But as with most things, human health and environmental health go hand in hand – there needs to be a balance of both. And sadly, most of the typical sun protections you’re used to seeing on the supermarket shelves are bad for the planet, and bad for your internal health too.

Let me explain!

So what’s wrong with traditional sunscreen?

Well, the main ingredients used in traditional sunscreen are chemical UV filters that contain a combination of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone (the big bad guy), avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. The problem with this, however, is that these active ingredients are known to threaten the survival of our precious coral reefs, and can also prevent the recovery of those suffering from prior degradation. Basically, it’s contributing to coral bleaching and affecting the health of our beloved marine life, and that ain’t a positive thing.

A 2015 study showed that Oxybenzone has a toxicity effect at levels as low as 62 parts per trillion… That equivalates to just one drop of chemical-based sunscreen in 6.5 Olympic swimming pools worth of ocean. Yep… It’s serious stuff, and 14,000 tonnes of it enter our reefs annually. It’s not good for the ocean, and as I’m sure you can imagine, when it enters your bloodstream it’s not good for your health either.

If you’re thinking “but I don’t live near the ocean, so this doesn’t apply to me”… Unfortunately that’s not the case (sorry to burst your bubble). But not only could your sunscreen be washed down the drain during your shower, but Oxybenzone can even be found in urine just 30 minutes after applying. No matter where you are in the world, this nasty stuff has the potential of ending up in the ocean through the transportation of your bodily fluids.

To put it simply, our reefs are suffering from the cream we put on our backs, but we do have the ability to control further coral bleaching through simple individual actions. Sun protection saves lives, so don’t ditch the sunscreen… Just stick to the reef-safe, human-safe, all-round safe stuff instead! 

And what brand do I suggest? 

SUNBUTTER SUNCARE!

Not only are the SunButter products earth-friendly, people-friendly, zero waste and made with natural ingredients (more on that later), they’re also produced in a solar-powered factory right here in Australia!

SunButter Suncare was created by Tom and Sacha; a team of marine biologists who know just how important it is to protect people and oceans. Not only have they seen the destruction that mankind has had on the planet, but they have specifically encountered the damage caused by such a simple product like sunscreen. Tom and Sacha’s connection to the natural world is what drives them to care for this planet we call home, and what has ultimately lead them to create the beautiful SunButter Suncare range.

The core of this brand is about giving back to the planet, which is exactly why SunButter is a proud member of 1% for the Planet! 10% of their profits/1% of their sales are donated to NGO’s that resonate the most with them; Project Hiu, Island Conservation and the Rainforest Foundation.

And to top it all off, SunButter is also carbon-negative! Yep, you heard it right… They aren’t just carbon neutral, they’re carbon negative. This essentially means that rather than only carbon offsetting the emissions caused by their own business, they’re compensating even more than they need to! This is done through Greenfleet Australia by planting native forests to draw out the carbon and restore biodiversity… How incredible is that?

I could go on and on about the ethics of this brand, but I’ll let their products do the talking instead:

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SUNBUTTER SPF 50 SUNSCREEN

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The crème de la crème of the SunButter Suncare range! This is the product that I know will be useful to every single person on the planet; no matter whether you’re swimming in the ocean, climbing in the mountains, or living in the heart of the city.

This SPF 50+ sunscreen is:
– Vegan certified
– Natural
– Chemical free
– Paraben free
– Fragrance free
– Cruelty free
– Reef safe (of course)
– Water resistant
– Broad spectrum coverage
– And perfect for babies, sensitive skin, and face application too. 

Need I say more?

Although the consistency of this product is thicker than most traditional sunscreens, the texture and spreadability certainly aren’t compromised… All you need is a small pea-sized amount and this zinc based sun protection will spread over your skin like Vegan butter. Yes, at a glance the aluminium tins might seem smaller than your standard plastic bottled sunscreen, but 100g of this miracle cream will last you a looooong time – no need to worry.

Instead of those harmful ingredients that are causing havoc on our precious ecosystems, the active ingredient in SunButter is Non-Nano Zinc Oxide. Not only is this the safest non-reactive UV blocker for the environment, but it’s also the safest to use on human skin too. When combined with nourishing ingredients such as coconut oil and vitamin E, this natural product is the perfect soothing, non-irritating, grease free sun protection you’ll ever come across. 

Rather than sinking into your body and causing irritations and reactions, this product causes a barrier which is perfect for even the most sensitive of skin; babies, eczema, and under makeup too. Just apply every 2 hours for optimum protection, and you’ll be safe from the elements, harm free.

Trust me when I say, this product is the only form of reef safe sun protection you’ll ever need! Unless you’re a surfer of course…

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SURF ZINC

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Surf babes (and dudes) this is the product for you! SunButter Surf Zinc is perfect for water sports enthusiasts and for anyone who loves to spend long days outdoors. If you think you’re going to be in the sun for extended periods of time, you won’t need to worry about your sunscreen washing off too quickly… Surf Zinc will keep you well and truly protected. 

Similarly to the SPF 50, Surf Zinc’s main ingredient is Non-Nano Zinc Oxide (30%) and is enriched with other amazing ingredients such as locally sourced Australian beeswax, sweet almond oil, virgin coconut oil and organic unrefined cocoa butter. Trust me… It smells amazing!

As you may have noticed, the use of beeswax means that this particular product isn’t Vegan… But the SunButter team are firm #SaveTheBees advocates and ensure that the beeswax used in their Surf Zinc is ethically/sustainably sourced. They source their wax from local beekeepers who care about the health and population of our precious bees – no ifs or buts!

Because everyone has a different preference, this product comes in 3 different colours; GOLDEN SANDS, SALMON RUN (pictured), and TAN. It’s the ultimate sun lovers protection, and I have no doubt that you’ll feel confident in it too!

Upcycle with SunButter: #SPREADTHEBUTTERFURTHER 

SunButter is already home to incredible plastic free products (trust me, their shipping is plastic free too), but having minimal impact on the planet is deeply important to them…

Although it would be a dream for the SunButter crew, the aluminium tins unfortunately cannot be sent back to the factory to be refilled. Sunscreen is classified as a medicine in Australia and there are very strict guidelines that come along with that. 

But fret not! SunButter has come up with an Upcycling campaign to encourage reusing and repurposing! These little tins can be put to incredible use just by getting creative… You can use them as a travel tin to carry your favourite soap, as a lunchbox for your favourite snack, as a succulent tin to add some greenery to your home, as a container for your handmade scrubs, or simply as storage for those little bits and bobs around your home. 

No matter what you choose, be sure to use the hashtag #SpreadTheButterFurther to encourage upcycling and to be featured on the SunButter website. 

By now you can surely tell that SunButter is the ultimate eco friendly sunscreen, and one of the most conscious brands I’ve possibly ever experienced. I feel privileged to have stumbled across SunButter Suncare, and even more privileged to know that their products are made right here in my backyard…

My only complaint? That they don’t sell a tin the size of my house. Now that would be a dream!

SHOP THE SUNBUTTER SUNCARE RANGE!