5 Things to Know About Oxybenzone and Octinoxate in Sunscreen

Lab studies show these chemicals can bleach coral, but only at concentrations far higher than found in the ocean. Real-world seawater levels are usually too low to cause the damage seen in experiments.

Bigger threats to reefs include rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and overfishing. Sunscreen is a minor factor compared to these larger issues.

The precautionary principle still makes sense here. Avoiding oxybenzone and octinoxate is a simple, low-cost way to reduce potential harm.

Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide work well and avoid this controversy. Ignore “reef-safe” labels, which are unregulated marketing—check the ingredients list instead.

Do not stress if you forget to use mineral sunscreen. Climate change is the coral’s main problem, not your occasional beach day.