Sunscreen. Good for ultra-violet protection, bad for our oceans? The state of Hawaii is making moves to protect this living landscape, recently approving a bill to ban toxic sunscreen containing two ingredients believed to be killing coral reefs.

As reported in this article from NPR, “the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are used in more than 3,500 of the world’s most popular sunscreen products, including Hawaiian Tropic, Coppertone and Banana Boat, would be prohibited” by the ban, which is the first of its kind here in the United States. Why? According to a 2015 study of coral reefs in Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Israel, even just a drop of oxybenzone is able to strip a coral of its nutrients and bleach it white, disrupting and damaging other wildlife in the process.

We understand if the well-being of coral reefs isn’t exactly a topic at the top of your mind, though seeing an image of the damage that they’re experiencing can be a majorly eye-opening moment. The ban also has us ruminating on what these creams are doing to our bodies — if they are causing this much damage to life under the sea, what are they doing to our skin?

Finding a good, non-gross sunscreen can be hard; finding one that’s non-toxic and non-gross can be even harder. These three options are some of our favorites of late. They use clean ingredients, feel great and fight had to protect your precious skin, without upsetting mama earth in the process. Stock up on these oxybenzone and octinoxate-free picks for the summer…
Vive Sana | Brand new and deeply moisturizing, VIVE SANA is loaded with antioxidant-rich ingredients like raspberry seed, green tea, and licorice root. Zinc provides a protective barrier while emollient ingredients like avocado oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil hydrate deeply without clogging pores.  CHECK OUT

ISUN Antioxidant Sun Butter | This moisturizing sun butter gives provides instant glow and natural UV protection. A nourishing blend of seed butters, coconut oil, exotic fruits and healing herbs heal skin while protecting it. CHECK OUT

Make P:REM Capsule Sun Gel | Korean skincare can do no wrong, at least certainly not when it’s from Glow Recipe’s guaranteed non-toxic curation. This cult-loved favorite is constantly selling-out. It is a clear gel that won’t leave a white cast, soaks in quickly and hydrates deeply leaving your cheeks with K-beauty’s signature plump, dewy glow. CHECK OUT