Active ingredients don’t penetrate the skin.The only cerfitications we are inclined to trust are the following: But, again here, these labels are not regulated. Certificationsĭue to the lack of regulation and, as a result, the lack of a clear universal label, some organizations are coming up with their own reef-friendly or reef-safe label. Unfortunately though, since the terms reef-friendly and reef-safe are not regulated, there’s no other solution but to examine the ingredient list. A clear, universal label would make it so much easier for us, consumers, to make an informed decision and purchase. The reef-friendly discussion mainly evolves around the active ingredients while the reef-safe discussion also takes into account the inactive ingredients. Reef-friendly vs reef-safe sunscreen ingredients These new regulations for reef-safe sunscreens in Hawaii will take effect in January 2023. Whereas now only oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned, the second set of restrictions will also target sunscreens containing homosalate, octocrylene, and octisalate. It comes as no surprise that the State of Hawaii will regulate the sale of sunscreens even more. Hawaii’s popular snorkeling site Hanauma Bay has flourished during this time, which is a hopeful sign that suggests that it’s not too late to restore the reefs. The COVID-19 pandemic offered a unique opportunity for scientists to study the resilience of coral reefs. In addition, other marine life such as algae, urchins, shellfish, fish and even marine mammals are affected by sunscreen. The toxic chemicals in sunscreen accumulate in the corals’ tissues, induce bleaching and reduce coral reproduction as well as immunity. We all know that global warming causes coral bleaching but the scientific insights from the past years have indicated that pollution from sunscreen contributes to the problem. Coral bleaching can only be reversed if the stress is short-lived. This leaves them vulnerable and susceptible to deadly diseases. But when corals get stressed, they expel these algae and, as a result, lose their nutrients and color. How most sunscreens harm the reefsĬorals live in symbiosis with algae, who serve as the corals’ primary food source and give them color. Reefs act as a barrier for the strongest waves and storms thus preventing shoreline erosion. Another vital function of coral reefs is the protection of shorelines. It’s widely known that coral reefs form a valuable ecosystem for marine life and that they are an important indicator for the health of the oceans. The effect of sunscreen on the reefs Why reefs are important
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