As 2021 rolls in, Hawaii's ban on chemical sunscreens is going into full effect.
Specifically, the ban applies to the sales and distribution of sunscreens made with ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate.
According to Allure, the chemicals can damage coral reefs when washed off skin and into the water.
Nevertheless, there are still plenty of reef-safe sunscreens that offer the same UV protection--but with physical blockers like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
So if you want to soak up the sun in a tropical Hawaiian paradise, pack an SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen labeled 'reef-safe' or 'marine-safe.' Aloha!
