What’s in Your Sunscreen and Why It Matters

Many sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and others that help block UV radiation, but these same substances are now linked to serious harm in coral reefs. Even tiny amounts of these ingredients in seawater can cause coral bleaching, DNA damage, and disruption of reproduction in reef organisms. This is especially concerning for Curaçao, where our reefs are vital to the marine food web and to the very livelihood of our tourism-based economy.

Global Movement to Protect Reefs
Around the world, destinations that depend on healthy coral ecosystems are responding. In 2018 Bonaire’s Island Council unanimously approved a motion to ban sunscreens containing reef-damaging chemicals, with the prohibition on sale and use coming into effect January 1, 2021 to protect its reefs. This followed similar decisions by Hawaii and Palau, setting a precedent in marine conservation.

Tourism and Reef Health: A Delicate Balance
Here in Curaçao, clean water and colourful corals draw snorkelers and divers from around the world. Yet at the same time, many visitors unknowingly apply sunscreens that wash off in the water and contribute to reef stress. Studies show land-based pollution from runoff, including chemicals carried by rainwater, already harms reefs, and adding reef-toxic sunscreens only makes a bad situation worse.

Misleading Labels and Safer Alternatives
“Reef-safe” on a bottle doesn’t always mean safe: many products still list harmful chemicals or nanoparticles that affect marine life. Truly safer sunscreens use mineral blockers like non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and avoid oxybenzone, octinoxate, and similar petrochemical filters. Beyond sunscreen, wearing UV protective clothing, hats, and seeking shade can reduce the amount of product needed and protect both your skin and the sea.

Human Health Considerations
There’s also emerging concern that some chemical UV filters can irritate skin and disrupt hormones; while research into links with conditions like skin cancer is ongoing and complex, choosing mineral-based sun protection reduces exposure to controversial ingredients. Educating both locals and visitors about what’s actually in sun protection products is a key step toward healthier choices.

A Call for Curaçao Government Action
Curaçao can align with this global development by considering timely measures to prevent further damage to its coral reefs. In my view, the government could look to the example of Bonaire and explore which steps are possible, such as introducing regulations that limit the import of harmful sunscreen products. It is essential that the necessary steps are taken to prevent harmful chemicals from affecting our coral reefs.

TIP:
E biaha ku bo pasa serka botika, supermarkèt òf tienda pa kumpra sunscreen, puntra pa opshonnan reef-safe. Na algun supermarkèt tin e sortonan aki disponibel kaba. Bo por tambe tuma kontakto ku Agrinature, ku ta e importadó di e marka di sunscreen Raw Elements.