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Things to look out for -

It can be difficult to know where to begin when looking for eco-friendly sunscreen products. But, there are several pointers that can help you to rule out one product over another.

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Reef safe label -

One of the first things to look for is a sunscreen that's designated as reef safe. This is because sunscreen has been linked to coral reef bleaching in areas with high tourism.

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Reef safe label -

An ingredient in many sunscreens, oxybenzone, can be turned into a deadly toxin by corals and sea anemones upon being metabolized by them.

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Chemical free formulation -

Chemicals in sunscreen have been proven to cause damage to marine and coral life. By choosing a chemical-free sunscreen, you're making the eco-conscious choice.

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Biodegradable formula -

Biodegradable formulations of sunscreen break down naturally in the environment. This makes them an environment-safe and more eco-friendly choice.

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Water resistant -

Water-resistant sunscreen contains ingredients like beeswax that help it to stay in place on the skin for longer when submerged in water. 

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Cruelty free -

A commitment to ethical business practices begins with a brand's attitude to cruelty-free practices. Products that aren't tested on animals also have less environmental impact.

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Avoid aerosols -

Aerosol sunscreens often contain benzene. This chemical is potentially harmful and can be inhaled through the nose and absorbed through the skin. 

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Avoid aerosols -

What's more, aerosol sunscreens contain chemicals and alcohols that are flammable. Upon exposure to heat, they can cause negative reactions on the skin.

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No microplastics -

Plastics and microplastics can take hundreds or thousand of years to break down. Birds and fish can mistake them for food, which means they can pose a threat to marine life.

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Silicone-free -

Silicones aren't biodegradable. At certain temperatures, they can release a chemical called siloxane. Choosing silicone-free sunscreens for you and your family is an eco-conscious decision.

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Plant-based ingredients -

Sunscreens that use more plant-based ingredients in place of chemical fillers are also a better choice when shopping with the environment, as well as sun protection, in mind.

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Go organic when you can -

A product that uses organic, natural, plant-based ingredients alongside UV filters is likely the most eco-friendly choice.

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Size matters -

The size and concentration of your sunscreen matter. Buying more than you need can lead to extra waste material if the sunscreen isn't fully used.

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Mineral-based ingredients -

Mineral sunscreens use natural ingredients. They've grown in popularity in recent years thanks to their eco-friendly nature.

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Concentration of active ingredients -

In mineral-based sunscreens, zinc oxide or titanium oxide are generally the "actives" used. These active ingredients are what provide protection and the higher concentration of active ingredients, the less "filler" ingredients are present that could pose a potential threat to marine life.

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Non-nano particles -

A "nanoparticle" refers to the tiny-sized actives present in sunscreen. Non-nano particles are larger than 100 nanometers in size, making them less likely to be absorbed by marine life.

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Sustainable packaging -

Environment awareness isn't limited to what's inside the bottle: it's important to think about the packaging it comes in, too. Choose sustainable or recyclable where possible.

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Recycled materials -

Pick brands that use recycled packaging, as they're lowering their environmental impact by producing less waste material.

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Refill options -

Some eco-brands have refill options, which are a much better choice for the environment, reducing the waste potential of packaging.

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Local regulations on sunscreen products -

Some countries and regions have begun to ban chemical ingredients that are shown to affect coral and marine life. Stay up to date on the regulations in your area, and choose a sunscreen that adheres to local regulations. Check your existing sunscreens to make sure they don't contain banned ingredients.

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Transparent ingredient list -

When choosing sunscreen, much like shopping for food, it's best to pick items that have a clear (and short) list of ingredients. A confusing (or worrying) ingredient list is a red flag.

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Renewable energy commitment -

Some sunscreen brands are more environmentally aware, and have a commitment to using renewable energy in their production methods.

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Eco-friendly manufacturing processes -

Others go further and also employ eco-friendly manufacturing processes. With a little research, you can pick brands that reduce their environmental impact.

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Carbon footprint -

Brands that are more eco-conscious will frequently display more details about how they work to protect the environment on their packaging. Some companies are transparent about their carbon footprint, how they offset it, and how they're working to lower it.

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Education and advocacy -

You can show your support for brands (large and small) who are vocal in their education efforts and advocacy for environmental impact concerns.

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Reviews and recommendations -

Like any other product, not all eco-conscious sunscreens will work well. It's vital to do your research using reviews and recommendations as a guide. That way you lower the risk of ending up with a product you can't use, creating more waste.

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Broad spectrum protection -

When you do choose an eco-friendly version of SPF, ensure that it still offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

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Enjoy the sun safely and without damaging the environment -

Sun exposure is vital and we need to take precautions, like wearing sunscreen, to protect our skin. However, this doesn't need to come at a cost to the environment. Following these tips will help you choose a sunscreen that minimizes damage both to your body, and the world around us.

Sources: (100 Percent Pure) (We Are Feel Good Inc) (Appalachian Mountain Club) (Green People) (Save the Reef)

See also: Outsmart the sun: common sun safety myths and facts

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