The wrong sunscreen can damage Hawaii’s coral reefs and ecosystems. Now you can protect both when visiting our beautiful Maui beaches and your favorite Maui snorkeling sites.
The key is to avoid sunscreen that includes oxybenzone or octinoxate. Starting in 2021, both chemicals are banned in Hawaii per Senate Bill 2571, making Hawaii a leader in this important environmental issue.
How your sunscreen measures up?
The Environmental Work Group (EWG) makes it very easy to check the safety and effectiveness of your sunscreen. Just go to the EWG website and search for your favorite product. All sorts of data is provided to keep you informed.
If your preferred sunscreen does pass the test, the 2022 Top Three Consumer Reports lotion picks are:
- Equate (Walmart) Sport Lotion SPF 50
- Kiehl’s Activated Sun Protector Lotion SPF 30
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk
Maui Tip: Also look for Little Hands Hawaii sunscreen made here in the islands.
Consumer Reports has tested over 50 brands of common sun protection, from creams to lip balms. Many do not get their recommendation and many had less SPF than was labeled or promoted. They also note that there is no regulation of claims such noted as “natural” or “dermatologist recommended”.
Sunscreens to Avoid.
- Products that are more than three years as they longer provide protection according to the FDA.
- Liquids that have separated or are clumpy.
- Chemical sunscreens are not healthy and natural ones may not provide best protection.
- Spray sunscreens that can be inhaled.
Sunscreen Tips for your Maui vacation.
- Apply 15-20 minutes before you go out into the sun or exercise. This allows the sunscreen to be absorbed by your skin before UV exposure.
- Use one-ounce per application and do not forget top of ears, back of neck, upper back, hands and tops of feet.
- Reapply every two hours or after swimming and/or heavy exercise.
Please join Parrish Maui’s efforts to put fewer chemicals in the ocean and protect our vital underwater reefs and ecosystems.