Biodegradable Sunscreen

Something is biodegradable if it can naturally break down in the environment. A biodegradable sunscreen is one that contains ingredients that do not harm the environment, including both plant and animal life.

Unfortunately, even with the highest-quality sunscreen formulas, some of the product is going to wash off and dissolve into the water. However, when it comes off your skin, it doesn’t simply dissolve into thin air. Instead, it can end up coming into contact with sea life. Compounded by hundreds or even thousands of people, this can have a major negative effect on our environment.

One of the major concerns with sunscreen formulas is their impact on coral reefs*. The major culprit of this problem is believed to be oxybenzone, a chemical used in many popular sunscreen formulas. When oxybenzone is introduced to coral reefs, it can create dead zones, where marine life can no longer survive. As a result, this is very harmful and has a lasting impact on underwater environments.

For this reason, many places throughout the world—especially those known for their rich marine life, like Hawaii—are banning chemical sunscreens that destroy the underwater environment. That’s why it’s important to find a coral-reef-safe* sunscreen, so you can experience all of the ocean’s wonders without fear of doing harm or violating protections.

The best biodegradable sunscreen is one that does not contain chemicals and is reef-safe*, like those offered by Colorescience. We use only 100% pure, natural minerals, antioxidants, and botanicals and offer a variety of mineral formulas that allow you to optimize your sun protection for your lifestyle, whether that’s lounging beachside or catching waves.

It can be difficult to pick out the right biodegradable sunscreen if you don’t know what to look for. Typically, you can figure out if a sunscreen is biodegradable based on the ingredients list. You may be able to also do a quick google search to determine whether it’s biodegradable, or at the very least confirm any listed ingredients. One important thing to note is that not all ingredients are always listed on the label.

Some ingredients commonly found in biodegradable sunblock** include titanium dioxide (which is safe when used in lower levels and not interacting with harmful chemical ingredients) and zinc oxide. Our biodegradable sunscreen products are made with all-natural minerals that are 100% safe for marine life, including titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as our primary active ingredients.

While it’s understandable to be skeptical when deviating from your classic sunscreen formula, you can rest assured that biodegradable sunscreen is just as effective at protecting you from sun damage—if not more so. Our biodegradable sunscreen formulas are broad-spectrum (guarding against both UVA and UVB rays. Plus, many of our sunscreens also feature our EnviroScreen® Technology, which provides unmatched protection against pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation.

Yes, Colorescience biodegradable sunscreens are cruelty-free. This means that our sunscreens are never tested on animals. Additionally, our biodegradable sunscreen is vegan, so it does not include animal byproducts. We even require non-animal testing statements on all raw materials before final formula approval. When you wear our sunblock**, you can feel confident that no animals have been harmed in the process to create an effective, gentle sunscreen formula.

Many people have great intentions and are on top of their initial sunscreen application, but then forget to reapply it after spending some time in the sun. By doing so you could unintentionally be putting yourself at risk of serious sun damage and even skin cancer. For consistent protection, dermatologists agree that sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, so don’t make this mistake!

Reapplication should be even more frequent (every 80 minutes with Colorescience sunscreen) if you have contact with water or are sweating, so it’s important to have easy-to-apply, biodegradable sunblock** with you at all times. That’s one of the many reasons Colorescience mineral sunscreens are changing the game when it comes to biodegradable SPF protection:

• SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ BRUSH-ON SHIELD SPF 50: Application is effortless; simply brush on the mineral powder and you’re set with SPF—no mess, no stress! It can be worn alone or over your setting powder makeup, and even the kids won’t fuss when you apply this ultra-soft powder.
• SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ SPORT STICK SPF 50:Thanks to the innovative stick design, you can apply sunscreen on the go. This biodegradable sunscreen is made for active days and is kid-friendly, so the whole family can use it.
• SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ FACE SHIELD SPF 50:This liquid mineral sunscreen is as easy to apply as your favorite traditional sunscreen, without the chemicals. Simply shake well before each use and apply evenly.
• SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ BODY SHIELD SPF 50: Apply this liquid mineral formula to your entire body for invisible, 100% mineral protection from environmental aggressors. This formula is also available in a bronze tint, to help you achieve the ideal summer glow without risking skin damage.

Since our sunscreens are biodegradable, you don’t need to worry about polluting the ocean with your sun protection. The ability to easily reapply makes our non-toxic sunscreen perfect for those who know they’re going to be out in the elements from sun-up ‘til sundown. Choosing the best biodegradable sunscreen for you depends on your preferences, but you can count on our sun solutions to protect you all day long.

In an ideal world, you’d like to think that your sunscreen, which is meant to protect you from sun damage and skin cancer, would only have a positive effect on your health. However, that isn’t always the case when it comes to chemical sunscreens.

This is because chemical sunscreens provide sun protection by penetrating the skin and absorbing UV radiation. While this is effective for safeguarding your skin from the sun, it also means that there’s a potential for sunblock** to make its way into your bloodstream (which can affect hormone function). Compare this to mineral sunscreen, which sits on the skin and reflects rays away, making a gentle and safer alternative.

Something important to keep in mind when looking for a biodegradable sunscreen is that, even though some ingredients are technically biodegradable, they’re still considered harmful chemicals. You do not want your sunscreen to include any of the following chemicals:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Parabens
• PABA
• Avobenzone
• Octisalate
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate

Colorescience’s biodegradable, chemical-free sunscreen provides defense against environmental stressors while keeping the world around you safe; when you wear our products, you’ll never need to worry about contaminating the earth with parabens or the ocean with oxybenzone. Our entire line of products is chemical-free and eco-friendly. Whether you want lip gloss for sensitive lips or the best biodegradable sunscreen, we have you covered.

*Reef safe as defined by Hawaii’s legislation related to the ban of SPF sunscreen products that contain oxybenzone or octinoxate.

**Sunblock is not a term approved by the FDA. Colorescience refers to our products as sun protection.