As well as plastic packaging and potentially hormone disrupting ingredients in conventional sunscreens, studies continue to show that oxybenzone and octinoxate, ingredients commonly found in conventional sunscreen, are detrimental to coral health.
Coral reefs are vitally important and known as the “rainforests of the oceans” as they are home to a wide variety of sea life and plant species, protect coastlines from erosion and sequester carbon.
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Protect Yourself From the Sun... and From Plastic!
Thankfully there is now a growing selection of effective plastic-free sunscreens to choose from that use non-nano zinc oxide as the sunscreen; a mineral that provides a safe physical barrier on your skin. We (Kate and Mark - Bottlecup Co-Founders… hi! 👋 ) have personally tested most of the plastic-free sunscreens featured here.
Scence
Cornish skincare brand Scence has a zinc oxide, reef safe SPF30 sunscreen as part of their zero waste skincare collection - this is actually one of our favourite sunscreens as the plastic-free cardboard tube makes it really easy to apply (even to kids!) and the formula sinks in beautifully without leaving any white-cast.
UpCircle
Refillable plastic-free broad spectrum SPF25 sunscreen that is designed for all skin tones and rubs in easily. It comes packaged in a glass jar with a metal lid and can even be returned to UpCircle to be refilled.
Odylique
Reef safe and vegan, this broad spectrum organic sunscreen is 100% natural with 76% certified organic ingredients and comes packaged in a glass jar. Use code KATEARNELL for 20% off Odylique.
Fierce Nature
Made with organic tallow, this reef safe natural sun balm by Fierce Nature uses non-nano zinc oxide for sun protection, contains only 4 ingredients and is rich in vitamins A, D, E & K. It also comes in a metal tin. Use Kate's discount code KATE10 for 10% off Fierce Nature.
Badger Balm
Plastic-free SPF40 or SPF50 sunscreen with unscented, 100% natural and 98% organic ingredients, just 4 in fact and comes in an easy to recycle tin. It is certified Reef Friendly by Protect Land + Sea, is cruelty free and made with solar power.
Sol De Ibiza
Definitely choose the sunscreen in a tin over the tube with this brand as it’s easier to apply. It has a thick texture but rubs in easily once warmed a little between your hands. The non-nano zinc oxide formula offers broad spectrum protection (choose from SPF30 or SPF50) and come packaged in a steel tin (or compostable tube). Their products are also vegan and cruelty free.
Shade
UK based, fragrance-free and non-nano plastic-free sunscreen. The broad spectrum formula is made with only 4 natural ingredients (72% organic) and packaged in a recyclable tin. Use code KATEARNELL930 for a discount.
100% Pure
100% Pure yerba mate SPF30 is a fine mist spray offering full UVA/UVB protection with antioxidant rich yerba mate tea leaf extract. A lightweight, water resistant, coral-reef safe, vegan sunscreen that uses non-nano zinc oxide to provide natural protection from the sun. The compressed air canister is built into the bottle to eject the formula, instead of ozone-harming CFCs. Whilst not totally plastic-free, 100% Pure state that all of their packaging is recyclable.
Amazinc
Choose from a selection of plastic-free sunscreens in a variety of SPFs and textures, ranging from light body milks to thicker creams packaged in tins or compostable cardboard tubes. The ingredients are natural and the formula offers broad spectrum protection.
Suneeta London
Made from 100% natural ingredients with high protection (SPF 30) from UV rays thanks to a combination of non-nano zinc oxide and cold pressed golden carrot seed oil. Suitable for all skin types and tones and melts in easily, leaving zero white cast. Available in a compostable cardboard tub, glass jar, or push up cardboard tube.
