Mommy Greenest Approved: Goddess Garden Organics Reef-Safe Sunscreen
For several years I’ve celebrated May Skin Cancer Awareness month by pointing out the ineffectiveness of hormone disrupting toxic sunscreen chemicals like oxybenzone (also known as Parsol 1789) and benzophenone-2 (or BP-2), while encouraging everyone to up on sunscreens with non-nano physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that block UVA/UVB rays.
So that’s the story on sunscreens and you. But did you ever think about what toxic chemical sunscreens can do to the ocean? I didn’t either, until I connected with Goddess Garden Organics, which has been formulating reef-safe sunscreens for more than a decade. They gave me the deets on how to preserve our oceans—and the go-ahead to hook up SIX Mommy Greenest readers with a sunscreen splurge!
It turns out, toxic chemical sunscreens do more than just expose you to endocrine disruptors—and the possibility of sun damage: In 2013, researchers reported that BP-2 damages coral reefs. According to the World Wildlife Foundation, nearly 30% of the world’s coral reefs have already been destroyed; if these rates continue, 60% of our reefs will be destroyed in the next 30 years. Responsible for providing a safe breeding ground for fish and other marine species, coral reefs also protect shorelines against damage from storms and floods, buffering against erosion. And they’re a key source for the development of new medicines to fight human illnesses, according to the National Ocean Service. Here are what coral reefs look like before and after they’re damaged by elements such as toxic chemical sunscreens.
Scary, right? Luckily, Goddess Garden Organics has manufactured reef-safe sunscreen from the get-go. I discovered the brand last year and was impressed with the light consistency of their sunscreens. At as much as 92% USDA Certified Organic, they’re water-resistant, vegan and biodegradable, and contain no synthetic fragrances, phthalates, parabens or GMOs.
Goddess Garden Organics makes broad-spectrum, reef-safe sunscreens—meaning they block UVB (burning) as well as UVA (aging, cancer-causing) rays—unlike many chemical sunscreens, which allow the skin to absorb the UVA rays.
And they’re 97% effective! Like all physical blockers, you have to rub a little to blend in the product, but once you do there are no telltale white streaks and no greasy after feel on your skin. Here’s a handy-dandy graphic that shows you just how these sunscreens stack up.
Goddess Garden Organics has a huge range of reef-safe sunscreens. I’m a big fan of the non-aerosol sunscreen spray, which lets you hold a squirmy child in one hand and apply with the other (just make sure they don’t inhale as you spray it on). For daily use, their SPF 30 Facial sunscreen can’t be beat.
Want to try? Now through the end of June, get 30% off with “ReefSafeSunscreen” at check out. And six lucky Mommy Greenest readers can win the Goddess Garden Organics reef-safe sunscreen of their choice, by entering here. Good luck!
This post was sponsored by Goddess Garden Organics and meets the standards I’ve established to endorse a brand as “Mommy Greenest Approved.” Click here for more about Editorial Standards.
68 Comments
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Patricia C
I haven’t worried about toxic chemicals in our reefs, because of ignorance. I live in the northern US where the weather is cool and hadn’t realized how detrimental chemicals can be to a reef
Connie Williamson
I never knew this! Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
Rachel Sarnoff
You are so welcome! Thanks for commenting, Connie!
Christina
I know all sunscreens are not created equal, so I use Babo at the moment, but I never knew of there impact on coral reefs. Something to keep in mind. I like looking at the ocean, but I stay out of it.
Rachel Sarnoff
Great! Babo is mineral and reef-safe as well 🙂
Ellen DeFrancesco
I had no idea! Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention. With knowledge comes power. So glad I know better now.
Denise Lytle
Ever since I heard about this issue, I have done my best to only use sunscreens that are “ocean-safe”. I really don’t want to harm the planet while trying to protect myself!
Rachel Sarnoff
Awesome! Good for you Denise!
Sherry Blamer
We haven’t been to the ocean to worry about reef safe sunscreen. I worry about the ingredients in my daughters sunscreen. Its important of course to save the reef by using reef safe sunscreen. I wish more companies would do that and that these sunscreens were avaie in stores more people would buy them.
Rachel Sarnoff
Agreed!
Jennifer S.
I haven’t, but probably because I’m almost never in the ocean. It’s great that this option is available, because we do need to do everything we can to preserve our planet.
Kelly
I am sad now. I didn’t know this was happening to our reefs. So sad. I will be buying much more consciously. Thank you.
Rachel Sarnoff
Thank YOU Kelly!
Jia Hui
I didn’t but now I do; that’s so awesome about this brand! I have learned about coral bleaching before, and had no idea it was connected to sun screen!
Rachel Sarnoff
I know, me neither! And then I think about all the years I used it. 🙁
Penni
Thank you for bringing the issue of reef safety to my attention – and, now that I know about it, I will always choose reef-safe sunscreens over any other kind! With Goddess Garden products, we can keep our environment just as healthy as we keep our bodies!
Rachel Sarnoff
Exactly :-)!!
Stefanie
I definitely care about the oceans and reefs and love that this sunscreen helps protect the environment.
Rosie
Yes, I do! I don’t currently live near the water, but even so, it all adds up. I’m sooo excited to tell some people about this sunscreen, they have a tourist biz on the ocean in Maui! I”m sure they will be excited about this! I had no idea there was a reef safe sunscreen!
Nicky
hadn’t thought about it before, but now i sure do!
Tannis W
I never would have considered reef safety when choosing a sunscreen because I live nowhere near an ocean. If I would be near an ocean I would definitely consider a reef safe sunscreen option.
Goddess Garden
Here is more information about the effects chemical sunscreens have on your health: http://www.ewg.org/2015sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/
IzzyFrost
I’ve heard wonderful things about Goddess Garden Sunscreen Products!! I love that it’s safe for myself and my family while providing protection against the sun’s harmful rays! I can’t wait to try it!
Rachel Sarnoff
Awesome!! So glad to hear!! 🙂
Becca Z
Had not worried about this issue before because I was uneducated about it. Also, most sunscreen usage is for a pool or the general outdoors, not for being in the ocean.
Goddess Garden
If chemical sunscreens do that to the coral reef, imagine what they do to you when they absorb into your bloodstream!
Rachel Sarnoff
Right? Thanks GG!
Megan
I don’t worry about much, so needless to say, sunscreen + reef safety has never been on my radar. But I’m well aware of how destructive humans are to the planet, and as such, I try to make day-to-day choices that have the least impact on my environment. Every little effort helps, and this fair lady will certainly be switching to a healthier sunscreen!
Rachel Sarnoff
Yay! I’m so glad you were inspired to make this change. Thanks so much for sharing, Megan!
Charity James
I had not thought about sunscreen and reef saftey in the past, but I will now be much more aware. I do however use mineral sunscreens as it is better for the skin and enviroment in general.
Rachel Sarnoff
That’s perfect! Thanks Charity!
Barbra
I was not aware of reef safety prior to this. I prefer that there is safety in all things possible.
Jenny
Goddess sunscreen sounds great for yourself & also the environment! I would love to win some to try it out!
Heather
I wasn’t even AWARE of this, thank you!
Rachel Sarnoff
🙂
Krista
This may sound silly but it had never even occurred to me the damage sunscreens could do to ocean life. I will definitely be switching sunscreens.
Rachel Sarnoff
I know, I didn’t either! Thanks so much for reading, and for making the change!
Lindsey
Not usually as I don’t swim near reefs but I did purchase special sunscreen when I was in Mexico,
Rachel Sarnoff
Was it mineral based? I think the key is to avoid those chemical sunscreens!
Alison Bramham
I know this is not scientific but most people instinctively hate the smell of chemical sunscreens. They are often heavily perfumed with toxic fragrance ingredients to mask this. Mineral sunscreens are such a better choice and the technology is becoming available to make them both safe and cosmetically elegant.
Rachel Sarnoff
I so agree! I love Goddess Garden, it just smells fresh and clean and…warm, if that makes sense? Good point Alison!
Sara
I’ve been wanting to switch to a nontoxic sunscreen and now I know exactly what to look for! Thanks for the info!!
Rachel Sarnoff
Yay! Thanks Sara 🙂
Lisa Willey
It is crucial for the reefs to be safe from chemicals for ecosystem survival!
Rachel Sarnoff
Absolutely!
Amanda
I am always looking for safe products for my family and myself!
maureen kennedy
I haven’t thought about reef safety, but now I will!
Brittney Minor
It has been brought to my attention recently so I make sure that the sunscreen I buy is reef safe!
Rachel Sarnoff
Great!!
Kim
I hadn’t been worried about reef safety until reading this! Shocking stuff!
Rachel Sarnoff
I know, I was so surprised at how little I knew. Thanks for reading and commenting, Kim!
Ali
That UVA/UVB chart is quite telling!
Rachel Sarnoff
Isn’t it? They really do a good breakdown! Thanks Ali!
ellen schull
I never thought about it before. I am worried about chemicals and ingredients though.
Rachel Sarnoff
Yes, mineral sunscreen is DEFINITELY the way to go, on both counts! 🙂
Eileen
i have been reading about how sunscreens can damage the Ocean for several years. I hd heard Goddess Garden is a good brand, but have not been able to find it locally.
Rachel Sarnoff
Have you tried online? I know they do sell direct, also through different online boutiques. Definitely worth looking out for!
Goddess Garden
Hi Eileen,
You can find a store near you that carries our products here: http://www.goddessgarden.com/pages/store-locator
Marlene V. (Enelram)
I usually swim at lakes so it’s not needed but I would like to travel more to the ocean and yes then I care about preserving the reefs!
Rachel Sarnoff
Hm, I wonder what the impact of chemical sunscreens has on the freshwater ecosystem. I’m sure it’s not good! Minerals are better for you, too! 🙂
Kim Cage
I do now after reading your article and seeing the difference in the coral! This sounds like a fantastic product!
Rachel Sarnoff
So happy to share. It’s a wonderful company!
Jessica
I do, as I worry about the chemicals entering my own body, I would obviously also worry about their effects on the environment as they wash off my body, or as they are eliminated by the body.
Rachel Sarnoff
Absolutely!
Betsy
I totally worry about reef safety when we go snorkeling we try to use swim shirts and not sunscreen.
Rachel Sarnoff
Those shirts are great protection, but what about your face? I think minerals are the key. Thanks for commenting, Betsy!
jan
I had never narrowed it down to just reef safety, but just toward harmful items in all purchaseditems – period. However, I do love our reefs!