You’re headed to the beach. Sun’s out. Waves calling. You reach for sunscreen Coppertone Sport. But wait. Is it reef safe?
That’s a big question. Because not all sunscreens play nice with the ocean. Some harm coral reefs. Others are safer but still not perfect. So, where does Coppertone Sport stand?
The Quick Answer
No, Coppertone Sport is NOT fully reef safe. Most of its formulations contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals known to damage coral reefs.
But hold up. Coppertone does offer some reef-friendly options. You just have to pick the right one.
Understanding Reef Safety
What Makes a Sunscreen Reef Safe?
- No oxybenzone or octinoxate (These damage coral DNA, leading to bleaching.)
- No harmful nanoparticles (Like certain forms of zinc and titanium dioxide.)
- Biodegradable & water-resistant (So it doesn’t wash off immediately.)
Does Coppertone Sport Pass?
- Regular Coppertone Sport? ❌ No. Contains oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Coppertone Sport Mineral? ✅ Yes. Use zinc oxide instead.
- Coppertone Pure & Simple? ✅ Yes. No oxybenzone, reef-friendlier ingredients.
Ingredients to Watch
Check the label. Here’s what’s inside regular Coppertone Sport:
- Oxybenzone (harmful to reefs)
- Octinoxate (also harmful)
- Avobenzone (safe for humans, questionable for reefs)
- Homosalate & Octisalate (not reef-friendly)
Best Coppertone Alternatives for Reef Safety
If you want a sunscreen that’s 100% reef safe, consider:
- Badger Clear Zinc Sunscreen (All-natural, zinc-based)
- ThinkSport SPF 50 (No oxybenzone, safe minerals)
- Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 30 (No chemicals, eco-friendly)
FAQs
Can I still use Coppertone Sport in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii banned oxybenzone and octinoxate in sunscreens. Regular Coppertone Sport doesn’t qualify.
Which Coppertone sunscreens are reef safe?
Coppertone Sport Mineral and Coppertone Pure & Simple are better choices.
Does Coppertone Sport have a mineral version?
Yes. Coppertone Sport Mineral SPF 50 is reef-friendly and uses zinc oxide.
Why does oxybenzone harm reefs?
It disrupts coral growth, causes bleaching, and damages marine life.
How do I know if my sunscreen is reef safe?
Check the ingredients. If it has oxybenzone or octinoxate, it’s NOT reef safe.
Coppertone Sport? Great for sports. Not great for reefs. If you’re hitting the ocean, switch to Coppertone Sport Mineral or another reef-safe sunscreen. Your skin and the coral reefs will thank you.