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 environmental and product claims should be clear, specific and supported by evidence. This page explains what we mean when we describe our formulas, ingredients, partnerships and environmental commitments.
We do not claim that any sunscreen or packaged product has zero environmental impact. Instead, we focus on transparent formulation choices, Australian manufacturing and partnerships that support ocean and reef initiatives.
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 does not contain chemical UV filters.
Rather than relying only on the words “reef safe”, we encourage customers to read the active ingredients and product information for each sunscreen.
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
No sunscreen should be represented as having no environmental effect. Sunscreen should be used alongside protective clothing, hats, shade and other sun-protection measures.
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 specific active-ingredient percentage and SPF rating are displayed on each product’s label and product page.
The zinc oxide used in our formulas is classified as non-nano according to the specifications supplied for the ingredient.
Because individual products may contain different active-ingredient percentages or supporting ingredients, customers should always check the label of the product they are purchasing.
Chemical UV filter free
Reef Safe Australia sunscreens use zinc oxide rather than chemical UV filters as their active sunscreen ingredient.
Our formulas do not contain chemical UV filters such as:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Octocrylene
- Homosalate
- Avobenzone
- 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, also known as 4-MBC
We use the phrase chemical UV filter free rather than “chemical free”, because every physical substance—including minerals, water and botanical ingredients—is made from chemicals.
Botanical ingredients
Depending on the formula, Reef Safe Australia products may contain selected botanical and skin-conditioning ingredients such as:
- Kakadu plum
- Sea buckthorn
- Vitamin E
- Hyaluronic acid
- Sunflower oil
- Citronella oil
- Vanillin
Ingredients vary between products. Customers should refer to the complete ingredient list on the individual product page and packaging.
What our organic wording means
Where an ingredient is identified as organic, the organic description applies to that particular ingredient.
It does not necessarily mean that every ingredient in the finished sunscreen is organic.
Unless Reef Safe Australia holds current certification covering the complete finished product, we use specific wording such as:
Made with selected organic botanical ingredients.
rather than describing the entire sunscreen as “100% organic”.
Vegan formulas
Our sunscreens are formulated without animal-derived ingredients.
We use the term vegan formula to describe the product formulation. Any external vegan certification or logo will only be displayed while the relevant certification or supporting declaration is current.
Internal check before publishing: retain this section only when you have a current manufacturer declaration confirming every product is free from animal-derived ingredients.
Made in Australia
Reef Safe Australia sunscreens are manufactured in Rocklea, Queensland.
The ARTG listing and AUST L number for each sunscreen are displayed on its individual product page and packaging.
Product claims, SPF ratings, directions and water-resistance information should always be read from the label of the particular sunscreen being used.
Supporting plastic recovery
Reef Safe Australia supports the work of Seven Clean Seas, an organisation involved in plastic-recovery, prevention and community programs.
Through our partnership, we contribute to plastic-recovery activity undertaken by Seven Clean Seas.
Our current contribution
Replace this section with the exact wording from your current agreement:
For every [tube/product/order] purchased, Reef Safe Australia funds the recovery of [insert exact verified weight] of plastic through Seven Clean Seas.
This calculation applies to purchases made between [reporting period] and is based on [explain whether it is product weight, packaging weight or another measurement].
Our latest partnership certificate or impact report can be viewed [link to evidence].
This is a funded plastic-recovery contribution. It does not mean that the sunscreen, its ingredients or its packaging have no environmental impact.
Important wording change
Until the exact calculation is confirmed, use:
Supports plastic-recovery initiatives through Seven Clean Seas.
Do not use:
- Plastic neutral
- Every tube removes twice its weight
- Every tube removes its weight
- Ocean positive
Your current pages use conflicting measurements: the Shopify homepage says each tube helps remove its weight in plastic, while the older impact page says two tubes’ worth. These should be reconciled against the current agreement before publishing a numerical claim.
Supporting reef monitoring
Reef Safe Australia supports Reef Check Australia and its work relating to reef monitoring, education and citizen science.
Replace the following line with the precise current arrangement:
Reef Safe Australia contributes [insert exact amount or contribution mechanism] from the sale of [all products/products displaying the Reef Check logo] to Reef Check Australia.
Where a contribution applies only to products displaying a Reef Check logo, state that limitation clearly.
Suggested wording once verified:
A contribution from every Reef Check–branded Reef Safe Australia product supports Reef Check Australia’s reef-monitoring, education and citizen-science activities.
Do not say that every purchase funds Reef Check unless that applies to the complete range under the current agreement.
Australian-made zinc and energy claims
We work with Australian suppliers wherever possible and use Australian-made non-nano zinc oxide in our sunscreen formulas.
Before publishing claims concerning solar manufacturing or carbon savings, we verify:
- Which zinc oxide grade was used
- The production period covered
- The energy source used by the supplier
- The method used to calculate any avoided emissions
- The correct measurement units
- The supporting supplier report or certificate
Any carbon figure displayed on our website relates only to the defined ingredient-production activity and does not represent the complete carbon footprint of the finished sunscreen, packaging, delivery or business.
Remove from the homepage for now
I recommend temporarily removing:
Over 1,002 kg CO2 Saved
The current explanation—“saving over 1kg of CO2 per a kw”—does not identify the measurement methodology, reporting period or whether the intended unit is kW or kWh. It should not be republished until you have the supplier’s exact calculation.
Packaging and recycling
Packaging materials differ between products and sizes.
Before recycling Reef Safe Australia packaging:
- Remove any remaining sunscreen.
- Separate the box, container, cap and pump where possible.
- Follow the recycling guidance provided by your local council.
- Do not place a component in household recycling unless it is accepted by your local service.
Where we describe packaging as recyclable, that claim applies only to the specified component and is subject to local recycling facilities.
We do not use broad statements suggesting that every part of every package will be recycled through every Australian household-recycling system.
Our commitment to accurate claims
Environmental evidence, partnerships and product information can change.
Reef Safe Australia reviews its claims and updates this page when:
- Product formulations change
- Packaging materials change
- Supplier information changes
- Partnership agreements are renewed
- New evidence or regulatory guidance becomes available
Last reviewed: [Month Year]
Questions about a product or environmental statement can be sent through our Contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Does “reef safe” mean the sunscreen has zero environmental impact?
No. Reef Safe is our brand name and describes our mineral-zinc formulation approach and environmental partnerships. We do not claim that any sunscreen has zero effect on every marine organism or environment.
What UV filter does Reef Safe Australia use?
Our sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide as the active UV filter. Check the individual product label for the active-ingredient percentage.
Does Reef Safe Australia contain chemical UV filters?
No. Our sunscreen range uses zinc oxide and is chemical UV filter free.
Is every ingredient organic?
No. Selected botanical ingredients may be identified as organic. That does not necessarily mean the entire finished formula is certified organic.
Is Reef Safe Australia plastic neutral?
We support plastic-recovery initiatives through Seven Clean Seas. The precise amount funded through each purchase is explained on this page using the terms of our current partnership agreement.
How does Reef Safe Australia support reef conservation?
We support Reef Check Australia. The exact contribution mechanism and the products to which it applies are explained on this page.
