This product can also be used for children. The aluminum container makes it plastic-free.
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ポチップ
chant a charm
Why we recommend it:
- Colorless
- Blue light cut
This UV milk protects skin from UV rays with SPF50+ and PA++. It also blocks blue light, so it can be used every day.
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MammaBaby
Why we recommend it:
- Non-chemical
- Silicon-free
This type of UV milk can be used for babies and sensitive skin. It is non-chemical and non-silicone, and can be used safely even in the ocean. It contains oil to block sunburn while moisturizing the skin.
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to/one
Why we recommend it:
- UV absorber free
- Silicone-free
- No synthetic fragrances or dyes
This sunscreen has SPF50+ and PA++++. Recommended for those who want to get a good UV protection. Natural silk powder blocks UV rays. You can feel the beautiful luster of silk while it moisturizes well and prevents shine.
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F ORGANICS
Why we recommend it:
- Natural plant-derived
This sunscreen can be used on the body. Although the ingredients are naturally derived, they gently block UV rays on the skin. It can be used on children from about 3 months of age.
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Protect your skin and the environment!
Protecting your skin is very important, but you can always choose less harmful ingredients to your skin and the ocean. You can also protect your skin with parasols and hats to protect your skin.
