The Best Reef Safe Sunscreen for UVA, UVB + Coral Reef Protection

La Roche Posay typically makes chemical sunscreens, but they do offer 2 excellent physical options.

This one is SPF 50 and works great for face and body. It’s quite gentle and offers excellent full-spectrum protection thanks to a 15% zinc oxide and 5% titanium dioxide formula.

This one is similar, but primarily for the face. It’s tinted so great for those who like a bit more coverage and want to go without makeup.

Both rub in quite clear and have a soft, non-greasy finish!

Paula’s Choice makes an excellent tinted mineral sunscreen.

This one applies matte, offers SPF 30 full spectrum protection and even has anti-aging ingredients!

If you’re a fuss-free kind of person and want to enjoy your day without applying tons of makeup or skincare products, this is a great all-in-one type of sunscreen.

It’s tinted, to smooth out your complexion and offer some lightweight coverage. It has resveratrol, a potent anti-oxident ingredient that fights environmental damage and boosts the SPF protection.

Finally it also has willow bark to calm and soothe the skin, and dries to a nice matte finish.

Aveeno is a gentle dermatologist recommended brand. Their sensitive sunscreen is great for travel, as it comes in a carry-on friendly 3 fl oz size.

It’s also a physical sunscreen, with 100% zinc oxide as the active ingredient. This particular formula from Aveeno is lightweight, sheer and non greasy!

It’s also hydrating thanks to Aveeno’s signature oat formula.

Finally, this sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it’s fantastic for days where you’ll be outdoors all day and in and out of water (just make sure to reapply)

Thinksport is another great physical (or mineral) sunscreen brand.

It contains 20% zinc oxide and offers full spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s also water resistant for up to 80 minutes and they even offer Thinkbaby, a more sensitive skin option for children.

TropicSport’s sunscreen is ecological and reef friendly, thanks to a formula free of oxbyenzone, octinoxate and avobenzone.

Instead, it contains just zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – the two ingredients recognized as safe for humans.

This is a great sunscreen for surfers, snorkelers or anyone who’ll be out on the water for long periods. It’s water resistant for up to 240 minutes (even better than the U.S. 80 minute standard).

But, always make sure to reapply often!

Finally, it’s a sheer formula that provides great even coverage. No gloopyness or thick tackiness!

I’m a big fan of Helen Jon’s sun shirts.

These double as both a rash guard over a swimsuit, and an actual shirt for day time wear. Pop this on anytime you’ll be outside – from gardening to hiking to yoga to golfing!

I also think these are a really nice design.

They come in a bunch of different tropical prints and zip up for easy access. They’re not as tight as swim rash guards so they’re quite comfortable to wear, and they have built-in UPF 50+ protection which is truly fantastic.

More and more brands are also starting to make UV protective swimwear!

You don’t have to get a full coverage rash guard – there are one pieces and bikinis with built-in spf protection like this cute two piece set from Carve Designs.

The style is trendy and the bikini is actually made from reversible fabric, so it’s not only cute but will protect you from harsh UVA and UVB rays. 

I highly recommend wearing swim with UPF protection instead of just a regular bikini.

Another option for SPF protective clothing are these lightweight layering tops.

They’re cropped so you can wear them under or over tank tops and tees. They’re perfect for running, hiking, outdoor gardening or more adventure-heavy activities like kayaking and white water rafting.

The SPF tops include 35+ protection against both UVA and UVB rays and they’re quite light and comfy to wear!

Even active wear is available with SPF protection now!

I love this cute crop top from Free People. FP makes some of the most flattering and comfortable workout sets and it’s even more impressive that these contain UV protection.

The workout tank has a tiny bit of compression, a supportive design and flattering rib details to mold to your shape. The built-in SPF 30 protection makes them especially great for working out outdoors.