Whilst the UN Environment Programme has included this among its five pre-summer recommendations for protecting coral reefs, a recent study by GlobalData shows that “reef-safe” sunscreens are increasingly sought after by consumers.
“Coral reefs are in peril”, warns the United Nations Environment Programme in an article published on 26 April 2026 on its website. “It is important for tourists to do everything they can to minimize their impact on these magnificent – and fragile – ecosystems.”
Through the five recommendations set out: the exclusive use of sun protection products containing only non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
And it seems that consumers are increasingly heeding this call.
According to a survey conducted by the data analytics and consultancy firm GlobalData in the fourth quarter of 2025, as environmental awareness grows and product ingredients are increasingly scrutinised and become a standard consideration in purchasing decisions, consumers are increasingly seeking out coral-friendly sunscreens.
The combination of responsible consumer behaviour and increasingly stringent regulations in this area (following in the footsteps of Hawaii, which has banned benzophenone-3 and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate since 2021) is driving demand for mineral sunscreens, with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide widely regarded as safer alternatives to chemical filters. Katamaneni Greeshma Kasturi, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “As more destinations adopt similar restrictions, manufacturers are under growing pressure to ensure products can be sold across multiple markets. At the same time, …
