The world’s first environmentally-friendly sunscreen has been formulated to protect the skin from UV rays while also feeding and nourishing endangered coral reefs.
Leading marine and cosmetic technicians from sunscreen brand Stream2Sea and coral scientists from the University of Derby, led by UN marine advisor Professor Michael Sweet, have developed Reef Relief, in partnership with global ad agency McCann.
The launch of Reef Relief sunscreen comes amid growing concerns about the environmental threat faced by coral reefs.
Coral reefs are facing threats from climate change, pollution and other human activities, with an estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen ending up in the world’s oceans every year – and as many as 80% of ordinary sunscreens containing chemicals that contribute to coral bleaching and dying reefs.
The makers of Reef Relief, which is nominated for an innovation award at this year’s Cannes advertising festival , say not only does it protect skin from UV rays but it also feeds and nourishes endangered coral reefs.
Subscribe to Sustainability Beat for free
Sign up here to get the latest sustainability news sent straight to your inbox everyday
While some manufacturers have begun to remove harmful chemicals like Oxybenzone, making them reportedly ‘reef safe’, Reef Relief makers say it goes one step further and aims to help them thrive with the added nutritional formula.
The product was soft-launched in 2023, and the team has since brought in Sweet and his team at the University of Derby, a speacialist in marine and coral research, to undergo further testing.
As a result, its makers say Reef Relief has now been “scientifically proven” to actively boost healthy coral growth by up to 8% in some species.
Sweet, who is a coordinating author for the United Nations World Ocean Assessment, said: “Coral reefs are one of the most important ecosystems on the planet, supporting more than 25% of marine life and one billion people worldwide.
“However, if we continue harming the world’s reefs and do not make any substantial changes to our carbon footprint and other stressors associated with reef decline, 90% of these important ecosystems could be functionally extinct by 2030.”
The product also comes with its scientifically validated certification a Reef Protection Factor, with the hope that the mark will become an industry standard to help consumers make responsible choices.
Jon Elsom, group executive creative director, McCann Central, said, “We’re really excited about Reef Relief.
“This is game-changing. A simple, important and powerful idea and exactly what the world needs more of – original thinking leading to a product and initiative that could genuinely benefit the planet.”
Last year, it was revealed some 27% of offshore oil and gas sites licenced in one month sit in marine protected areas prized for their rare habitats and species.
