You have probably seen it printed on sunscreen bottles everywhere: “Reef Safe.” But what does that label really mean, and can you trust it? A new lawsuit filed in California is raising serious concerns about the honesty behind that phrase. Major sunscreen brands like Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat are now facing legal action for marketing their products as “reef safe” while still including ingredients that scientists believe harm coral reefs. For SUNMUD founders, this moment is not surprising. It confirms something we have been passionate about from the start. Not every product that claims to be “reef safe” actually is.
The Chemicals at the Center of the Controversy
The recent lawsuit focuses on chemical UV filters like avobenzone and octocrylene. While these ingredients are not banned under current Hawaii laws, research suggests they may pose risks to marine life, including coral reefs. By contrast, oxybenzone and octinoxate were the first two chemical filters banned in Hawaii starting in 2021 due to well-documented links to coral bleaching and reef damage. Although many brands have removed those banned ingredients, they continue to use other chemical filters and that, my friends, raises environmental concerns.
Why SUNMUD Is Different
At SUNMUD, we believe that reef safety should be proven, not assumed. That is why we use only non-nano zinc oxide, a mineral UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection and is recognized as SAFE for marine ecosystems. We prioritize the use of organic and sustainably sourced ingredients as well as eco-friendly packaging. Our products are created with complete transparency and a deep respect for the planet.
What you will never find in SUNMUD:
What you will always find in SUNMUD:
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Biodegradable, reef-conscious ingredients
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Packaging that minimizes waste
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A promise to never greenwash
What This Means for You
This lawsuit is more than a news headline. It is a reminder that words on a bottle are not always backed by science. If you want to protect your skin without harming coral reefs, it is important to look beyond marketing claims and ask what is really in your sunscreen. Mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide remain the most reliable option for both human health and environmental safety. That is exactly what SUNMUD offers, without compromise.
It also means that you as a consumer have the opportunity to educate yourself and make the right choice (or at least the most educated one!).
Want more on this story, check out the Honolulu Civil Beat! If you ever have a question about what is in your sunscreen or what belongs on your skin, we are always happy to help.
Want to Learn More?
Check out our earlier blog posts:
