Sunscreens are an essential skincare product for me, as I spend significant time outside, walking, hiking, at the beach or in the ocean. With a clear skin phototype and having lived in the South Hemisphere in Aotearoa, New Zealand, where the UV ratio is more intense than in other regions and quite damaging for the skin, if not dangerous, I developed a habit of slathering sunscreen on my face almost daily, and onto any part of my body that will get exposure, like hands. All year long. And so, over the years, I have purchased, tested and regularly used a range of reef-safe zinc sunscreen brands. I can come back here reviewing a solid selection, including features, ingredient list breakdown and overall experience, and ultimately benefits using these products, helping you choose the ideal sunscreen that will suit your lifestyle. Without further adieu, let’s dive.
Earth’s Kitchen Kawakawa & Tamanu SPF 50+ certified natural sun protection
I came across this Earth's Kitchen tube searching for water-resistant New Zealand-made organic sunscreen. Created by former nurse Jules Bright, a converted naturopath, body therapist, and medical herbalist following her healing experience in India, Earth's Kitchen takes its roots in Indigenous wisdom to craft compelling, botanical sunscreen. The result of 20 years of research and the world's 1st BioGro's NATRUE certified natural sunscreen SPF50, EK sunscreen is a high quality, potent sun protection.
Integrating Ecocert-certified Zinc Oxide as the main active ingredient, EK sunscreen is packed with certified natural, plant-powered ingredients. Rooting into the traditional Maori medicine, the list includes the herbaceous Kawakawa as oil to support the skin through its healing and cleansing properties. Tamanu seed oil fights free-radical damage and moisturises the skin. Hydration and restorative actions are pillars of this sunscreen, with the addition of Moringa, Harakeke, Coconut, Jojoba, Chamomile or Lavender Oil—A sun protection with substantial benefits. The brand also includes another version of their sunscreen for sensitive skin and babies. Needless to say, EK products are also cruelty-free and non-GMO.
Logically broad spectrum, this reef-safe sunscreen is 2+ hours water-resistant. The thickest of the sunscreens I used, EK sunscreen is on the sturdy side when starting the application, though it becomes silky once rubbed on and warmed. See that time as a moment of self-love. Jules once told me she had reformulated the sunscreen to make it easier to apply and run smoother without compromising the formula's quality. It also leaves a light white cast over the skin, which is helpful to visualise where sunscreen is missing on your body! And the cast vanishes after a minute or so—I tested to be sure. The smell is citrusy, taken over by sweet orange extract and Kawakawa. The tube is 120 ml; I am confident that it can last a good summer season, as you don't need much to lather your whole body as this sunscreen is highly concentrated.
I liked Earth's Kitchen reef-safe sunscreen, given its certifications and that it is New Zealand-made, reducing carbon miles if you live there. I did at the time. Some people have issues with the texture but those won't like mineral sunscreens anyway. And the smell is fantastic.
Sunbutter SPF 50 water-resistant reef-safe sunscreen
I discovered Sunbutter by looking for a high SPF protection, zero-waste sunscreen that is effective while surfing. Sunbutter is one of those brands made by and for active people. Born out of the minds of marine biologists Sacha Guggenheimer and Tom Hiney, their range is produced in Australia in a solar-powered factory. Sunbutter impersonates sustainability to its core, from natural ingredients to supporting aboriginal culture. They also collaborated with NGO Sea Shepherd. You purchase more than sunscreen.
Certified vegan and gluten-free, Sunbutter has non-nano Zinc Oxide as its active ingredient, carried by natural-moisturizing Coconut Oil and some plant-based emulsifiers and binders. It also contains Vitamin E, an antioxidant that reduces the consequences of free radicals, e.g., sun damage. You are protecting and rejuvenating your skin at the same time. With a small list of ingredients, Sunbutter is an easy-to-support sunscreen that is gentle for all skin types, including children.
Broad-spectrum and 4 hours water-resistant, this physical sunscreen is dense and creamy; it’s called butter, after all. Still, Sunbutter reef-safe sunscreen is reasonably easy to apply, leaving a clear, shiny layer on the skin that is pleasant for dry skin while reinforcing that summer holiday feeling. The range includes a tinted formula for those who want to top up their tan. Unfortunately, there is only one shade so far. I found the smell to be lightly shea buttery, and with 100 g, the tin is long-lasting—approximately two months for one person over a Summer of weekly beach days.
Overall, I think you can not go wrong with Sunbutter, this is a tick-all-the-box reef-safe sunscreen criterias. Purchase eyes-closed.
Ethical Zinc Natural Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50+
I picked up Ethical Zinc for the first time at a surf shop in Raglan while running out of sunscreen after two days in the water. Made in Australia and 100% solar-powered for production, I had never heard of the brand before. Knowing who is behind the brand is difficult, given there is no tangible info online. According to Rocket Reach, Chris Silvestro is the current CEO of Ethical Zinc. Regardless, this reef-safe sunscreen delivers!
Cruelty-free, Ethical Zinc goes by the name of its main active ingredient, certified natural, non-nano Zinc Oxide. The rest of the list comprises high concentrations of Coconut Extracts, Castor Oil, binding Fatty Acid and Vitamin E, and natural Vanilla Extracts. Together, they protect the skin, limiting damage from free radicals and keeping it moisturized. This straightforward composition delivers a highly tolerated, reef-safe sunscreen that smells divine—a well-priced companion to protect sensitive skin, also suitable for the face.
This physical barrier sunscreen is broad-spectrum and has 4 hours of water-resistant protection. Whipped creamy, Ethical Zinc is one of the easiest reef-safe sunscreens to slather on. There will be the traditional zinc white cast, but it will disappear after a few seconds, only leaving behind that wonderful scent. With a full tube giving 100 g of defence against the sun, I would say that two tubes will be necessary for 2 months of summer.
Overall, I liked Ethical Zinc. The short composition and the delightful scent make this reef-safe sunscreen a staple. Indeed, it runs out fast, but the price makes it easier to re-purchase. Since my first purchase, I have also tried the tinted version for my face and was super happy with the visuals and the protection. Ethical Zinc is, in my opinion, a sure, affordable value for active users, who can order from Australia.
Avasol Surfer's Barrier Stick SPF 50
I heard about Avasol thanks to our surfing teacher in Raglan. I had never used a zinc stick prior, but when in the ocean, it is by far the most durable and long-lasting sun protection. Created over 10 years ago, Avasol was born out of necessity and frustration from their founders at finding responsible sun protection. Avasol is a brand that covers sustainability and ethics foremost, from design through the end of the product life cycle, including business development. These small batches of premium zinc sticks provide all the sun protection while reducing possible negative impacts on the planet.
Here, the key ingredients are non-nano Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Protection is strong with this one. Cruelty-free, the non-active components range from coconut oil to jojoba and argan oil, including shea butter and tocopherol for Vitamin E—a bundle of ethically sourced, organic, rich antioxidant ingredients regenerating and healing the skin while in the outdoors. Rated one on the EWG's database, this physical sunblock is tailored for sensitive skin, including children.
Effective when applied to the skin, this broad-spectrum reef-safe formula, 80 minutes water-resistant, is non-greasy or runny. The thicker the coverage, the better the protection, so apply plenty. Though not really opaque, Avasol Surfer's Barrier Stick does leave a cast on the skin, like most zinc sticks. Mine is the dark tint, blending well with my summer completion. It is like wearing foundation but a tad thicker. And my skin loves it, feeling super silky after each use. The smell is primarily neutral, with a touch of tangy. At 28 g, we would think Avasol won't last, but this is zinc in a bar, and it is sure to last a few seasons. I am not even a third through. A word on the packaging made of cardboard. It is compostable and still strong enough to support the product for a long time, as soon as it doesn't get too wet.
Practical, long-lasting, resistant and packed with healing ingredients, Avasol Surfer's Barrier Stick is a reef-safe sunscreen zinc stick that makes a difference and is worth the investment.
Sunbutter Vegan Surf Zinc SPF50
While buying the Sunbutter sunscreen, I discovered the brand was making surfer bundles, including their tinted zinc sun blocker and surfboard wax in addition to the reef-safe sunscreen. They used to have different colours, and at the time, I got a yellow tint for when we got out in winter and intermediate seasons and were not as tanned. As I said previously, in addition to supporting Indigenous culture and Sea Shepherd, Sunbutter donates a percentage of its profits to Project Hiu, Island Conservation, and the Thin Green Line foundation. They are also members of the global organisation 1% for the planet. Again, your investment goes beyond a reef-safe sunblock purchase.
With a mindset similar to their sunscreen, Sunbutter’s zinc formula is cruelty-free and reef-safe, based on non-nano Zinc Oxide. Super rich, this zinc paste also contains a handful of botanical oils, from almond to coconut and shea butter, sustaining your skin under sun exposure.
Broad-spectrum, this zinc smells like chocolate! Velvety and easy to apply, it leaves a bright coloured cast on the skin, but that’s the goal, right? With 70 g of product out of a tin, this zinc will last quite some time. The packaging in a metal tin is quite convenient and keeps the integrity of the product for a long time.
Ultimately, Sunbutter is a brand that delivers results, and they stay consistent with quality through their zinc range.
Considering that research about the possible damages chemical sunscreens could have on our health and the environment is a work in progress and still up to debate, I chose to apply a principle of precaution mindset with my sunscreen products and emphasize using reef-safe, zinc-based sunscreens. To understand more about the subject and where I am coming from, you can check out my guide on reef-safe sunscreens. You can also consult the guide for a substantial list of reef-safe sunscreens at all pricing ranges.
I hope this selection of vegan, cruelty-free sunscreens will give you a better overview of what is available in the reef-safe sunscreen market before purchase. I will keep adding reviews as I go through my products!
Everything we create is an effort to participate in a culture shift. All products featured are independently selected and curated by the authors, and we only feature items we use or would use ourselves that align with our values. As part of our business model, we do work with affiliates such as Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases if you decide to purchase through our links. The price would be the same to you either way, but if you find value in our work, then these affiliate links are a way to support it. We only recommend brands, makers and products we use — that we support. Transparency is important to us, so if you have any questions, please reach out to us.
