If you plan on taking a swim in the ocean in the near future, remember that the sunscreen you will be wearing will cause damage on the ecosystem in the long run. Traditional sunscreen products are full of chemicals that can attack coral reefs and destroy all forms of marine life. Each year 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen are washed off ocean swimmers, this is about ten times the size of an average petroleum leak incident. Using a biodegradable sunscreen product is a must for everyone who cares about the long-term well being of the environment.

While there are many natural products on today’s market, only a handful of biodegradable sunscreen manufacturers are worth mentioning:

  • Loving Naturals is a natural products company founded by an enthusiastic couple who started off by researching safer and healthier ways to live and soon released the self-called “Safest biodegradable sunscreen on Earth.”
  • Badger is another family run business that deals with biodegradable sunscreen products. Their Sun Care line protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, contains mineral Zinc Oxide as well as Organic Olive Oil, Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter to moisturize your skin.
  • Soleo Organics is another reputed manufacturer that produces all natural, biodegradable sunscreen products. Their skin care solutions are certified as an environment safe alternative to common synthetic based sunscreens.

The list could go on, but if you have to pick another manufacturer’s product, make sure you do some research beforehand. Some skin care products falsely advertise themselves as environmentally friendly. A truly biodegradable sunscreen lotion should have it clearly printed on the label. Also, remember that some private beaches enforce a biodegradable-only policy and might confiscate any lotion deemed as hazardous to the environment.