Reef Safe Australia proudly supports organisations and initiatives working to protect marine ecosystems and coastal environments across Australia.

Through our partnership with Reef Check Australia, we help support reef education, citizen science programs, and reef health monitoring initiatives that contribute to the protection and understanding of
Australia’s marine ecosystems.

We also support the environmental efforts of Seven Clean Seas, an organisation dedicated to removing plastic pollution from oceans and coastlines through clean-up programs, prevention initiatives, and community action.

Our Formula & Environmental Commitments

Sun protection with greater transparency

Reef Safe Australia was created for people who care about protecting their skin while spending time around beaches, reefs and the outdoors.

We believe product claims should be clear and backed by evidence. This page explains our formulas, ingredients, certifications and partnerships.

What “Reef Safe” means to us

Reef Safe is our brand name and reflects the approach we take to sunscreen formulation and ocean conservation.

Our sunscreen range uses non-nano zinc oxide as the active UV filter and contains no chemical UV filters.

Our approach includes:

  • Non-nano zinc oxide as the active UV filter
  • No chemical UV filters
  • Cream-based formulas rather than aerosol sprays
  • Support for reef-monitoring and plastic-recovery initiatives
  • Clear ingredient and product information

For the best protection, use sunscreen together with protective clothing, a hat and shade.

Mineral protection with non-nano zinc oxide

Our sunscreens use zinc oxide as their mineral UV filter.

Zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation. The active-ingredient percentage and SPF rating are shown on each product’s label and product page.

The zinc oxide in our formulas is non-nano, as confirmed by the ingredient specifications.

Chemical UV filter free

Reef Safe Australia sunscreens use zinc oxide rather than chemical UV filters as their active sunscreen ingredient.

Our formulas contain none of these chemical UV filters:

  • Oxybenzone
  • Octinoxate
  • Octocrylene
  • Homosalate
  • Avobenzone
  • 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, also known as 4-MBC

Botanical ingredients

Depending on the formula, Reef Safe Australia products contain selected botanical and skin-conditioning ingredients such as:

  • Kakadu plum
  • Sea buckthorn
  • Vitamin E
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Sunflower oil
  • Citronella oil
  • Vanillin

The full ingredient list for each product is on its product page and packaging.

ASC Organic Certified

Our sunscreens are ASC Organic Certified by the Australian Sunscreen Council, the peak industry body for Australian sunscreen manufacturers, brand owners, formulators and researchers.

VegeCert certified vegan

Our sunscreens are made without animal-derived ingredients and are never tested on animals.

They are VegeCert certified vegan, giving you independent confirmation that our formulas meet strict vegan standards.

Made in Australia

Reef Safe Australia sunscreens are made in Rocklea, Queensland.

The ARTG listing and AUST L number for each sunscreen are shown on its product page and packaging.

Supporting plastic recovery

Reef Safe Australia supports the work of Seven Clean Seas, an organisation that runs plastic-recovery, prevention and community programs.

Our current contribution

For every tube purchased, Reef Safe Australia funds the recovery of the same amount of plastic used for the product through Seven Clean Seas.

Australian-made zinc

We work with Australian suppliers wherever possible and use Australian-made non-nano zinc oxide in our sunscreen formulas.

Packaging and recycling

To recycle Reef Safe Australia packaging:

  1. Remove any remaining sunscreen.
  2. Separate the box, container, cap and pump where possible.
  3. Follow the recycling guidance from your local council.

Keeping you informed

We keep this page up to date as our formulas, packaging, suppliers and partnerships evolve. Questions about a product can be sent through our Contact page.

Frequently asked questions

What does “Reef Safe” mean?

Reef Safe is our brand name. It reflects our mineral-zinc formulas, which contain no chemical UV filters, and our partnerships supporting reef and ocean conservation.

What UV filter does Reef Safe Australia use?

Our sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide as the active UV filter. The active-ingredient percentage is on each product label.

Does Reef Safe Australia contain chemical UV filters?

No. Our sunscreen range uses zinc oxide and is chemical UV filter free.

Are your sunscreens organic?

Yes. Our sunscreens are ASC Organic Certified by the Australian Sunscreen Council.

Are your sunscreens vegan?

Yes. Our sunscreens are VegeCert certified vegan and never tested on animals.

How does Reef Safe Australia support plastic recovery?

For every tube purchased, we fund the recovery of the same amount of plastic through our partnership with Seven Clean Seas.

How does Reef Safe Australia support reef conservation?

We partner with Reef Check Australia, which monitors reef health along the Queensland coast through trained citizen-science volunteers.