It concerns a total of 10 substances that were banned at the turn of 2019/2020 in Palau.
Palau became the first country in the world to ban chemical sunscreens in 2019/2020. It was about time since these substances are so toxic that they kill coral reefs.
The substances in question are:
- oxybenzone (benzophenone-3)
- octinoxate (octyl methoxycinnamate)
- octocrylene
- 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor
- triclosan
- methyl paraben
- ethyl paraben
- butyl paraben
- benzyl paraben
- phenoxyethanol
All these substances have, of course, always been banned with us. We believe conventional sunscreens are completely out of the question.
Here, phenoxyethanol stands out to us, as it is a common preservative found in many natural and organic cosmetic products.
Phenoxyethanol is found in everything from hair care products to various skin care products. Many consider it a better alternative than parabens, but we maintain that it is not acceptable.
We have already seen how mass tourism killed the coral reefs at "Leonardo di Caprio’s beach" (the movie The Beach, filmed on a Thai beach).
A mix of chemicals from sunscreens, littering, and lack of respect for our nature quickly destroyed the paradise-like beach.
It is time to ban all chemical sunscreens, as they ultimately end up in our water through swimming, showering, and urine (the substances are absorbed into our bodies and some are excreted through urine).
It may feel like a big step, but why wait until it’s too late? Now we have the chance to prevent environmental damage so we can preserve them in better condition for the next generation.
You can learn the difference between chemical and physical sunscreens and what you should avoid.
All our sunscreens are safe for coral reefs, free from harmful ingredients and nanoparticles. They are thus gentle on our health and our water (coral reef safe). They contain no chemical sunscreens or harmful preservatives.
