BIODEGRADABLE SUNBLOCK

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Every year between 4,000 and 6,000 tons of sunscreen washes off of tourists during their vacations.  This sunscreen contains chemicals and oils that are harmful to the marine ecosystem, particularly coral reefs.  All over Mexico, the use of biodegradable sunblock and sunscreen is starting to be required for entry into the waters, scuba diving or snorkeling tours.

At such famous locales such as Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Garrafon Park, Chankanaab Park, and the protected marine park in Cozumel, use of biodegradable sunscreen is mandatory, and any other type of sun products are confiscated upon entry to their facilities.  Puerto Vallarta has not yet instituted these strict requirements, but we encourage everyone to use them when visiting.

Q: What is biodegradable sunscreen?
A:  Biodegradable sunblock is environmentally friendly sunscreen that lacks the harmful ingredients that are destroying the world's coral reefs.  These sunscreens are biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally in the environment, and eco-friendly, meaning that they minimize damage to the environment.  We strongly encourage using only biodegradable sunscreen anytime you are going to be in the water.

Q: What kind of damage does sunscreen do to the marine ecosystem?
A:  One of the most harmful things to the natural underwater environment of Mexico and elsewhere is the sunscreens, oils, and sunblocks worn by tourists.  We don't think of it, but when we swim in the water, these oils come off and settle on the coral reefs and other marine life, and in volume can almost act like an oil slick in the water, creating damage to the delicate ecosystems.  The reefs are suffocated, and sunscreens are one of the biggest causes of bleaching to our reefs, and the death of much of the world's coral.

Q: I've never heard of this before.  Are you making this stuff up?
A: See the links below for the latest information.

National Geographic: Swimmer's Suncreen Killing Off Corals
E-Turbo News: Tourist Sunscreen Killing Off Coral Reefs
Indian Ocean Sea Turtles: Sunscreen May Be Killing Corals
Environmental Science & Tech: Sunscreens go Viral on Coral
Discover Magazine: The Biology of Sunscreens 

Q: Why does coral get bleached?  Is coral bleaching really a problem?
A:  The ingredients in normal sunscreens promote viral infection in the coral, as well as covering it with oils and goo.  Between 4,000 and 6,000 tons of sunscreen wash off swimmers every year on their vacations. As much as 25% of the world's coral reefs are in imminent danger of collapse due to human pressures, and another 25% is in longer term danger.

Q: Where can I buy Biodegradable Suncreen?
A:  Our preferred brand is MexiTan, you can see the banner at the top of the page.  However, there are other options as well.  There are eco-friendly products made by SmartShield, KissMyFace, Cactus Juice, UV Natural, and Caribbean Solutions, and there have been sightings of a blue bottle marked biodegradable by Hawaiian Tropic, though none has been reported being seen in the U.S. yet.  Some health food stores carry these items, but they are few and far between.  Your local drug store will normally not stock these brands.  Sometimes you can find these brands in Mexico, but they are not widely carried at the tourist shops or drugstores in Puerto Vallarta.

Q: Are there certain ingredients to watch out for?
A:  Some of the most harmful ingredients that many sunscreens contain, including some that are actually biodegradable such as those made by Nature's Gate and Australian Gold, are PABA, octinoxate, oxybenzone, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, oils, chemicals or the preservative butylparaben.  If your sunscreen has any of these ingredients, it is not safe for use on the reefs.