Coral reefs are turning white…
The same way we turn pale when we’re sick.
According to TheWorldCounts, more than half of all coral reefs are either lost or severely damaged, with destruction occurring at double the rate of rainforests.
In the Philippines, often called the “Center of Marine Biodiversity”, coral reefs are vanishing. Recent assessments show that a third of these corals have disappeared in just two decades.
If this trend continues, corals could be gone within 30 years
Why Coral Reefs Matter
More than just gorgeous underwater decorations, corals are living organisms that provide life, livelihood, and protection:
- Life. They serve as homes to fish that deliver nutrients such as iron, zinc, and calcium to approximately 3.2 billion people.
- Livelihood. They drive local economies through fishing, recreation, and tourism.
- Protection. They act as a barrier between land and the ocean, safeguarding our shorelines from erosion, waves, storms, floods, and even tsunamis.
Without corals, ecosystems and economies could collapse.
Are Sunscreens Harming Coral Reefs?
Aside from common culprits, global warming, plastic pollution, and destructive fishing practices, recent studies have found that some of the most popular chemical sunscreens contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, substances known to be harmful to corals.
These ingredients, once in the water, break down corals’ defenses, damage DNA, and disrupt growth and reproduction, accelerating coral bleaching.
Studies also show that oxybenzone and octinoxate can pose health risks to humans, potentially affecting reproductive health and increasing risks of hormone-related cancers. This is why certain countries have started banning sunscreens containing these chemicals.
Only two sunscreen ingredients have been deemed safe: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are the main ingredients in natural sunscreens.
What Is a Natural Reef Safe Sunscreen?
Protect the seas as you protect your skin
While choosing a sunscreen may seem like a small decision, it can make a meaningful difference in the fight to save coral reefs. That’s why we created the Human Nature Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF60 PA++++, which is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate for safer and superior sun defense that stays gentle on your skin and safe for our seas.
S.O.S. (Save Our Seas), it’s a #SEAmergency!
Human Nature’s Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF60 PA++++ is made from 100% natural ingredients and has a reef-friendly, high-protection formula that’s great for every outdoor adventure and daily wear. You can count on it to:
- Give the highest protection against skin-aging UVA rays with PA++++ protection
- Block 98% of skin-burning UVB rays with SPF 60 defense and no chemical UV filters
- Be gentle on sensitive skin, and safe for both babies and kids
Remember: A healthy ocean means a healthy planet. Save the seas, one sunscreen at a time with the Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF60 PA++++, our travel-sized natural reef-safe sunscreen, available in all Human Nature stores.
Sources:
- Children born today may be the last generation to see coral reefs. Retrieved from www.theworldcounts.com
- James, Lauren. Half of the Great Barrier Reef Is Dead. Retrieved from www.nationalgeographic.com
- Parker, Laura & Welch, Craig. Coral Reefs Could Be Gone in 30 Years. Retrieved from www.nationalgeographic.com
- Alcala, A.C. & Russ, G.R. Status of Philippine Coral Reef Fisheries. Retrieved from www.asianfisheriessociety.org
- Chan, Licuanan, Luzon & Reyes. Initial Findings of the Nationwide Assessment of Philippine Coral Reefs. Philippine Journal of Science. Retrieved from www.researchgate.net
- Mayuga, Jonathan. Where have our beautiful corals gone? Retrieved from www.businessmirror.com.ph
- Loria, Kevin. What happens if all the coral reefs die? Retrieved from www.weforum.org
- Is Your Sunscreen Killing the Coral Reef? Retrieved from www.oceanconservancy.org
- How Safe Really is Our Sun Lotion. Retrieved from thenakedchemist.com
- World’s fish consumption unsustainable, U.N. warns. Retrieved from www.reuters.com
- Carpenter, Kent & Springer, Victor. The center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity: The Philippine Islands. Retrieved from www.researchgate.net
