Eco Friendly Sunscreen
PoolBar’s eco friendly sunscreen range is free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens, and fully compliant with Hawaii Act 104. The mineral creams use zinc oxide as the active ingredient for UVA/UVB protection.
The clear SPF sprays are reef-safe and packaged in recyclable cans made with no chemical propellants. Every formula has been formulated and manufactured in the USA, reef-safe, cruelty-free, and enriched with Vitamins C and E for powerful extra free radical scavenging all year round.
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What Makes Sunscreen Eco Friendly?
Eco friendly sunscreen refers to formulas that are free from chemical filters proven to harm coral reef ecosystems, primarily oxybenzone and octinoxate.
These ingredients have been shown to bleach coral, disrupt marine DNA, and accumulate in reef environments at concentrations that cause long-term ecological damage. Hawaii Act 104, which came into effect in 2021, banned both ingredients on the basis of that evidence.
Packaging is the other part of the equation. Traditional aerosol sunscreen cans use chemical propellants that contribute to air pollution and are not always recyclable.
Eco friendly sunscreen considers the full environmental footprint, from what goes into the formula to what happens to the packaging after use.
How PoolBar Meets the Eco Friendly Standard
Every formula in the PoolBar range is free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens, fully compliant with Hawaii Act 104, broad spectrum, and water resistant up to 80 minutes.
Mineral Sunscreen
The mineral range uses zinc oxide as the active ingredient for UVA/UVB protection. Zinc oxide is approved under Hawaii Act 104 as a reef-safe active ingredient. It sits on top of the skin as a physical barrier and does not absorb into the body.
PoolBar uses non-nano zinc oxide, meaning the particles are large enough that they do not penetrate the skin barrier or pass into marine ecosystems, making them well-suited to sensitive skin, children, and reef environments.
Clear SPF Sprays
The clear spray range delivers broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection across SPF 30 and SPF 50. Free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens, and free from chemical propellants.
The sprays use compressed air and a bag-on-valve system instead of traditional aerosols. The cans are made from recyclable materials and can be recycled again after use.
Both ranges are enriched with Vitamins C and E. Sun exposure generates free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage skin cells. Vitamins C and E are potent antioxidants that neutralize these free radicals, protecting the skin from oxidative damage and premature aging. Sun care infused with skincare, all year round.
Which Eco Friendly SPF Is Right for You?
Mineral SPF 50 Face Cream – $14.99
Zinc oxide is the active ingredient for UVA/UVB protection in this dedicated face formula. Free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, fragrance and parabens, and fully compliant with Hawaii Act 104. Broad spectrum SPF 50. Water resistant up to 80 minutes. Best for: sensitive skin and daily wear.
Mineral SPF 50 Body Cream – $19.99
Broad spectrum SPF 50 mineral protection for full-body coverage. Free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Water resistant up to 80 minutes. Best for: beach days and high UV index days.
Mineral SPF 30 Body Cream – $19.99
Moisturizing broad spectrum body formula with SPF 30 mineral protection. Free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Water resistant up to 80 minutes. Best for: extended outdoor exposure and families.
SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray – $19.99
Broad spectrum SPF 50 in a clear spray format with a Coconut and Vanilla scent. Free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Packaged in a recyclable can with no chemical propellants. Water resistant up to 80 minutes. Best for: high UV index days, beach and pool days.
SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray – $19.99
Broad spectrum SPF 30 in a clear spray format with a Coconut and Vanilla scent. Free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Packaged in a recyclable can with no chemical propellants. Water resistant up to 80 minutes. Best for: everyday outdoor coverage and reapplication throughout the day.
Eco Friendly Sunscreen - Frequently Asked Questions
What makes sunscreen eco friendly?
Eco friendly sunscreen is free from chemical filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to damage coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
Zinc oxide, the active ingredient in PoolBar’s mineral range, is approved under Hawaii Act 104 as a reef-safe alternative. Eco friendly sunscreen also considers packaging, which is why PoolBar’s SPF sprays use recyclable cans with no chemical propellants.
Can eco friendly sunscreen still protect against UVA and UVB rays?
Yes. Every PoolBar formula carries broad spectrum certification, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Zinc oxide is the active ingredient for UVA/UVB protection in the mineral range, and every formula has been tested to confirm its SPF rating.
Is mineral sunscreen more eco friendly than chemical sunscreen?
Generally yes. Zinc oxide sits on top of the skin and does not absorb into the body or wash off into reef environments in the same way that oxybenzone and octinoxate do. PoolBar’s mineral range uses non-nano zinc oxide, meaning the particles are large enough that they do not penetrate the skin barrier or pass into marine ecosystems.
Is reef safe sunscreen the same as eco friendly sunscreen?
Reef safe is one part of eco friendly. It refers specifically to the formula being free from ingredients that damage coral reefs, primarily oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Eco friendly also takes into account packaging and manufacturing. PoolBar’s full range is reef-safe, free from harmful chemical filters, and packaged in recyclable materials.
Is biodegradable sunscreen the same as eco friendly sunscreen?
Biodegradable sunscreen refers specifically to how quickly the formula breaks down in the environment. Reef safe and eco friendly sunscreen focuses on whether the active ingredients cause harm to marine ecosystems. These terms overlap but are not identical. PoolBar’s mineral range uses zinc oxide, which is approved under Hawaii Act 104, and the packaging is made from recyclable materials.
Is eco friendly sunscreen suitable for sensitive skin?
PoolBar’s mineral creams use non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient, which does not penetrate the skin barrier and is well-tolerated by most skin types including sensitive and reactive skin. Being free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens also reduces the risk of irritation.
Is PoolBar's eco friendly sunscreen suitable for children?
Yes. The mineral creams use non-nano zinc oxide, which is gentle enough for children and sensitive skin. Free from oxybenzone, a chemical filter that has raised particular concern for use on children. Every formula is also cruelty-free and vegan.
