Coral reefs are vital for biodiversity, supporting 25% of marine species, and provide essential ecosystem services such as coastal protection and carbon sequestration. They also play a significant role in maintaining the balance of ocean ecosystems and are culturally important to many coastal communities.
🌞 The Hidden Danger of Sunscreen
Did you know that the chemicals in some sunscreens are harming coral reefs worldwide? Products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate are causing coral bleaching, damaging DNA, and even killing corals. In fact, the levels of oxybenzone in Hawaiian waters are 262 times higher than the level the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers harmful to marine life.
💡 The Solution: Opt for reef-safe sunscreens or reduce your sunscreen use altogether with alternatives like Smart Swimsuits.
📸 Before & After – The Impact of Harmful Sunscreens on Corals
Here’s a powerful before-and-after image of coral reefs affected by pollution:
Credit: NPS.GOV
📊 The Impact of Sunscreen Chemicals on Marine Life
The infographic below explains how sunscreen chemicals can enter our environment and affect marine life. It highlights how these chemicals damage coral reefs, fish, and other marine species, and provides solutions to protect both ourselves and marine life.
Credit: NOAA 
🌿 What Can You Do?
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Choose Reef-Safe Sunscreens: Look for products free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are safer for our oceans.
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Advocate for Change: Help push for legislation banning these harmful chemicals. Hawaii has already taken action to protect its reefs by banning such sunscreens.
Read more about Hawaii’s legislation -
Buy Smart Swimsuits – Use Less Sunscreen: Smart Swimsuits are designed with eco-friendly, SPF 35 fabric that shields your skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the need for sunscreen. By wearing Smart Swimsuits, you help protect our oceans and reefs with every wear.
Discover Smart Swimsuits -
Spread the Word: Share the importance of reef-safe choices with your friends, family, and community!
🌍 Let’s Protect Our Oceans, Together
Every small choice we make has a ripple effect on the health of our planet. By choosing reef-safe products like Smart Swimsuits, we can reduce the harmful chemical load on coral reefs, ensuring that these underwater marvels continue to thrive for generations to come.
Thank you for your support in preserving the beauty of our oceans!
Your Smart SwimSuits Team