The Best Reef-Safe and Sustainable Sunscreens to Take to Tonga
Sunscreen is a must for a trip to Tonga, but you already know that. However, what you might not know is just how important it is to wear sunscreen that’s safe for Tonga’s fragile marine ecosystem. Traditional sunscreens are extremely damaging to coral reefs, while the plastic packaging most sunscreens come in is a whole different toxic problem for the oceans. With eco-friendly sunscreen containing natural ingredients that are generally safer for your skin and the skin of those you care about, it’s a win-win for everyone. So here we’ve listed some of the best natural sunscreens for Tonga meeting the following criteria: they are coral reef-safe, provide effective sun protection, and the sunscreen itself is biodegradable. Where possible, we’ve also included sunscreens with more sustainable packaging solutions.
For more health tips, be sure to check out Tonga Safety Tips: Is Tonga Safe? Plus, you might also want to combine your natural sunscreen with one of the 10 Best Natural Mosquito Repellents for Tonga.
Finally, remember to reapply sunscreen every three hours and after towel-drying yourself! See more of our Sun Protection Tips in our guide.
1. All Good Organic Sunscreen
It’s no secret that we are quite the fan of the All Good sunscreens. In fact, their kids’ options are also on our list of the best sunscreens for kids. The All Good formula provides up to SPF 50 protection, which is perfect for the harsh Tonga sun and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. But best of all, it comes in a lotion form and a butter form. We love the butter sunscreens as they are often less greasy, super easy to apply and come in plastic-free packaging. No nano ingredients can be found in the formula either which is an added bonus.
Check All Good out on Amazon!
© Amazon2. Raw Elements Sunscreen
Another brand that offers reef-safe sunscreen in a tin, Raw Elements has a decent broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen that’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The formula is gentle enough for kids, although they do offer kids’ sunscreens in a tin (and in a cardboard tube) too, while also being free from synthetic chemicals.
Check Raw Elements out on Amazon!
© Amazon3. Sun Bum Sun Care
Sun Bum is a trusted reef-safe sunscreen brand with an ever-expanding range of sun care products, from sunscreen to aftersun to tanning oil. For us, we’re happy with the Original SPF 30 sunscreen that’s been keeping the Tonga Pocket Guide team’s skins safe for several South Pacific destinations. While smooth and easy to apply, the thing that makes this sunscreen stand out from the rest is the subtle banana scent – it smells so good!
Check Sun Bum out on Amazon!
© Amazon5. Ethical Zinc
A brand that is easy to find in New Zealand and Australia, Ethical Zinc is another one the Tonga Pocket Guide team uses on a regular basis and without a hitch! Made with an uncoated certified natural pharmaceutical grade zinc oxide, this is a very effective broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen. Although the packaging isn’t recyclable, as with most sunscreens out there, the sunscreen is at least made nearby in Australia using 100% solar power! Needless to say, this is a more local but good reef-safe option.
Check Ethical Zinc out on Amazon!
© Amazon5. Reef Repair Sunscreen
A 100% natural sunscreen and a best-seller on Amazon, Reef Repair sunscreen is well worth considering. Their SPF 30+ sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and does not cause excessive sweating. The sunscreen uses coral reef-safe ingredients such as zinc oxide and is oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free. For your own skin’s safety, it’s 100% paraben-free, silicone-free and titanium dioxide-free. What’s more, it comes at an affordable price.
Check Reef Repair Sunscreen out on Amazon!
© Amazon6. Coral Safe Sunscreen
Picture addicts, pay attention! This sunscreen is the least visible on the skin of the whole list. So if you are after your sunscreen stroke-free selfies, this may just be your best option. It uses mineral ingredients to protect your skin against UVA and UVB. It is also baby and kid-safe and coral reef-safe. By the way, share your selfies with us on Instagram and Facebook! Find photo inspiration in the 10 Best Photography Spots in Tonga.
Check Coral Safe Sunscreen out on Amazon!
© Amazon7. Beauty By Earth Natural Mineral Sunscreen
This sunscreen contains a mix of aloe vera, coconut oil and shea butter to keep your skin hydrated even in the sun and it uses zinc oxide to protect against the harsh Tonga UV. One of the best advantages of this sunscreen is that sets fast on your skin making its application a breeze. Sadly the SPF 25 protection offered is a bit low, hint, why it is so low on our list.
Check out Beauty by Earth Sunscreen on Amazon!
© Amazon8. Banana Boat
A brand you’ll hardly struggle to find, Banana Boat has been on the sunscreen scene for years now. Finally, their new formulas a free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are the two main ingredients to avoid when looking for reef-safe sunscreen. While not as eco-friendly as other sunscreens on this list, if you don’t have access to the others, Banana Boat might be an Ok Plan B.
Check Banana Boat out on Amazon!
© Amazon9. TropicSport Mineral Sunscreen
This SPF 30 sunscreen is a good go-to for reliable water resistance, while also being friendly to the wildlife we share the water with. TropicSport Mineral Sunscreen is oxybenzone-free, octinoxate-free and avobenzone-free. The sunscreen is also suitable for the whole family, approved for use for 6-month-olds and older.
Check TropicSport Mineral Sunscreen out on Amazon!
© Amazon10. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
Another one hailing from the nearby region of Australia, Blue Lizard is particularly fantastic for those with sensitive skin, including kids and babies. There’s no messing around with all of their sunscreen range coming in SPF 50+. Of course, the mineral-based sunscreen contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate, while the water-resistant yet paraben- and fragrance-free formula makes it ideal for sensitive skin. What’s more, bottles are made with “Smart Bottle Technology” meaning that they will change colour when left exposed to harmful UV rays; just incase you need an indicator of when to apply.
Check out Blue Lizard Sunscreen on Amazon!
© AmazonMore About Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Tonga
That’s it for our list of reef-safe sunscreens for Tonga but wait, there’s more! Check out a wider range of sunscreens, as well as other sustainable choices, in the following guides:
- The Best Sunscreens for Tonga + Sun Protection Tips
- 5 Best Kids & Babies Sunscreens for Tonga
- 10 Best Insect Repellents for Tonga
Finally, make more sustainable choices by following our 30 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Tonga.
