In January 2021, Hawaii became the first US state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. The tiny Pacific nation of Palau went even further, banning all sunscreens containing any of 10 identified reef-toxic chemicals. These bold moves offer a roadmap for Australia.
Hawaii's landmark ban
Hawaii's Senate Bill 2571 was signed into law in 2018 and took effect on January 1, 2021. The law prohibits the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate without a prescription. The decision was driven by research showing these chemicals cause coral bleaching, damage coral DNA, and disrupt marine ecosystems. For more on the science, read our article on how sunscreen chemicals damage coral reefs.
The sunscreen industry initially pushed back, but consumer demand for reef-safe alternatives has since exploded. Major brands now offer mineral-based formulas, and Hawaii's reefs have one less stressor to contend with.
Palau's comprehensive approach
Palau's Responsible Tourism Education Act of 2020 went further than any other nation. It banned sunscreens containing any of 10 chemicals identified as harmful to marine life, including oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and several benzophenone compounds. Violators face fines of up to $1,000.
The law also requires tour operators to educate visitors about reef-safe practices. Palau's approach recognises that legislation alone isn't enough — public awareness is essential.
Where Australia stands
Despite being home to the Great Barrier Reef — the world's largest coral reef system — Australia has no federal or state legislation restricting reef-toxic sunscreen chemicals. The term "reef-safe" remains unregulated, meaning any product can use it regardless of ingredients. See our guide to reading sunscreen labels in Australia.
Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates sunscreens for human safety but does not consider environmental impact. This gap means products proven to damage coral reefs are freely sold and marketed as environmentally friendly.
What needs to change
- 1. Regulate "reef-safe" labelling. Establish clear criteria for what constitutes a reef-safe sunscreen in Australia.
- 2. Restrict the worst chemicals. Follow Hawaii's lead and ban oxybenzone and octinoxate from over-the-counter sunscreens.
- 3. Fund public awareness. Most Australians don't know their sunscreen harms reefs. Government-backed campaigns can change that.
- 4. Support reef-safe innovation. Incentivise Australian sunscreen manufacturers to develop effective, reef-safe formulas.
You don't need to wait for policy
While legislative change takes time, your choices as a consumer send immediate signals. Every reef-safe sunscreen you buy, every conversation you have about this issue, and every share of this article moves us closer to the kind of protection our reefs deserve. Learn about the specific threat to the Great Barrier Reef.
Contact your local representative about reef-safe sunscreen legislation, and share this article to raise awareness.
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