We now know that chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate are really bad for the environment.
We now know that chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate are really bad for the environment. These nano particles protect your skin from sunburn, but also cause coral bleaching. So when our beaches reopen after the circuit breaker, do the right thing: use a reef-safe sunscreen, which still protects you against UVA and UVB rays but also protects the coral. And remember: even if you don’t go into the sea, your daily face sunscreen can also make its way from shower to sewer to sea when you wash it off. The sunscreens here can be used on both the face and body.
1. Banyan Tree Coconut and Seaweed Mineral Sunscreen SPF30/PA+++, $46.85
Contains organic coconut oil and red seaweed extract. It makes a great premakeup base as it is deeply moisturising and doesn’t feel heavy on skin.
2. Soleil Toujours Perpetual Radiance Eye Glow + Illuminator SPF15, $98
Pulls double duty as anti-ageing skincare and sunscreen. It protects the eye area from cell-damaging free radicals, boosts collagen production, and reduces the look of wrinkles.
3. Sigi Skin Morning Glow Physical Sunscreen, $58
It feels light, fresh and clean, without leaving a greasy film on skin. Avocado and acai extracts help soothe inflammation and acne.
4. Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF30, $48
Its soothing non-greasy formula makes it good for sensitive and highly reactive skin. It contains antioxidants to help skin build resistance to photo-ageing.
5. Supergoop! Acai Fusion Lip Balm SPF30, $14
A high SPF lip balm is hard to resist. This one goes on balmy and contains super-moisturising shea butter with honey, so you don’t have to keep re-applying.
TEXT SINEAD LEE PHOTO RAPHAEL-LOVASKI/UNSPLASH
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