What to Know About Sunscreen Bans

By Katherine Gallagher

By now, you’ve likely heard about the sunscreen bans sweeping popular travel destinations around the world. Studies from as early as 2015 found harsh chemicals such

as oxybenzone and octinoxate to harm coral

reefs and other types of sea life. Now, some communities that rely on ocean-based tourism are fi ghting back.

When it comes to sun protection, consumers generally have their go-to brands—whether they’re responsible for protecting their families or just themselves. These trusted sources have stood the test of time on numerous vacations, beach days, and summer barbecues by the pool. Since most travelers have yet to ditch these damaging sunscreens and make the switch to more natural alternatives, destinations where the importance of healthy oceans is paramount have responded by enacting bans on sunscreens containing toxic ingredients.

In some scientifi c communities, the need for these bans remains up for debate. Some scientists have made it clear that since most coral bleaching is caused by climate change, changing sunscreen laws won’t be enough to counter the damage. Others worry that limiting sunscreen availability will cause more people to forgo it altogether, leading to a rise in skin cancer. The FDA announced

a sunscreen safety proposal in Feb. 2019 concluding only two ingredients (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) to be considered safe and eff ective out of the 16 currently marketed

in over-the-counter sunscreens. According to the FDA, 12 ingredients (including oxybenzone and octinoxate) do not have enough data to support a safety rating.

It’s not just the reefs that are suff ering, either.

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) advises that harmful chemicals found in sunscreen can impair algae, cause defects in young mollusk species, damage sea urchins, decrease fertility in fi sh,

and accumulate in the tissues of dolphins. The research team led by NOAA found oxybenzone to be highly toxic to young coral and other types of ocean life in a 2016 study. According to the study, the chemical can induce coral bleaching, deform, or kill young coral and even damage coral DNA.

Vibrant coral reefs are a tourism highlight for many popular destinations, and the attraction of a healthy reef employs local communities and economic value—with total estimates ranging from $100,000 to $600,000 per square kilometer per year. Though coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean, they support one-quarter of all marine life, including 4,000 diff erent species of fi sh, as habitat and feeding areas. When coral reefs can perform their jobs as natural breakwaters, they minimize large wave impacts and provide added protection for coastal areas from natural storms.

So, you’re traveling to a place with a sunscreen ban and wondering what your options are. Luckily, there are plenty. Trending sunscreen bans have brought natural sunscreen brands into the

Seychelles Coral Reef. Constance Hotels and Resorts

spotlight, and there are more showing up every year. According to a majority of the research, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide win for the best sun-blocking ingredients that don’t harm ocean life. Buyers should look for sunscreen free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are currently included in more than 3,500 products.

Most importantly, explore options to supplement sun protection. Throw on a rash guard before snorkeling or surfi ng, and pack sunglasses, hats, sun shirts, and umbrellas before heading to the beach. Avoid aerosol sunscreens, which often end up spraying more microscopic chemical ingredients into the surrounding environment than onto skin. Also, remember that turning up in a sunscreen ban destination with your own sunscreen may add unexpected costs if local stores have hiked up prices.

Regardless of ongoing discussions debating the safety of sunscreen ingredients, travelers still need to be aware of destinations that have already passed sunscreen bans. www.tripsavvy.com/sunscreen-bans-what-youneed-to-know-4692629

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