Hawaii Act 104 Sunscreen
Every formula in the PoolBar range is fully compliant with Hawaii Act 104, free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, and reef-safe. From zinc oxide mineral creams to clear SPF sprays, each one has been formulated and manufactured in the USA. Dermatologically tested, cruelty-free, and enriched with Vitamins C and E for powerful extra free radical scavenging all year round.
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What Is Hawaii Act 104?
Hawaii Act 104 is a law that came into effect in January 2021, banning the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in Hawaii. The law was passed on the basis of scientific evidence showing that these two chemical sunscreen filters bleach coral, disrupt marine DNA, and accumulate in reef environments at concentrations that cause long-term ecological damage.
Sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate can be confiscated at customs when entering Hawaii. To bring sunscreen into Hawaii legally, it must be free from both ingredients. Every PoolBar formula meets that standard and can be used and brought into Hawaii without issue.
Hawaii Act 104 is widely regarded as the most significant piece of reef protection legislation passed anywhere in the world, and has been followed by similar legislation in other reef-sensitive regions including Palau, the US Virgin Islands, and parts of Mexico.
Why Every PoolBar Formula Is Hawaii Act 104 Compliant
Every formula in the PoolBar range is free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens, and compliant with Hawaii Act 104.
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, making it safe for the reef environments you are swimming in.
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 compliant with Hawaii Act 104. The sprays use compressed air and a bag-on-valve system with no chemical propellants. 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.
Which Hawaii Act 104 Compliant 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. Fragrance-free, dermatologically tested, 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. Zinc oxide as the active ingredient, free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Fully compliant with Hawaii Act 104. Contains a Coconut and Vanilla scent. 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. Zinc oxide as the active ingredient, free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Fully compliant with Hawaii Act 104. Contains a Coconut and Vanilla scent. 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, and compliant with Hawaii Act 104. Water resistant up to 80 minutes. Best for: beach and pool days, high UV index 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, and compliant with Hawaii Act 104. Water resistant up to 80 minutes. Best for: everyday outdoor coverage and reapplication throughout the day.
Aftersun Lotion – $11.99
A soothing aftersun lotion to use after sun exposure. Enriched with Aloe Vera, Vitamins C and E, and Hyaluronic Acid to calm, hydrate, and support skin recovery after a day in the sun. Best for: calming and moisturizing skin after sun exposure.
Hawaii Compliant Sunscreen - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hawaii Act 104?
Hawaii Act 104 is a law that came into effect in January 2021, banning the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in Hawaii. It was passed on the basis of scientific evidence showing that these chemical filters cause long-term damage to coral reef ecosystems. Sunscreens containing these ingredients can be confiscated at customs when entering Hawaii.
What ingredients are banned under Hawaii Act 104?
Hawaii Act 104 bans two chemical sunscreen filters: oxybenzone and octinoxate. Both have been shown to bleach coral, disrupt marine DNA, and accumulate in reef environments at damaging concentrations. Every PoolBar formula is free from both ingredients.
Can I bring PoolBar sunscreen to Hawaii?
Yes. Every PoolBar formula is fully compliant with Hawaii Act 104 and free from oxybenzone and octinoxate. They can be used and brought into Hawaii without being confiscated at customs.
Is reef safe sunscreen the same as Hawaii Act 104 compliant sunscreen?
Reef safe and Hawaii Act 104 compliant overlap but are not identical. Hawaii Act 104 specifically bans oxybenzone and octinoxate. Reef safe is a broader term that can include other environmental considerations such as packaging and additional chemical filters. Every PoolBar formula meets both standards.
Does Hawaii Act 104 apply outside of Hawaii?
Hawaii Act 104 is a Hawaii state law. It applies to the sale and distribution of sunscreen in Hawaii, and to products brought into Hawaii by visitors. Similar legislation has been passed in Palau, the US Virgin Islands, and parts of Mexico. Regardless of where you are, choosing a formula free from oxybenzone and octinoxate is the more environmentally responsible choice.
Is mineral sunscreen better for reefs than chemical sunscreen?
Zinc oxide, the active ingredient in PoolBar’s mineral range, is approved under Hawaii Act 104 as a reef-safe active ingredient. It does not absorb into the body and is not associated with the coral bleaching and marine disruption linked to oxybenzone and octinoxate. Learn more in our blog post mineral vs chemical sunscreen.
