![]() The term "reef safe" has become more prevalent on sunscreen labels, mainly because sunscreen companies want to attract Eco-conscience consumers. In our expert biochemistry-based opinion after looking at the listed ingredients, Blue Lizard Active Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 is NOT reef safe, but because the term is unregulated while the Hawaii ban on oxybenzone and octinoxate created the false perception that products without those ingredients are automatically reef safe, brands like Blue Lizard (and there are many) are able to take advantage of these consumer misconceptions and seem to be more concerned with the market's perception of their "reef safe" products, rather than if they really are (which they're not). ![]() Step 4: Final Verdict: Is blue lizard sunscreen reef safe? Always look for words “non-nano” mineral ingredients on labels. ![]() Non-nano zinc oxide and non-nano zinc oxide titanium dioxide does not have the same effect on reefs, because its particles are large enough to not enter or interact with marine biosystems. At the very least, not stating "non-nano" is evidence that Blue Lizard doesn't appreciate the importance of non-nano adequately. Since Blue Lizard does not state their Zinc Oxide is non-nano, we can only assume it is the small, nano sized particles and thus not reef safe. In short, nano sized zinc oxide is NOT reef safe. The problem is that such small particles, while not necessarily harmful to humans, easily enter coral and other marine biosystems and cause significant damage. Nanoparticles are smaller than 100 nanometers, and some companies have used them in their sunscreens to make them less white. Zinc oxide MUST be non nano to be fully safe. Since Blue Lizard does not state their Titanium Dioxide is non-nano, we can only assume it is the small, nano sized particles and thus not reef safe. This expulsion leads to coral bleaching and possible death. Exposure to nano‐sized titanium dioxide also caused significant zooxanthellae expulsion in coral colonies. Titanium dioxide creates more free radicals that do oxidative damage to your body and skin cells and increases aging processes. Titanium dioxide contains titanium, a toxic heavy metal. Octisalate is toxic to marine biosystems and may contribute to coral bleaching. It is a penetration enhancer, increasing the amount of other ingredients passing through skin and into the bloodstream. Octisalate typically degrades when exposed to sunlight. As a salicylate (a weak UVB absorber), octisalate is generally combined with other UV chemical filters. It is used to augment UVB protection in sunscreen. Octisalate is a chemical sunscreen ingredient and at 5% is the limit FDA allows. Step 2: Research Ingredients for Blue LizardĪlumina, Aluminum Stearate, Beeswax, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexyl Laurate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Isostearyl Isostearate, L-Arginine, Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Methylpropanediol, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Phenylpropanol, Polygylceryl-4 Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyurethane-35, Propanediol, Purified Water, Sorbitan Oleate, Stearic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer "Blue Lizard’s We Love the Reef sunscreens are Oxybenzone free and Octinoxate free for a swimming sunscreen that has delicate coral reefs in mind.” "We Love the Reef – To help protect delicate coral reefs, our Active sunscreen contains no Oxybenzone or Octinoxate” ![]() We selected Amazon’s Choice: Blue Lizard Active Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50įor that product, here's Blue Lizard's reef safe marketing message: Step 1: Choose a Blue Lizard Sunscreen to Investigate One of the brands we get asked about a lot is Blue Lizard. Then we discuss the pros and cons of each ingredient and give our educated straight forward opinion. The first thing we do when asked about another sunscreen is research its actual ingredients. We’re happy to discuss the pros and cons of any skincare product. Customers call us to ask questions about our products as well as other sunscreens. ![]()
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