Why are our products reef safe?

🌊 Why Sundrift Products Are Reef-Safe, Biodegradable & Ocean-Friendly

At Sundrift, we design our formulas with the ocean in mind. Every ingredient we choose is carefully evaluated to ensure it meets modern standards for marine protection, biodegradability, and responsible cosmetic manufacturing. As a brand created for divers, swimmers, and water-sport enthusiasts, our mission is simple:

Protect your skin — without harming the sea.

🟦 1. Reef-Safe: What It Actually Means

“Reef-safe” is not just a marketing term for us. It is based on international environmental guidelines, including:

  • Hawaii Reef-Compliant Act 104
    (Bans oxybenzone & octinoxate due to coral toxicity)

  • US Virgin Islands Sunscreen Regulations
    (Bans oxybenzone, octinoxate & octocrylene)

  • Palau’s Responsible Reef-Safe Sunscreen Act
    (Bans 10 reef-toxic chemicals)

  • Green Fins Code of Conduct
    (Promotes environmentally friendly diving & tourism)

  • ASEAN Cosmetic Directive
    (Defines allowed UV filters and safety requirements)

✔ Sundrift Products Contain:

  • No Oxybenzone

  • No Octinoxate

  • No Octocrylene

  • No Avobenzone

  • No Homosalate or Octisalate

  • No Silicones (Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, etc.)

  • No microplastics

  • No petrochemical film-formers

✔ We use Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, the safest UV filter for marine life.

Non-nano zinc oxide is widely considered the gold standard for reef-friendly sun protection because it is:

  • Inorganic and non-reactive

  • Not absorbed by coral or marine life

  • Non-toxic to reef larvae

  • Non-bioaccumulative

This aligns with research from:

  • NOAA (US National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration)

  • Haereticus Environmental Laboratory

  • UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

🟩 2. Biodegradable Formulas

Sundrift formulas avoid persistent chemicals that remain in the water for months or years.

✔ We use only biodegradable plant oils, emulsifiers, and stabilizers, such as:

  • Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (CCT)

  • Jojoba Oil

  • Rice Bran Oil

  • Shea Butter

  • Aloe Vera Extract

  • Beeswax

  • Olivem 1000 (ECOCERT, 100% biodegradable)

  • Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

  • Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

  • Xanthan Gum (natural polysaccharide)

✔ Our preservatives are used at safe, minimal concentrations

and are rapidly biodegradable, meeting ASEAN Cosmetic Directive guidelines.

✔ Iron Oxides used for tinting are inert natural minerals, not synthetic dyes.

All these ingredients break down naturally in the environment and do not persist or accumulate in marine ecosystems.

🟦 3. Ocean-Friendly by Design

Our formulations intentionally avoid ingredients known to affect:

  • Coral reproduction

  • Fish endocrine systems

  • Marine microorganisms

  • Water quality

We also prioritize:

✔ Low-impact manufacturing

No toxic waste, no hazardous effluents.

✔ Eco-friendly packaging

Aluminum jars, recyclable plastics, reduced microplastic footprint.

✔ Diver-grade safety

Tested for use in saltwater, long exposure, and water sports.

🟩 Our Commitment

Sundrift works to align with leading marine protection standards and responsible cosmetics practices, including:

  • Green Fins Environmental Guidelines (UNEP)

  • ASEAN Cosmetic Directive

  • EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) 1223/2009

  • FDA PH Cosmetic Labeling Requirements

We continuously review scientific research and regulatory updates to ensure our products remain safe for you — and for the ocean.

🌞 **Your Skin Protected.

🌊 Our Oceans Respected.**