Why Your Sunscreen Matters — For Skin and the Sea

Every time we hit the beach, go for a snorkel, or just rinse off after a surf, most of us think about protecting our skin. But few stop to consider what our sunscreen does to the oceans — particularly our fragile coral reefs. As highlighted by The Sunscreen Doc, many widely used sunscreens, even those sold as “everyday” protection, rely on chemical (PAH-based) UV filters. These end up washing off swimmers and entering the marine environment — where they can cause serious harm. TheSunscreenDoc

Research increasingly shows that certain chemical filters — most notably those like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene and similar compounds — are toxic to coral larvae, can disrupt coral DNA, and promote coral bleaching even at very low concentrations. ICRI+2Wikipedia+2 In areas already under stress from rising sea temperatures and pollution, sunscreen-derived chemical pollution can push reefs closer to collapse. Smithsonian Ocean+2Wikipedia+2

This isn’t just an ecological problem — it’s also a human one. Coral reefs support marine biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection — all of which are vital to communities, economies, and food security. When reefs decline, the ripple effects are profound. Wikipedia+1

That’s where EcoZinc comes in. We believe sun protection doesn’t need to cost the earth. Our SPF50 Face & Body sunscreen uses only non-nano zinc oxide as its active filter — no oxybenzone, no octinoxate, no chemical UV filters. Just pure, physical, mineral protection.

What Makes Mineral (Zinc-Only) Sunscreen a Smart Choice

Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide offer broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, without the ecological and human-health concerns linked to chemical filters. Because zinc oxide sits on the skin surface and doesn’t absorb into blood or tissues (unlike many chemical filters), it doesn’t contribute to the contamination of marine environments when washed off. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

By choosing EcoZinc, you’re making a small change on land — but one that can have a big impact in the sea. Whether you’re diving the reefs around Queensland, fishing the coast, or spending a day at the beach with family, you can protect your skin — and help protect marine life too.

A Simple Win for Skin, Health & Reefs

We often talk about sunscreen as a “must-have” for human health: to prevent sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer. But sun protection should not come at the cost of ocean health — especially when there’s a safer choice.

EcoZinc delivers effective, reef-safe protection:

• Made in Australia — in our Rocklea, Queensland facility — supporting local jobs.

• Only non-nano zinc oxide as active ingredient — no hormone-disrupting chemical filters.

• Broad-spectrum SPF50 coverage, ideal for harsh Australian sun.

• Safe for sensitive skin, families, workers, and anyone who wants real, honest sun protection.

  
  

Whether you’re at the beach, on a boat, or just going about your daily life, you can make a difference. By switching to a mineral zinc sunscreen, you help reduce chemical load in the ocean, protect coral reefs, and support sustainable marine ecosystems. That’s sun protection done the right way: for you, your family — and the planet.