Best REEF SAFE Sunscreens 2025 – Honest Review + Wear Test (Hawaii approved)

Watch the full VIDEO review on YOUTUBE here

1. Intro: What We Tested and Why

2. ThinkSport SPF 50+

3. MyChelle Dermaceuticals Clear Spray SPF 30

4. Badger Adventure Unscented SPF 50

5. Beauty by Earth SPF 25

6. Mad Hippie Ultra-Sheer Body SPF 40

7. Stream2Sea Active SPF 45

8. Little Hands Hawaii Tinted SPF 35

9. Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50

---

Intro: What We Tested and Why

In this review we tested eight of the top-rated REEF SAFE sunscreens of 2025 to help you figure out which ones are going to be the best fit for you.

We were looking for mineral reef safe sunscreen so you can take them with you to Hawaii and other locations that legally require the use of reef safe sunscreens, and we selected eight brands that you can get on Amazon and get them shipped right away or you can pick them up on your local Whole Foods as the summer is officially here.

What we're going to cover is their ingredients, texture, their scent, if they leave a white cast or not, and how much they cost.

You're going to see a real-time application as well.

And we tested all of these sunscreens while vacationing under intense sunlight on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, and hiking the volcano.

And the brands we're reviewing are ThinkSport, MyChelle Dermaceuticals, Badger Unscented, Beauty by Earth, Mad Hippie, Stream2Sea, Little Hands Hawaii, and Blue Lizard.

Watch the full review here

Quick heads up, you can find all the Amazon links for the sunscreens at the end of this article ranked by us from the highest to the lowest rated.

Mind you, those are affiliate links, and we do earn a small commission, and this will help us keep making these in-depth wellness and health reviews for you guys. Thank you so much if you purchase through our link.

ThinkSport SPF 50+

First up is ThinkSport. This is their sweat and water-resistant SPF 50+, generally marketed for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and environmentally conscious consumers.

This is meant for all-day water activities like snorkeling or long sweaty, day trips, cycling, hiking, etc. Right now it retails for about $13 for 3 ounces and currently is on sale on Amazon, which makes it one of the more affordable picks in this lineup.

The active ingredient is 23. 4% non-nano zinc oxide. It's vegan, BPA-free, cruelty-free, so no animal byproducts or testing. And it ticks all the ReefSafe boxes. It's free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, meaning Hawaii's ReefSafe sunscreen criteria. Skin nourishing ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, olive oil, cranberry seed oil, and vitamin E.

Texture

Now in terms of texture, it's creamy, but definitely on the thicker side. So you really have to work it in. That being said, it spreads evenly, doesn't feel oily, and doesn't leave that sticky sunscreen film like some others do.

Whitecast

As for whitecast, there is a slight white sheen at first, especially if you use a lot of the formula, but eventually it blends out.

Watch the full review here

I have also noticed that if I try to re-apply on damp or wet skin the white cast become more noticeable and harder to blend in. So for the best finish I definitely recommend applying it on dry skin whenever possible.

Scent

For the scent, it's very light. There's a natural fragrance listed in the ingredients, and I personally like it. It's barely noticeable.

Durability

What really impressed me is the durability. I wore it on a few different hikes and beach days, even over tattoos and sensitive skin areas, and it held up pretty well. With my partner, we're both pretty active and sweating on our vacations, and I didn't have to reapply as often and had zero burns by the end of the day.

Our rating

So overall, this is hands down one of the best value for performance picks of the bunch.

We give it an 8 out of 10 for Reef Save Sunscreen. 

Not a full 10 only because of the thick formula, which takes some time and effort to blend in. But if you're looking for something reliable and high-performing that will hold up through intense sport activities without irritating sensitive skin, ThinkSport is a standout. Plus, the clean ingredients and great pricing make it a solid go-to for us.

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Clear Spray SPF 30

Watch the full reef safe sunscreens breakdown here

Next up is MyChelle Dermaceuticals Clear Spray SPF 30. This one's a unique pick in our lineup. It's a non-aerosol clear zinc spray. It comes in a twist-lock bottle, which makes it great for travel and beach days. Just a quick note, to open it, you have to twist the cap, something that's not immediately obvious, and we didn't notice it at all during our vacation.

Pricing

It retails for around $22 and comes in a 6 oz spray bottle; currently, it is on sale on Amazon. It's not the cheapest option on our list, but you're getting more product than with the smaller ones on the list; it's free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and chemical UV filters.

Application

Application is where it gets a little tricky. Although it's labeled clear, it does come out white and it left a visible white layer.

The texture is definitely light, which is a plus, but unfortunately, it also stained our swimwear and beach towels, and the stains didn't wash away in the water. We really did not enjoy that experience. So, despite being called a clear spray, it can definitely leave a white cast if not rubbed in well.

Scent

It is completely fragrance-free, which we really love, and is gentle on the skin. That's also great.

Durability

We didn't have the best experience. Unfortunately, my partner and I both had patches of sunburn using the sunscreen repeatedly on several days. It says it's water-resistant for 80 minutes, but it seems like this product is okay for lighter sun exposure, like walking around the beach. It did not exactly hold up under direct,

clear spray for strong sun conditions. 

Our rating

While it wins points for light formula and ease of use, the poor durability and misleading clear label make it a weak option for any real outdoor protection and intense beach day conditions. 

We give it 3 out of 10 points for the inconsistent performance, white cast issues, and the risk of staining and sunburn. 

Badger Adventure Unscented SPF 50

Watch the full reef safe sunscreens breakdown here

Next up is the Badger Adventure Unscented SPF 50. It's a water-resistant mineral sunscreen loved by surfers, lifeguards in Hawaii beginning of this year. When I had forgotten to bring my sunscreen, I walked up to this guy, and he handed me Badger. He said he had skin cancer on his face, and after doing a lot of research, this was the brand that he trusted and recommended.

That really stuck with me, and I've been curious about it ever since. And finally, we got it to test ourselves.

Pricing & the active ingredients

Right now, the 2.9 ounce tube retails for around $18, depending on where you buy it. The active ingredient is 25% uncoated, non-nano, clear zinc oxide, no octinoxate, no synthetic fragrance, and no harsh preservatives. It is really one of the cleanest formulas rated excellent on the Yuca app and backed by certifications from EWG.

Now, when it comes to the ingredients, it is oil-based rather than lotion-like and filled with ingredients like sunflower seed oil, beeswax, vitamin E, and it's actually one of the most natural chemical-free sunscreens we have found, and it's safe for marine life. And there is very few. Badger is made in a solar-powered facility, comes in recycled packaging, and is NSF certified.

Texture

As far as the texture goes, it's very thick, almost paste-like. At first, it can feel a bit hard to spread, but when you rub it in with hair, it starts to go on more smoothly. I did need to take some time applying it, and I found that a little goes a long way, rather than using a bigger amount. It does leave a slight oily finish, especially if it's hot outside, but never felt greasy to me, more like a natural sheen.

Whitecast

Whitecast is surprisingly minimal for how thick the formula is, especially if you rub it in properly on dry skin-it's completely unscented, which I really love. 

Durability

In terms of durability, Badger feels very resilient; we tested it during long beach days, ocean swims, hikes, travel days, and it performed consistently.

It did not need constant reapplication; it seems like it grips the skin really well, and yes, you will need a good scrub in the shower to really remove it at the end of the day.

Our rating

Badger SPF 50 is one of our top picks. We love the ultra-clean ingredient list, the thoughtful sustainability practices, and the reliable performance in high UV conditions. We also appreciated the hypoallergenic formula for sensitive skin and how little you need to get the full protection.

The downside is the thick texture, and it's also a bit on the pricier side. 

We give it 8 out of 10 points only for the and a brand that also cares for the environment, it's really hard to beat

Beauty by Earth SPF 25

Watch the full reef safe sunscreens breakdown here

Next up is Beauty by Earth's Mineral Sunscreen SPF 25.

It's a natural option that caught our attention for its clean formula, ultimately didn't earn a top spot in our lineup.

Pricing

It retails for around $20 for a 4 oz tube, which puts it on the higher end of mid-range for mineral sunscreens, especially considering how much you need per application.

Ingredients & the active formula

This is a 14% non-nano zinc oxide formula with vera, green tea extract, safflower oil, coconut oil, and shea butter; all great for nourishing sensitive skin. It's also cruelty-free and doesn't use any synthetic fragrance or chemical UV filters. Sounds great, but in practice, there are some drawbacks.

Texture

The texture: it's really thick. You have to warm it up a little bit between your hands and rub it in really well, otherwise it just sits there and leaves white streaks.

That said, once you rub it in properly, it doesn't feel greasy or sticky; quite moisturizing. Almost like a heavy cream, and the word 'heavy' is important here. The formula actually feels a little heavy on top of the skin once it sets in.

Whitecast

Whitecast was a bit of a hit or miss on my fair to medium skin. It blended out okay with enough effort, but the downside I noticed it formed a white residue when sweating.

Scent

About the scent, I personally really love it. It's a very light coconut scent with hints of vanilla. Definitely one of the best-smelling sunscreens I tried on the list.

Durability

It did work well as long as we remembered to reapply it frequently. It's labeled as water-resistant for 80 minutes.

It did reasonably well during light water activities and poolside lounging, but for long hours in the ocean or intense sunlight exposure, we wouldn't really rely on it or recommend it. Also, it's only SPF 25.

We also have to mention the size. The bottle is relatively small, and because of the big formula you end up using more than you would expect. I think it's possible that you run out of the tube after about three body applications.

Our rating

So overall, Beauty by Earth SPF 25 is definitely a clean reef-safe sunscreen with great ingredients and beautiful, pleasant scent. But the thick and little heavier texture plus the pricing, or let's say the price to performance ratio make it hard to recommend across the board.

It could work for low sun exposure outings or for people with very dry and sensitive skin because of moisturizing properties, but we give it 5. 5 out of 10.

Mad Hippie Ultra-Sheer Body SPF 40

Watch the full reef safe sunscreens breakdown here

Next up we have Mad Hippie Ultra Sheer Body SPF 40. Now this is one of the most polarizing sunscreens in this lineup.

Pricing

It retails for around $20 for 4 oz.

Ingredients

The active ingredient is 20.5% zinc oxide. It's also packed with skin-friendly ingredients like shea butter, red raspberry seed oil, oil, and cucumber extract. It's also cruelty-free, a huge plus, and made without synthetic fragrance or harmful chemicals. But despite the ultra-sheer label, the texture is on the thicker side and more like a creamy lotion than a liquid sunscreen.

Texture & Whitecast

It does take some time to blend in, and while there's no dramatic white cast, there can be a subtle pale finish if you don't work it in properly. It feels rich and slightly oily, especially in humid weather, which we experience staying in an apartment facing the ocean.

I find it a little too greasy for hot beach days. It tends to attract sand and felt like it sat on top of my skin. On the upside, it felt very gentle and moisturizing, and I didn't experience any irritation or breakouts. 

Scent

For the scent, it's fragrance-free. 

Durability

Protection-wise, it held up well for outdoor activities like walking on the beach or late-afternoon sunbed tanning. It says it's water resistant for 80 minutes, but it really felt like it needed to be reapplied when swimming, and I wouldn't trust it for a full day of ocean swimming or intense sun exposure.

Our rating

Overall, Mad Hippie Body SPF 40 is a clean, nourishing sunscreen that's great for everyday light use situations, especially if you want something moisturizing and non-toxic. But if you need a matte finish or strong durability in intense conditions, this won't be your best bet. 

We give it 4. 5 out of 10.

Stream2Sea Active SPF 45

Watch the full reef safe sunscreens breakdown here

Next up is one of the most well-known reef safe sunscreens in the scuba diving community, Stream2Sea Active SPF 45.

Pricing

It retails around $24 for just 2.5 oz, making it one of the priciest picks per ounce in our lineup.

Ingredients

It uses 19% EcoSafe Zinc Oxide as the active ingredient. The formula includes green tea, tulsi, olive leaf, aloe vera, wakame, seaweed extract. All of these are supportive for the skin with soothing benefits. It's also biodegradable and cruelty-free. We we were really excited to give it a try, especially for snorkeling and other water activities. But in practice, there are some clear trade-offs.

Texture & whitecast

The texture is incredibly thick; it feels almost like spreading cold butter. It takes serious effort to rub it in, and even then, it doesn't fully disappear and leaves a visible white cast, even if you really work it in well. It settles into the skin folds like elbows and neck folds, unfortunately. 

The thick white finish fully goes away, which makes it feel like it's sitting on the surface rather than absorbing. That can really attract some sand and leave you feeling coated rather than protected. And when you're sweating, it feels a little unpleasant, like you're wearing an extra layer of something on top of your skin.

And with the bottle this small bottle, we kind of hope this would go long way, but because of how thick the formula is, you end up needing quite a bit for use, which means it goes fast.

Durability

That being said, the formula performance is really great. It performs well underwater, it doesn't sting the eyes, it's fragrance-free, and it holds strong enough snorkeling and being immersed in water for hours.

After all-day water activities, we had zero sunburns and it really felt like solid protection. It also gets extra points for its strong focus on the environment, serving the scuba diving community, and always keeping in mind the coral reefs. Even the packaging is made from sugarcane resin, a renewable resource that helps reduce plastic.

Our rating

Overall, Stream2Sea Active is not the easiest sunscreen to use.

It has a thick texture, sticky feel, and white cast. And that makes the application a little frustrating.

We give it 6.5 out of 10. But if your priority is serious sun protection, all-day ocean activities, for scuba divers and snorkels, and eco-conscious travelers, this formula still earns a spot in our gear bag.

Little Hands Hawaii Tinted SPF 35

Watch the full reef safe sunscreens breakdown here

Now, next up is Little Hands Hawaii Tinted SPF 35. earned loyal fans across the Hawaii islands. It is handcrafted in small batches using local organic ingredients and comes in eco-friendly packaging in a reusable tin. We found it at local markets while traveling in Hawaii and immediately loved it.

Pricing

The tinted version retails for $18 for 3.4 oz, which is a great value compared to many smaller, more expensive reef-safe options.

Ingredients

Thanks to the bomb-like consistency, a little goes a long way, which is a big plus. The active ingredient is 23% non-nano zinc oxide, and the formula is packed with skin-nourishing oils like organic coconut, macadamia, jojoba, shea butter, and vitamin E, and beeswax. 

It's all natural, free from any synthetic UV filters or preservatives. The scent is frankincense, and I personally love it. It's an essential oil that I really enjoy.

Texture & Whitecast

When it comes to texture, it's a solid, creamy-like texture. So you need to swirl your fingers over it or glide it directly onto your skin and then rub it in.

I like the blendable finish, and it can be taken on an airplane because of its size in a carry-on. Despite the tinted version, unfortunately it does leave a visible chalky look and a white cast.

Durability

As for performance, it delivers. I used it in Hawaii for three to four-hour beach sessions and had zero burns. It really lasted long in terms of water activities. I did reapply it very intentionally every hour or so, and it holds up well in intense sun.

Our rating

The downsides-frankincense scent is not for everyone. And while the tint helps the white cast, it can stain clothing with light colors. But if you're looking for locally made reef-safe sunscreen, Little Hands Hawaii is a solid pick if you want to protect the coral reefs.

Unfortunately, for the slight white sheen, we give it 6 out of 10 points.

We do appreciate the nourishing formula and performance, and extra points for the locally owned small business.

Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50

Watch the full reef safe sunscreens breakdown here

And lastly, we have the Blue Lizard Sensitive, a highly trusted mineral sunscreen brand, and also Amazon's choice with over 3,500 reviews. Their sensitive formula is marketed for all skin types, including skin prone to irritation.

Pricing

It retails for around $15 for 5 oz, and its current loan sale on Amazon, making it one of the most affordable reef-safe options on the market.

Ingredients

The formulation features 10% zinc oxide, 8% titanium dioxide, both mineral UV filters that offer broad-spectrum SPF 50 plus. It's also free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, the two ingredients most frequently linked to coral bleaching and bands in reef areas like Hawaii. That aligns with the most current definition of reef-safe, but is it really reef-safe? Under current legal and dermatological standards, yes.

In fact, National Geographic named it the overall best reef-safe sunscreen, citing its skin-friendly formula, broad-spectrum protection, and good wearability.

But Blue Lizard does not specify whether its zinc and titanium are non-nano, which according to our research is a red flag for stricter environmentalists. Nano-sized particles are small enough to be absorbed by marine life. 

Watch the full reef safe sunscreens breakdown here

Some ocean advocates recommend avoiding them altogether. Another thing, Reef Safe label is not regulated in the US, and this is the perfect example. You can be featured in National Geographic as Reef Safe, be legally safe to use in Hawaii, but not really revealing whether you use as a brand nanoparticles.

That is questionable, the thing is, we really love this formula.

Texture

It's on the thicker side and it looks white at first, but it blends in better than most sunscreen after a few minutes.

It's also non-greasy and it doesn't fade or stain clothing.

Scent

It has no scent, which is great. 

And it's made for sensitive skin.

Whitecast

And I personally didn't notice any white cast, which was really refreshing because that's really hard to achieve with high zinc SPF based sunscreen.

Durability

And it also lasted all day. So for durability, it gets extra points as well.

Overall, SPF 50+ is one of the most affordable and dermatologist-trusted mineral sunscreen on the market. This zinc-based formula works really well for sensitive skin, all at a very good price. There's no scent, no irritation. It holds up all day, but some points off.

It's legally reef safe and even recommended by National Geographic, but it doesn't specify whether it uses non-nano minerals. That's a key detail for reef-conscious users.

So while it's solid everyday pick with great durability, out there.

So we give it 6 out of 10 for protection and wearability and price.

But we didn't like the lack of full ingredient clarity, which is a shame because we really love this one.

Now this was the last sunscreen on our list. So thank you guys so much for watching. We hope this roundup helped you choose the best reef-safe sunscreen.

And if you've tried any of these or you have any other favorites we didn't mention, let us know in the comments. 

Also, don't forget to check the links below for the Amazon links organized by our ranking.

Badger Adventure Unscented SPF 50 (Score: 8/10) https://amzn.to/4jv5Ll1

ThinkSport SPF 50+ (Score: 8/10) https://amzn.to/43DWzF1

Stream2Sea Active SPF 45 (Score: 6.5/10) https://amzn.to/43GfoHQ

Little Hands Hawaii Tinted SPF 35 (Score: 6/10) https://amzn.to/4dJlQT0

Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50 (Score: 6/10) https://amzn.to/4kDCAwY

Beauty by Earth SPF 25 (Score: 5.5/10) https://amzn.to/43LL3HX

Mad Hippie Ultra-Sheer Body SPF 40 (Score: 4.5/10) https://amzn.to/4kwRyFm

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Clear Spray SPF 30 (Score: 3/10) https://amzn.to/3FAdssj

And remember, these are affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission if you make a purchase. It helps us buy more products to test for our community and keep sharing the best in health and wellness-conscious consumers like yourself.

Thank you so much, have an amazing summer and see you in our next in-depth wellness review!

See other in-depth wellness reviews:

• Portable Red Light Therapy Review : Lumebox Unboxing

• Portable Red Light Therapy : Comparing Lumebox vs Bon Charge

• Living Libations Best Skin Ever Cleansing Oil