The best sunscreen for surfing: Reef-safe & ocean-friendly sun protection

"Reef-safe" means the sunscreen doesn’t contain ingredients that are toxic to coral reefs and marine life. The biggest red flags to avoid are oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and homosalate (we’ll get into why in a bit), which can disrupt coral reproduction, damage DNA, and contribute to bleaching.

And to make it even harder: Some sunscreens market themselves as “reef-safe” even if they still contain questionable ingredients. The term isn’t regulated, so just saying "reef-safe" on the bottle doesn't mean it's legit.

Oxybenzone = Very bad
One of the most damaging sunscreen chemicals out there. It causes coral bleaching, DNA damage, hormone disruption in fish, and even death in coral larvae. In other words, it’s a big no!

Octinoxate = Also bad
Linked to coral bleaching and can harm fish development. Banned in places like Hawaii for this reason.

Octocrylene = Problematic
This chemical builds up in fish and other sea creatures over time. It can also turn into another substance called benzophenone, which might be toxic. Scientists are starting to worry more about it, and new studies are looking into how bad it really is.

Homosalate = Potentially harmful
Not as well studied in marine environments, but it builds up in the body and may harm marine life. Often grouped with other “watch list” chemicals.

Avobenzone = Debatable
Not directly linked to coral bleaching, but can become unstable in sunlight and may react with chlorine or metals to form harmful byproducts. Often combined with other problematic ingredients.

Parabens = Not ocean-friendly
Preservatives that can disrupt hormones in marine species and are toxic to coral at high levels.

Synthetic fragrances = Generally bad
Many contain phthalates or aldehydes, which are toxic to marine organisms and do not break down easily in the environment. Look for “Fragrance-free” or “no synthetic fragrance” instead.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor; it tells you how much longer you can stay in the sun without getting sunburned compared to no sunscreen.

• SPF 15 means you can stay out 15 times longer before burning. 

• SPF 30 means you can stay out 30 times longer before burning.

• SPF 50 means you can stay out 50 times longer before burning. 

So let’s do some quick math: if your skin normally starts to burn after 10 minutes without protection, with SPF 15, you could theoretically stay out for about 150 minutes (15 x 10) before burning, but it’s always safer to reapply often!

But remember, no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays (SPF 30 blocks ~97% of UVB, SPF 50 blocks ~98%), so it’s important to reapply regularly, especially when surfing or sweating!

UVA and UVB are two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun that can harm your skin:

• UVA rays: go deeper into your skin and cause aging, wrinkles, and long-term damage.

• UVB rays: mainly affect the surface of your skin and cause sunburn.

Good sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB, which is called broad-spectrum protection, so you stay safe from sunburn and skin damage!

When's the best time to apply sunscreen before surfing?

Apply your mineral sunscreen 15–30 minutes before surfing so it can fully set on your skin. This helps it form a strong, protective barrier that won’t wash off easily. Make sure to cover all exposed spots and let it dry before paddling out.

Is zinc better than regular sunscreen for surfing?

Yes, for most surfers, non-nano zinc oxide is the gold standard. It creates a physical barrier that lasts longer in the water and offers reliable, broad-spectrum protection without harming marine ecosystems. It’s also less likely to cause breakouts or irritation.

Here's a summary of the best sunscreens for surfing, including face, zinc, lip balm, and aftersun options:

1. Choose the right sunscreen, as we talked about in this guide.

2. Apply the sunscreen 15-30 minutes before surfing: Give your sunscreen enough time to fully absorb or set on your skin. Applying it well before you paddle out helps create a strong, water-resistant barrier.

3. Use enough sunscreen: Don’t skimp! Use about a shot-glass amount (1 to 2 teaspoons) to cover your face, neck, ears, and any exposed skin. Thick layers can provide better protection and are less likely to wash off immediately.

4. Rub it in well, but leave a visible layer: Mineral sunscreens (zinc-based) can be thick and visible, and that’s good! It means you’ve applied enough. Rub it in so it’s not clumpy but still noticeable.

5. Focus on high-exposure areas: Make sure to cover your:

   • Face (especially nose, cheeks, forehead)

   • Neck and back of the neck

   • Ears (often forgotten but very sensitive)

   • Lips (use an SPF lip balm)

   • Shoulders and arms if they’re exposed

6. Reapply often: Even if your sunscreen says “water-resistant,” reapply every 2 hours or immediately after getting out of the water. Saltwater and wiping your face can reduce protection.

7. Don’t forget your lips: Use a reef-safe SPF lip balm to protect your lips from sun damage and wind.

We now dub you a sunscreen expert. Stay safe, stay reef-friendly, and happy surfing!

Note: Science is always evolving, especially around sunscreens and ocean health. This guide is based on the latest research, but things can change. So keep it smart, stay updated, and choose sunscreen that’s good for you and the ocean.