Heading to the beautiful island of Hawaii? Then make sure that a good sunscreen sits on top of your shopping list.
However, you should not go and grab just any sunscreen. You need to carefully choose which one you should bring on your vacation. Why? Well, just recently Hawaii has become United States’ first state to strictly restrict the selling of particular sunscreen products. Sunscreens that contain octinoxate or oxybenzone will be banned through a legislative order with the intention of preserving marine ecosystems.
Studies have shown that oxybenzone or also called as BP-3 is badly harming Hawaii’s coral reefs. As this chemical washes of from swimmer and sunbather’s sunscreen and drifts onto the coral, it will contribute to problems like DNA deformities and damage in baby coral. A report from the National Ocean Service revealed that oxybenzone is highly toxic to juvenile corals as well as other marine life. Unfortunately, this chemical is the core ingredient to more than 3,500 skin-care products being sold around all over the world.
So what’s the best sunscreen for Hawaii? What sun protection should you use instead? Please keep on reading below. I’ve listed down some of the best natural sunscreens that are strong enough to protect your skin but also gentle enough for the coral reef.
Best Sunscreen for Hawaii
BADGER SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen
https://www.amazon.com/Badger-SPF-35-Sport-Sunscreen/dp/B00J4F7W94
This remarkable physical sunscreen has been highly praised, thanks to its several key features that quickly separate it from its competitors. This includes the sunscreen’s simple formula, excellent quality and impressive UV protection at an affordable price.
This SPF 35 sunscreen has one of the simplest formula in the market today. This only consists of five ingredients that are certified to be 98% organic and 100% natural. These ingredients are sunflower vitamin E, jojoba oil, beeswax, sunflower oil and zinc oxide. With this short list of safe and gentle ingredients, you will have the peace of mind knowing that this sunscreen will not cause any skin irritation, even if you have the most sensitive type of skin. In addition to this, it uses highly concentrated zinc oxide at 22.5% which enables this product to deliver unrivaled protection against both UVA and UVB.
BADGER specially designed this sunscreen for outdoor activities as well as water sports, in fact, this is one of the best sunscreens for surfing. This even has a water resistance of up to 80 minutes making the product perfectly suitable for all your water activities in Hawaii. If you take a look at the product’s feedback, you will see a number of people complaining that it is difficult to remove. Well, I guess this is more of a good news, when we apply our sunscreen we want it to stay put as much as possible. Don’t worry, using soap on a quick shower will clean the product of easily.
Anyway, I also like to note that this sunscreen comes in a mild, pleasant smell similar to oatmeal. It is also good to know that you can keep the beaches in Hawaii safe since the natural ingredients of this sunscreen are non-nano, biodegradable and of course, coral reef friendly.
I think the only drawback of this sunscreen is that it takes a little time to spread the product. It will also leave you with a bit of white cast; though I think this is just a small inconvenience if you consider the quality as well as the lasting protection this product offers.
Pros:
- It uses highly concentrated zinc oxide
- It has a simple and biodegradable formula
- It has water resistance that could last for up to 80 minutes
- You can choose between a lotion or stick formula that is both in the same way effective
Cons:
- It comes in a thick formula
thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+
https://www.amazon.com/thinksport-Sunscreen-SPF-50+/dp/B007SNM6OK
This SPF 50+ sunscreen by thinksport is a close competitor of our first product. It is a cost-effective product that is ideal for day-to-day use. This physical sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection by using non-nano zinc oxide (20%). This allows the product to deliver amazing, balanced UV protection, a lot better compared to most sunscreens available in the market.
thinksport is also one of the brands that has been famous for taking extra effort in making their products safe as much as possible. They strictly follow all the important guidelines provided by FDA. For instance, thinksport does not use harmful ingredients like oxybenzone and they refuse to manufacture spray sunscreens due to potential danger it comes. But this doesn’t end here, this is also the first sunscreen to qualify from the premium care requirements of Whole Foods. No wonder why this product is strongly recommended by most dermatologist and even widely used by several professional athletes.
This sunscreen also uses natural ingredients such as oils from cranberry seeds, raspberry seeds, olives, jojoba, and sunflowers. These ingredients are combined in the gentle formulation so we are guaranteed that it will be safe for anyone with a sensitive type of skin. There are no fragrances added, though you will notice its natural scent.
thinksport sunscreen also features the maximum level of water resistance that lasts up to 80 minutes. However, though it does not make your skin greasy, it will leave you with this noticeable white cast but don’t worry it will fade during use. This will just serve as a useful reminder that you have to reapply often and this is a must so you can keep yourself protected enough.
Pros:
- It has a high SPF rating
- It is a great value of your money
- It has a reliable water resistance that lasts up to 80 minutes
Cons:
- It comes in a thick formula
BurnOut SPF 30 for Face and Body
https://www.amazon.com/BurnOut-SPF-30-for-Face-&-Body/dp/B00L3O2RTY
The first thing you should know about this sunscreen is that it is not water resistant. I know you’re probably wondering why I’ve added it to this list! Well, this is actually for people who would like to use a daily sunscreen that’s a bit more cosmetic.
This SPF 30 sunscreen is less noticeable, making it ideal for days when you just want to enjoy and relax at your beachside resort. After all, you can’t spend all day every day of your vacation, swimming, surfing or hiking.
Anyway, this physical sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection by using a highly concentrated non-nano zinc oxide (18.6%) that enables the product to deliver comprehensive UV protection to its users. It has been specially formulated for daily use, even for those with sensitive skin.
I was impressed at how lightweight this lotion is, making it very easy to apply, plus it also dries into a transparent, matte finish. It doesn’t look chalky or greasy at all. Even users who have a darker skin tone were glad about its finish which I must say really remarkable considering that it uses highly concentrated zinc oxide.
If you are someone with sensitive skin and has been struggling with irritable sunscreens before, then you should definitely try this product. It features a formula that is free from nanoparticles, oils, fragrances, petroleum, parabens, and chemicals. It is enriched with antioxidant vitamins, plankton extract, and aloe vera to keep your skin hydrated and well-nourished while it protects you and at the same time works well as a base for your makeup so you can flawlessly add it to your day-to-day beauty routine.
Pros:
- It has a matte finish, making it an excellent base for your make up
- It uses highly concentrated zinc oxide
Cons:
- It is the most expensive sunscreen in this list
- Its formula feels a bit thick
EltaMD SPF 47 UV Pure Broad Spectrum
https://www.amazon.com/EltaMD-SPF-47-UV-Pure-Broad-Spectrum/dp/B0040U4BEC
This physical sunscreen offers boras spectrum protection by using the combination of 5.5% titanium dioxide and transparent 10 % zinc oxide to deliver efficient and well-balanced UV protection.
It has this gentle formula that has been particularly designed for everyday use. However, though it has a gentle formula that was particularly designed for everyday use, it is more complicated – so if you have sensitive skin type, take some time to carefully read its list of ingredients. The formula of the sunscreen is also non-comedogenic and is free from fragrance, gluten, hormone, dye, sensitivity, and paraben.
What I like about this sunscreen is its texture that feels so smooth and light. It also rubs in much more effectively. Though it will still likely you with a white cast, especially if you have a darker skin tone, it will be unnoticeable when you combine it with foundation. I must say this is one of the best sunscreens you can wear under your make up. This is something that you will not find in most physical, water-resistant sunscreens, especially those that features 80-minute water resistance.
Another thing I like about this product is that it contains antioxidant that helps you find skin-aging by fighting free radicals you develop by sun exposure. Isn’t it great to keep looking young while you are enjoying the island life? On top of this, is the most affordable product on this list, making it a remarkable choice for regular users as well as families who need a high-quality sunscreen that they can trust to protect them whatever the condition is.
Pros:
- It comes with high SPF rating
- It comes in a lightweight formula
- It has a water resistance of up to 80 minutes
Cons:
- It has lower levels of zinc oxide
DeVita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+
https://www.amazon.com/DeVita-Solar-Protective-Moisturizer-SPF-30+/dp/B00113MI4Q
This is another cosmetic option that you can use as a daily sunscreen in Hawaii. It broad-spectrum protection by using transparent zinc oxide (14%). However, unlike the products I mentioned above, it has a lower concentration of zinc oxide and it is not water resistant. But still, it is a remarkable product that we should not ignore.
First and foremost, DeVita is a brilliant company known for producing exceptionally safe products, not only for its consumer but also for the environment. This sunscreen is cruelty and fragrance-free, it does not contain paraben and nanoparticle, and it is reef-safe. It is advertised as 100% vegan, you will even feel healthier just by taking a quick glance on its list of ingredients. These include grape seed extract, seaweed extract, essential oils of chamomile, lavender and Japanese green tea extract.
But because of its natural ingredients, it has a slightly less cosmetic feel and takes a little more effort to achieve its matte finish, but you will eventually get there with just little massage. Once the sunscreen gets clear, it will work perfectly as a base for your other cosmetics, it won’t be noticeable on your skin.
And for some added bonus, this sunscreen does not only protect you against the UV rays but it is also a moisturizer that helps nourish your skin. You will really notice a difference this feature makes as you are using this sunscreen every day.
Pros:
- It is vegan
- It contains ingredients that are hydrating to the skin
Cons:
- It has less cosmetic texture
Final Thought
It’s now time to invest in some natural sunscreen, you will not only be protecting your skin but as well as the coral reef. Though most of these sunscreens are not everyone’s favorite since it often leaves a white sheen on the skin, but isn’t it worth looking a bit goofy as long as we can save the reefs?
Well, the sunscreens I mentioned above are the best options we should all be using at all times anyway. Using a product that is better for our skin as well as the environment is the least we can do for the planet, isn’t it?
Anyway, I hope this article will help you find the best sunscreen for you as you enjoy the island life. If you still have any more questions or recommendations, please don’t hesitate to leave it in the comment section below. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
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