Many people search for a biodegradable sunscreen because they want their sun cream to be kinder to our oceans. In this guide, we explain what biodegradable really means when it comes to sun protection, and how to choose a sunscreen that supports marine life.
As a long-standing partner of the Marine Conservation Society, we offer a range of ocean-friendly sun creams for all the family and all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Our natural and organic sunscreens achieved an ethical score of 100/100 with The Good Shopping Guide, and we’re confident you’ll find an ocean-friendly sunscreen to suit your needs.
In this guide, we introduce our bestsellers and explain what to look for when shopping for an ocean-friendly sunscreen.
At a glance:
- Although mineral filters are not biodegradable, they are considered to be the safest for our oceans
- Green People avoids reef-damaging ingredients – no Oxybenzone, Octinoxate or Octocrylene in any formulas
- Our Scent Free Mineral Sun Cream SPF30 is the best choice for those looking for an ocean-friendly sunscreen
- Green People has a 100/100 score from The Good Shopping Guide and is a long-term partner of the Marine Conservation Society.
Are Green People sunscreens biodegradable?
At Green People, we’re incredibly concerned for the safety of our seas and oceans. We work closely with the Marine Conservation Society and avoid any ingredients known to harm marine life in our sun care formulations.
Our 100% mineral sunscreens use non-nano Zinc Oxide as their UV filter. While mineral filters are not biodegradable, non-nano mineral filters are recognised as ocean friendly. They are combined with natural, sustainably sourced ingredients and recyclable packaging.
Some of our sun creams use a blend of mineral and chemical UV filters DHHB (Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate) and DBT (Diethylamino butamido triazone).
Although not readily biodegradable, these ingredients are considered to be ocean-friendly and are not associated with negative effects on marine life like filters such as Oxybenzone and Octocrylene.
We take a science-led and responsible approach to sun care formulation. Here’s a summary of why our sunscreens are considered an ethical choice:
- No Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene or PFAS
- We choose modern UV filters that current research suggests are low concern for marine life
- We continuously review new environmental studies and update our formulations when better options become available
- Green People sun care products score 100/100 with The Good Shopping Guide, reflecting strong environmental and ethical standards.
Discover our ocean-friendly 100% mineral sunscreen
Green People is proud to offer marine-friendly sun creams - we don’t use any ingredients known to harm marine life. The only non-biodegradable ingredient in our sunscreens is our essential mineral sun filter.
Our Scent Free Mineral Sun Cream SPF30, is a beach essential, filtering out 97% of UVB rays. It’s been clinically proven and dermatologically tested to be kind to sensitive skin and can be used on both your face and body.
This high-factor, certified organic sun cream provides 100% mineral sun protection and is suitable for all skin types. It is also water-repellent, making it a great choice for swimmers, snorkellers and surfers, though we always recommend reapplying after swimming or spending time in the water.
Scent Free Mineral Sun Cream SPF30 50ml
Reflect and protect with this 100% mineral sun cream£33.00
“At Green People, we’ve always believed that protecting your skin shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment. Our Scent Free Mineral Sun Cream SPF30 reflects that commitment, with non-nano mineral sun filters and a formula designed to be kind to both sensitive skin and the sea.” Charlotte Vøhtz, Green People Founder
Discover more of our sunscreens
Find the right sun protection for you and your family. Our ocean-friendly sunscreen range avoids ingredients known to harm marine life, while offering effective, skin-kind protection for everyday sun exposure.
Natural, organic and made without pore-clogging ingredients, our sun creams apply easily and are suitable for sensitive skin and those who may be prone to prickly heat (heat rash).
Rich in botanical ingredients including Aloe Vera, Green Tree Extract and Edelweiss, our sunscreens go beyond protection. They care for your skin while keeping it safe from the sun’s rays.
If you are new to our range, our best-selling Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 is a great place to start. For every bottle sold we donate 20p to the Marine Conservation Society.
Why buy marine-safe sun creams?
Coral reefs are under serious threat, and concerns have been raised that some sun cream ingredients, particularly Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, may contribute to coral bleaching and reef damage.
As a result, sunscreens containing oxybenzone have been banned in several reef territories, including Hawaii and parts of the Caribbean.
Studies suggest that when coral reefs are exposed to Oxybenzone, they may become more vulnerable to disease and damage. This can have devastating effects on marine ecosystems, including fish and other sea life that rely on reefs for food and shelter.
Shop all of our Oxybenzone-free sunscreens now.
What to consider when shopping for ocean-friendly sun cream
Does it contain Oxybenzone?
Oxybenzone is considered such a risk to coral populations that its use has been banned in several countries.
Green People sun creams are all free from Oxybenzone, Octinoxate and Octocrylene, so you can feel confident in your choice.
Check The Good Shopping Guide
Ethical comparison charts, such as those from The Good Shopping Guide, can help you make an informed decision.
Green People is proud that our sun care products score 100/100 on their ethical comparison table.
Check with your tour guide
Some destinations restrict the use of certain sunscreen ingredients. If you’re travelling, check local guidelines or your travel provider’s advice before you go.
Choose the best factor SPF for your destination
For warmer climates, we recommend choosing a sunscreen with at least SPF30 and applying it generously every 2–3 hours, as well as after swimming or towel drying.
Choose the best SPF for your activity
If you’re planning activities such as swimming or snorkelling, look for a water-repellent sunscreen. Our ocean-friendly sun care range uses a blend of plant oils to provide natural water-repellent protection, while still allowing skin to breathe. Reapplication after water exposure is always essential.
Do you have any questions about biodegradable sunscreens or need help choosing an ocean-friendly sunscreen? Give our friendly UK customer care team a call at 01403 740350, they’ll be happy to help – or you can find your skin’s perfect match with our sunscreen quiz.
BY CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE
This blog post has been written by Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, who has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.
A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People’s Choice in the 2023 list of Who’s Who in Natural Beauty.
A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible ‘Naturally Gorgeous’. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
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