Your Shower Is Harming the Reef — Here's How

Most people associate sunscreen pollution with beach-goers swimming in the ocean. But the reality is far more widespread: every time you shower after wearing sunscreen, those chemicals wash down the drain and begin a journey to our waterways.

The journey from drain to reef

Here's how it works: you apply sunscreen in the morning, go about your day, and shower in the evening. The sunscreen washes off your skin and enters the wastewater system. From there, it travels to a treatment plant.

The problem? Australian wastewater treatment plants aren't designed to remove pharmaceutical and cosmetic chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. These compounds pass through the treatment process largely intact and are discharged into rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters. Learn more about how these chemicals damage coral reefs.

Did you know?

A 2019 study found measurable concentrations of oxybenzone in treated wastewater outflows across multiple Australian coastal cities. The chemicals don't break down easily and accumulate over time.

Scale of the problem

Consider the numbers: Australia has over 25 million people. On any given summer day, millions of Australians wear sunscreen. Even if only a fraction shower with it still on their skin, the cumulative volume of chemicals entering our wastewater is enormous.

This isn't a coastal-only issue either. Inland cities discharge treated wastewater into rivers that eventually flow to the coast. The chemicals travel hundreds of kilometres before reaching marine environments. See how this impacts the Great Barrier Reef specifically.

What can you do at home?

• Switch to mineral sunscreen. Non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are less harmful to marine life and break down more readily. See our reef-safe sunscreen guide.
• Use less sunscreen overall. Combine with UPF clothing, hats, and shade to reduce the amount you apply.
• Wipe off excess before showering. Use a towel to remove as much sunscreen as possible before getting in the shower.
• Talk about it. Most people have no idea their shower contributes to reef damage. Sharing this knowledge creates change.

It's not about guilt — it's about awareness

Wearing sunscreen is important for skin cancer prevention, and no one should feel guilty about protecting their health. But understanding the full lifecycle of these products helps us make better choices. A simple switch to mineral-based sunscreen protects your skin and our reefs — whether you're at the beach or in the bathroom.