Several countries have banned conventional sunscreens. Individuals using these chemical-based protective agents may face substantial penalties. Governments have sound reasoning for these prohibitions: the active ingredients octinoxate and oxybenzone function as chemical UV filters. However, they also act with high potency on corals, causing severe degradation.
Tests conducted by a research group at the Marche Polytechnic University in Ancona, Italy, demonstrate that between 18 and 48 hours after exposure to such chemical-based sunscreens, large quantities of algae and coral tissue were expelled, even at low concentrations (10 microliters per liter of seawater). After 96 hours, the corals were completely bleached, with rising water temperatures further accelerating this process.
It is estimated that 4,000 to 6,000 tonnes of sunscreen enter tropical reef regions annually via recreational swimmers.
Researchers warn that up to 10% of global coral reefs could be threatened by these substances. Consequently, bans on chemical-based sunscreens are increasingly being implemented.
Mineral sunscreens present an alternative. They typically establish a physical barrier on the skin using titanium dioxide and zinc oxide filters to reflect solar radiation. While the ecological side effects of these sunscreens may not be fully understood, they are, at present, considered non-harmful to corals and fish.
Jurisdictions with active prohibitions (as of summer 2024):
- Aruba, Southern Caribbean, Netherlands: Since 2020, a ban on sunscreens containing oxybenzone has been in force.
- Bonaire, Southern Caribbean, Netherlands: Since 2021, sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate have been prohibited.
- Curacao, Southern Caribbean, Netherlands: No formal ban, but the local tourism authority strongly advises against purchasing ecologically damaging sunscreens locally.
- Hawaii, USA: Since 2022, a general ban on non-mineral sunscreens has been in effect.
- Virgin Islands: Since 2020, sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene have been banned.
- Key West, Florida, USA: Since 2021, a ban has been in place on sunscreens containing octinoxate and oxybenzone.
- Mexico, Tulum and Yucatán: Prohibitions apply to sunscreens containing reef-damaging substances.
- Palau, Pacific: Since January 2020, chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octocrylene, parabens, and triclosan have been banned. Note that severe penalties of up to 10,000 USD apply to the importation of prohibited chemical sunscreens.
- Thailand: Sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, or butylparaben are banned within marine national parks.
General recommendation: Sunscreens marketed as "reef-friendly" in German retail outlets frequently contain the aforementioned restricted substances, as determined during our research. Chemical sunscreens should therefore be excluded from luggage when travelling to coastal destinations. Specifically, prior to travelling to Palau, ingredients should be thoroughly verified to ensure exclusive reliance on purely mineral-based sunscreens.
Sources:
https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/29485-sunscreen-serious-threat-to-corals-eu-study-finds/de
