Sunscreen is an essential resource for any diver, and really, for anyone who is outside and doesn’t want to get burned to a crisp. But as beneficial as sunscreen can be to its user, it can be just as harmful to coral reefs. In fact, as much as 10 percent of the world’s coral reefs may be threatened by certain chemicals in most sunscreens. Oxybenzone is one in particular that has been proven to cause disruptions in coral production, and is found in over 3,500 sunscreen products worldwide. It’s important to try to find a sunscreen that not only keeps the user from feeling pain, but also ensures that the marine ecosystem isn’t feeling the burn.

We've narrowed the search for you — these three sunscreens will help protect you and the reef!

Developed by Brian Guadagno, an ocean rescue Lifeguard of 20 years, Raw Elements USA sunscreen is sustainable, recycled and uses uncoated Zinc Oxide as its lone active ingredient. Raw Elements declare themselves a “cruelty-free” alternative to chemical sunscreens.

For more information, visit the Raw Elements website.

Using its business as an instrument to protect marine ecosystems, Stream2Sea produces ocean- and coral-safe products while working to educate the public about the dangers facing our oceans. Stream2Sea’s Conscious Diver Kit includes its sunscreen, shampoo and body wash, leave-in conditioner, sun and sting gel, lip balm and a card informing consumers on which ingredients to avoid. The Sun and Sting Relief gel works wonders on run-ins with fire coral and jellyfish.

Learn more about where to purchase Stream2Sea on its website.

Nestled in the woods of Gilsum, New Hampshire, Badger Balm operates as a family-owned and run company that uses organic plant extracts, beeswax, oils and minerals in order to create a sunscreen that’s soothing and safe for the skin and environment. All of Badger Balm’s products are oxybenzone free with no synthetic chemicals. The company believes in “better products, for healthier people, and for a healthier planet,” says CEO Bill Whyte.

For more information, visit Badger's website.