Using the wrong sunscreen can damage our coral reef and ecosystems. Now you can protect both of them while visiting our iconic Kauai beaches and your favorite Kauai snorkeling sites.
The key is to wear sunscreen that does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. Hawaii recently passed a law that bans both chemicals starting in 2021. This groundbreaking legislation, Senate Bill 2571, makes Hawaii a leader in this important environmental issue.
See how your sunscreen measures up with this easy tip:
Environmental Work Group (EWG) makes it easy to check the safety and effectiveness of your sunscreen. Just go to the EWG website and enter the name of your sunscreen into their search bar. If your sunscreen doesn’t hit the mark, Consumer Reports has product recommendations for you.
At the top of their list is the following:
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk
- Equate (Walmart) Sport Lotion SPF 50
- BullFrog Land Sport Quik Gel SPF 50
- Coppertone WaterBabies SPF 50 Lotion
Tip: Also look for Little Hands Hawaii sunscreen made here in the islands.
Consumer Reports tested more than 70 different brand of sun protection, from creams to lip balms. Only 13 made their cut. Of the products Consumer Reports tested, one-third had less SPF than was labeled. They also noted that there is no regulation of claims such as “dermatologist recommended” and “natural.”
Sunscreens to Avoid.
1. Products more than three years are no longer effective according to the FDA.
2. Chemical sunscreens are not healthy and natural ones may not provide best protection.
3. Spray sunscreens that can be inhaled.
Sunscreen Tips for your Kauai vacation.
1. Apply 15 minutes before you go out, so it’s absorbed by your skin before UV exposure.
2. Use one-ounce per application and don’t forget top of ears, upper back, hands and feet.
3. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or exercise.
Join our efforts to put fewer chemicals in the ocean and protect our vital underwater ecosystems.
2 Responses
Why is Costco, Longs, Wallmart, foodland and and and Still selling non reef friendly sunscreen on Kauai…if it is illegal to use them?
Aloha Honey, that is a very good question. I have passed this on to the Kauai Visitors Bureau in hopes they may do something about it. Appreciate the heads up.