Hawaii passes bill banning sunscreen that hurts reefs

For many people, safe suncare starts with slathering on the sunscreen.

But soon, travellers to Hawaii might have to start rethinking how to protect themselves when it comes to enjoying Hawaii's famous beaches.

On May 1, the state of Hawaii passed a bill (Senate Bill 2571) that seeks to ban the sale of any sunscreen products that contain harmful chemicals, that ultimately end up bleaching the coral reefs.

Although sunscreen and sunblock are designed to protect against serious skin damage, most suncare products do contain chemicals that, once washed off the skin during swimming, harm the natural environment.

According to the New York Times, the new bill will target sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, which contribute to coral bleaching and cause pre-mature aging to the sensitive organisms that call the reef home.

The following popular sunscreens currently contain the blacklisted ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate:

• Coppertone
• Banana Boat
• Hawaiian Tropic
• La Roche-Posay
• Australian Gold

Oxybenzone is a key ingredient in shielding the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays, and it's found commonly in many popular consumer brands. Prior to travelling, it's always a good idea to read the back of the product to be sure it can go in your bag. On the contrary, mineral-based sunscreens use zinc and titanium dioxide, and protect the skin from sun damage naturally, allowing you to enjoy the beach without the guilt.

Plus, natural sunscreens are often infused with aloe leaf extract or coconut water to make your skin soft and hydrated. Some of the popular sunscreen brands do have chemical-free versions as well, so remember to check! A good trick is to purchase sunscreen for infants or small children--if it's been dermatologically approved for a baby's skin, it will work for yours, too.

The following natural sunscreen brands would be allowed in Hawaii:

• BeautyCounter
• Aveno Baby
• La Roche-Posay Face
• All Good Sunscreen Butter
• Skin Medica Mineral Shield

If passed, the new rules on sunscreen use will go into effect as of Jan. 1, 2021.

Colin Wood, Account Director, Hawaii Tourism Canada, spoke with PAX and assures us that if this bill is passed, Canadian travellers will not have to worry about jeopardizing their Hawaiian vacation plans.

"The beaches in Hawaii are absolutely beautiful, but there are so many experiences and cultural pursuits beyond that," Wood said. "This bill is only referencing two particular chemicals found in sunscreen, and most suncare products by big brands already have a natural alternative. People are becoming more aware of their bodies, and that goes hand-in-hand with the products they are willing to use on their skin, and many people already use natural products."