While the guidelines for delineating reef-safe SPF products are nebulous at best, board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp says the best reef-safe sunscreens are “usually free of ingredients potentially harmful to marine life, like coral reefs.” Unlike many traditional sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate—two common culprits behind coral bleaching—reef-safe formulas skip the harsh stuff in favor of ocean-friendly alternatives that tend to also be gentler on sensitive skin. Most rely on mineral filters like non-nano zinc oxide, though there are a few chemical formulas that pass the test too.

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.
• Chemical or Physical: Physical
• Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Kakadu plum, pentavitin
• SPF Level: 50
• Texture: Cream
• Size: 1.7 oz

Best Spray: Soleil Toujours Clean Conscious Antioxidant Sunscreen Mist

Soleil Toujours

Clean Conscious Antioxidant Sunscreen Mist

• Why We Love It: While the packaging alone caught our eye when we were first introduced to it, Soleil Toujours also has antiaging benefits in addition to sun protection, thanks to its formula packed with aloe leaf juice, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Board-certified dermatologist 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
• Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, vitamin C, vitamin E
• SPF Level: 50
• Texture: Spray
• Size: 6 oz

Best Scent: Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen

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.
• Chemical or Physical: Physical
• Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, cucumber extract, pomegranate seed oil
• SPF Level: 30
• Texture: Cream
• Size: 3 oz, 5 oz

Best Drugstore: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

Blue Lizard

Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

• 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.
• Chemical or Physical: Physical
• Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, aloe vera
• SPF Level: 50
• Texture: 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,” Dr. Spearman says. 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
• Key Ingredients: Shea butter, niacinamide, cucumber extract, zinc oxide, vitamin E
• SPF Level: 30
• Texture: 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,” Dr. Spearman adds.
• Chemical or Physical: Physical
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, zinc oxide
• SPF Level: 50
• Texture: Cream
• Size: 1.18 oz

Best Broad-Spectrum Formula: Dune The Bodyguard Invisible Gel Sunscreen

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,” Dr. Camp says. 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
• Key Ingredients: Hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract, neem leaf extract, flower extract, vitamin E
• SPF Level: 30
• Texture: Gel
• Size: 8.4 oz

Best Glowy: Kosas DreamBeam Mineral Sunscreen

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,” Dr. Camp says. 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
• Key Ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
• SPF Level: 40
• Texture: Cream
• Size: 1.3 oz

Best Sunscreen Stick: Cay Skin Isle Invisible Sunstick

• 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.
• Chemical or Physical: Chemical
• Key Ingredients: Sea moss, jojoba oil, aloe stem cells
• SPF Level: 35
• Texture: 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.
• Chemical or Physical: Physical
• Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, microalgae extract, cotton seed extract, raspberry seed oil
• SPF Level: 50
• Texture: Cream
• Size: 1 oz

Everything You Need to Know