Why What You Put on Your Skin Matters — Even in the Ocean
- Monica Stutzman
- Feb 1
- 2 min read
Most of us never think twice about what we rub on our skin before a beach day or dive — but the truth is, it doesn’t just stay on you. When sunscreens, lotions, and other skin products wash off in the water, their ingredients can enter marine ecosystems through swimmers, showering, or even when products are rinsed off on land and enter waterways. Some of these compounds are persistent and bioaccumulate, meaning they can end up in water, sediment, and even the tissues of marine organisms.
Around the world, thousands of tons of sunscreen ingredients wash into coastal waters each year — particularly in popular reef areas. Estimates suggest that 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen enter reef zones annually simply from recreational swimmers and divers.
What the Science Says
Recent marine research shows that certain chemical UV filters found in many sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, can:
Damage coral DNA and tissue, making reefs more vulnerable to stress like heat and disease.
Disrupt coral development and reproduction, including deformities in young corals.
Contribute to coral bleaching, where corals expel the algae they rely on for food and color.
Even at very low concentrations, these compounds can have measurable effects in controlled studies. This is why regions like Hawaii, Palau, and Bonaire have banned sunscreens containing certain chemical filters — to protect coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
It’s not only corals that can be affected. UV filter chemicals have shown potential to impact other marine life, including algae and invertebrates, by affecting growth and development.
What You Can Do
This doesn’t mean you should avoid sun protection — dermatologists universally agree we need UV protection to reduce skin damage and cancer risk. But there are safer choices that reduce your environmental footprint, such as:
Using mineral-based sun protection that contains Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide, which aren’t shown to have the same reef-damaging effects as some chemical filters.
Choosing non-nano mineral filters when possible.
Wearing protective clothing, hats, or rash guards to minimize product use while still staying safe in the sun.
Why This Matters
Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth and support countless species, coastal protection, and economies worldwide. While climate change, overfishing, and pollution are major stressors, every piece of the puzzle matters — including the products we choose to put on our skin.
By making informed choices and supporting formulations that prioritize both skin protection and environmental care, we can enjoy the ocean we love while helping protect it for generations to come.
Want to Learn More?
Stay tuned to Tide Tips – Living Ocean-Safer for practical science-based guides on sun protection, reef care, everyday choices, and how to live in harmony with the sea.
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