2023 Sunscreen Bans Listed

With the colder weather starting to make itself felt up here in Maine our minds begin to wander to southern locals where the temps are warm and welcoming. For surfers and other marine enthusiasts this winter trip is often a ritual that thaws out our long winters and recharges our souls.

If you are lucky enough to be planning such an adventure we wanted to provide a list of tropical destinations that have implemented chemical sunscreen bans in order to save their enviroment. Keep in mind that regulations can change over time, so it is important to verify the most up-to-date information before traveling!

#1: Hawaii

In 2021 Hawaii was one of the first places to ban the sale and distribution of chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals known to harm coral reefs. Certain areas, such as Maui County and Hawaii County, are acting more quickly and have enacted local ordinances banning the sale, distribution and use of all non-mineral sunscreens without a prescription.

#2: Palau

Palau, a small island nation in the pacific, implemented a reef-toxic sunscreen ban in 2020 to protect their coral reefs. The list is made up of 10 chemical classes and includes oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene; which are commonly used in US sunscreens. People found in possession of these substances face confiscation and those found selling face financial fines.

#3: Bonaire

This popular Dutch Caribbean island has banned the sale and use of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect its coral reefs.

#4: U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands has also banned the sale and use of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, following the example of Hawaii and other Caribbean neighbors.

#5: Aruba

Aruba has also enacted a ban against sunscreens containing oxybenzone. Additionally, they have enacted a ban on single use plastics to further protect the island they love. Go Aruba!

#6: Mexican Riviera Maya

Certain areas within the Riviera Maya have implemented local bans and restrictions on sunscreens containing chemicals harmful to their coral reefs. Since these restrictions vary from local to local, and are worded quite uniquely, we recommend checking with folks in the specific area you intend to visit before leaving.

At Allswell Goods we only offer mineral sunscreen that is reef safe and biodegradable. If you travel to any of these locations with our sunscreen you should be in compliance with the letter and spirit of all these restrictions. That said, it is always best to check in before you go.

Safe Travels!