The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens to Take to Niue
Sunscreen is an absolute must for every day, every season and any time in Niue. With high to extreme UV levels all year round and long sunny days, you will need protection to cope with the tropical sun that you no doubt have been longing for. But with sun protection comes environmental responsibility, as the fragile coral reefs that make Niue the pristine destination that it is can’t handle the chemicals that mainstream sunscreens contain. Plus, let’s be honest, those chemicals are not always good for your skin either. For those reasons and more, we’ve come up with this list of the best eco-friendly sunscreens for Niue following four main criteria:
- They are reef-safe
- They contain mostly natural ingredients
- They have biodegradable packaging
If you are on the market for kid’s sunscreen as well, make sure to check out our 5 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Kids and Babies where you will find options for the whole family. Plus, you might want to combine your sun protection with some mosquito protection, as listed in the 10 Best Natural Insect Repellents for Niue.
Finally, remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after towel-drying yourself!
1. All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter and Lotion
It’s no secret that we are quite the fan of the All Good sunscreens. In fact, their kids’ option tops our list of the best sunscreens for kids. The All Good formula provides up to SPF50 protection, which is perfect for the harsh Niuean sun and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. But best of all, it comes in a lotion form and a butter form. We love the butter style sunscreens as they are often less greasy and super easy to apply. No nano ingredients can be found in the formula either which is an added bonus.
Check All Good Lotion and All Good Butter out!
2. Coconut Joe’s Natural & Organic Sunscreen
The best value on this list with a huge 237ml/8fl.oz bottle, this Coconut Joe’s SPF30 sunscreen offers a very strong SPF50 protection with only one blind spot: it is not water-resistant. But it makes up for it by being fragrance-free, all-natural and cheap as chips (for this kind of sunscreen at least).
Give Coconut Joe’s Sunscreen a go!
3. Totlogic Natural Sunscreen
Containing plenty of goodness, such as jojoba, hyaluronic acid, white tea, arnica, chamomile and lavender, as well as non-toxic chemicals, the Totlogic formula offers SPF30 protection against UVA and UVB. It is extremely gentle on all types of skin from six months old to adults. If you ever have hypoallergenic issues, this one’s for you!
Read more about Totlogic Natural Sunscreen on Amazon.
4. Tropical Seas Reef-Safe Sunscreen
It may not have a flashy look but this sunscreen is a great option. It is relatively cheap and offers SPF45+ protection. The fragrance-free formula is all-natural and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. As a bonus, the container will biodegrade in the ocean, so if you accidentally drop it off the boat, you won’t harm the sealife.
Read more about Tropical Seas Reef-Safe Sunscreen on Amazon.
5. Sunblockz Baby & Kids Sunscreen Lotion
If you are travelling with kids, you probably are quite worried about the high UV levels found in Niue, and rightfully so. The sun in Niue is harsh and this sunscreen has 24.5% of zinc oxide ingredient providing safe SPF50+ protection. This kids’ lotion is made with 100% natural ingredients and is water-resistant as well. It may be designed for kids but it will suit and protect any types of sensitive skins. For more tips for looking after kids in Niue, see the 10 Health and Safety Tips for Travelling in Niue With Kids.
Check Sunblockz Sunscreen out!
6. Tropical Sands Sunscreen
Picture addicts, pay attention! This sunscreen is the least visible on the skin of the whole list. So if you are after your sunscreen stroke-free selfies, this may just be your best option. It uses mineral ingredients to protect your skin against UVA and UVB. It is also baby and kid-safe and is coral reef-safe. By the way, share your selfies with us on Instagram and Facebook!
Check Tropical Sands Sunscreen out!
7. Beyond Coastal Face Stick Sunscreen
This face stick is the perfect companion for your go-bag. You will quickly find that regularly applying sunscreen to your face is a must in Niue so this easy-to-use stick may just make your life a whole lot easier. It uses a relatively simple formula of only a dozen ingredients with active ingredients such as avobenzone homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene and a few good things like vitamin E, aloe vera and even beeswax! Your glow will be fully protected for up to 40 in the water too!
Check Beyond Coastal Face Stick out!
8. Beauty By Earth Natural Mineral Sunscreen
This sunscreen contains a mix of aloe vera, coconut oil and shea butter to keep your skin hydrated even in the sun and it uses zinc oxide to protect against the harsh Niue UV. One of the best advantages of this sunscreen is that sets fast on your skin making its application a breeze. Sadly the SPF 25 protection offered is a bit low, hint, why it is so low on our list.
More information on the Beauty by Earth Sunscreen is available on Amazon.
9. TropicSport Mineral Sunscreen
This SPF30 sunscreen is a good go-to for reliable water resistance, while also being friendly to the wildlife we share the water with. TropicSport Mineral Sunscreen is Oxybenzone free, Octinoxate free and Avobenzoe free. The sunscreen is also suitable for the whole family, approved for use for 6-month-olds and older.
Check TropicSport Mineral Sunscreen out!
10. Sea Safe Marine Friendly Sunscreen
If you want something a little extra from your sunscreen, then consider getting Sea Safe Marine Friendly Sunscreen! Their sunscreen will leave your skin protected against harmful sunburns but also help prevent Jellyfish and Sea lice which is perfect for open water swimmers. The only downside that brings this to the bottom of our list is the inclusion of Octinoxate (not Oxybenzone) which could potentially be harmful to the health of reefs and may have impacts on humans with long-term use. This is why we chose to have it at number 10 on this list, good but not great. For more sunscreen suggestions, take a look at What are the Best Sunscreens for Niue?
Check Sea Safe Marine Friendly Sunscreen out!
More About Health, Safety and Eco-friendly Sunscreens for Niue
Author
Robin C.
This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Niue Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. He is also consulting regularly with Niue Tourism to ensure content accuracy. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.