Journal of Science Policy & Governance
Volume 24, Issue 01 | April 30, 2024

Policy Brief:  ​Dangers of Oxybenzone in Sunscreens on Coral Reefs: Proposed Policy Approaches​

Yasmine Florent, Mackenzie Nemoto, Ana Rowley, Maria Isabel Villegas, Vanessa Pratt 
  • University of Pittsburgh, Department of Geology and Environmental Science, Environmental Studies Program, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

​Corresponding author: [email protected]​​
Keywords: coral bleaching; reef-safe; chemical ban; green guides
https://doi.org/10.38126/JSPG240106

Executive Summary

Sunscreen was developed to combat the harmful effects of skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation, but organic UV filters like oxybenzone pose a threat to coral reefs by promoting bleaching incidents, damaging coral DNA, and interfering with coral larvae. Oxybenzone has also been found to cause a wide range of reproductive and developmental harm within other marine organisms, like fish and invertebrates. While there are alternative sunscreens that are less detrimental to coral such as mineral-based products, toxic oxybenzone-based sunscreens are still popular among cosmetic companies and consumers. Scientific findings in the past decade have demonstrated a connection between high concentrations of chemical UV filters and the destruction of marine ecosystems. This knowledge has prompted some governments in coastal regions to pass legislation aiming to limit the use of sunscreens containing these chemicals. These regulations provide beneficial case studies that can be used to develop further effective policies to federally ban these products in the United States. The jurisdictions of Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, and Key West are model examples of successful implementation of such laws domestically. Based on efforts from such coastal communities, our suggested best practices to eliminate the threat posed by harmful sunscreens are to promote alternative sunscreen use, to define ‘reef-safe’ within the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides, and to impose a nationwide ban on oxybenzone. These recommendations provide a comprehensive plan to protect the United States’ fragile marine ecosystems.

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Background header image courtesy of PCCMarkets
Yasmine Florent graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2024 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Film and Media Studies (Production Track). Her interests include exploring collaborative learning efforts through science communication and citizen science, which she has pursued on various research projects. 

Mackenzie Nemoto graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2023 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies, a minor in Economics, and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems. Her interests include environmental justice, aquatic conservation, and sustainable aquaculture practices. 

Ana Rowley graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2024 with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Chinese. Ana is passionate about environmental justice and policy, especially promoting clean and accessible water. She will be continuing her studies in public policy at Carnegie Mellon University. 

Maria Isabel Villegas graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2024 with a B. A. in Environmental Studies with a minor in Studio Arts. Having grown up in the Virgin Islands, she is especially passionate about marine conservation, environmental justice, and climate policy.

Vanessa Pratt graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in the College of Business Administration and Geology & Environmental Science department with a major in marketing, supply chain management, and environment studies with a certificate in Sustainability. Her interests include sustainable business practices and aquatic conservation. 

Acknowledgments 
We would like to thank Dr. Patrick Shirey for his continued assistance and support through the writing process and the University of Pittsburgh Environmental Law and Policy course for providing us the platform to create and submit this manuscript.

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