Reef-Safe Sunscreen? The Science | Lab Muffin Beauty Science

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Also the Australian government has decided to grant almost half a billion dollars to a tiny reef charity with lots of links to oil companies and climate change denial. The charity has 20% administration costs, of course. There's a petition to get them to return the money so it can go through proper funding allocation channels. Sign it here: www.tonyburke.com.au/get-active/return-reef-money

[@annabella6431]

Thx Michelle, petition signed

[@annnee6818]

It's just infuriating how complicit our governments are in this, almost as if they didn't give a flying **** about their kids and grandkids dying.

[@rhaps2008]

Thank you really appreciate you

[@katherinemorelle7115]

@@annnee6818 well, they don’t really care. They care about money, and they think if they leave their kids wealth, than that wealth will shield them from whatever repercussions do happen. Though honestly, they’re that greedy that I do think they’re putting their own ambition and money hunger above their children’s lives. It’s easy for them to not think about- the money is coming in now, and the repercussions are in some vague future. Also, I read an article that stated we hit the point of no return for climate change 3 months ago. I know they were hoping it would still be 9 years away (as per the IPCC report), but seems it came sooner than expected. I can’t say I’m surprised. Though I’m now a bit worried that pollies will take the “oh well, it’s too late anyway, so why bother at all?” approach to climate change. Which is admittedly the same actions that are coming from their current “I don’t care/I want the money” approach.

[@sheatheviking]

I know this is a big debate topic, but I wanted to share a conversation I recently had with a marine biologist. She specifically studies coral and sea sponges. I was so excited to be able to ask her about these recent fear mongering articles that sunscreen kills coral. She said that because the sea dilutes the chemicals in sunscreen so much she really doesn't believe it. She says that the biggest contributor to coral death in Hawaii (which was the focus of many of these articles) is run-off from Hawaii's many golf courses, but because golf is such a huge draw for tourism, focus was turned to sunscreen as a scapegoat. She says rising sea temperatures are the biggest cause of death of coral. Also, that the death of coral in areas where lots of people swim is most likely due to people actually touching the coral, or the aforementioned chemical run-off from golf courses. Also, chemicals from lawn care at resorts, which runs into these areas.

[@himeyui258]

Oh😮

[@lisabaughn]

Great, informative comment.

[@maeannengo4908]

* mindblown *

[@Robynhoodlum]

The more I hear about golf course management, the more I think it should be highly regulated and limited.

[@LiahYoo]

Out of many amazing videos of yours, this is by far my favorite. It really addresses the real issue. Of course every little effort (like the sunscreen ban) can help but it really misses the bigger mark. Malcom Turnbull going against the renewable energy was one of the most depressing news I’ve heard last year when aus was pretty good at taking initiatives in the climate change space. Everything is about politics and the big sponsors behind the politicians 😕

[@anthrogal19]

This was an important video--thank you for making it. Being paranoid about the potential effect of sunscreen on reefs, when climate change is likely doing almost all of the damage, shows just how irrational the YT beauty community and we the general public are about this threat not just to our planet but our habits and ways of life. The epitome of an inconvenient truth. You said it: the best thing we can do is address climate change in whatever ways we can.

[@annnee6818]

You can't really blame the general populace and beauty bloggers (who are also the general populace) for this. Politicians who allow themselves to be pushed by lobbyists are to blame. So if you wanna blame the populace it should be for not voting accordingly.

[@Brunoportes]

WOW I can't describe how much I like your videos. I'm a brazilian researcher on rural/urban planning and have no contact with chemestry what so ever, but I understand everything you explain. I really like how you explain common myths and help people to make good choices on skincare and now, the environment. Please make more videos about it (even if it a bit depressing). Hugs from Brazil!

[@caliden2]

Just want to say thank you for this. My bio professor gave us an assignment about sunscreens and their impact on coral which had simply incorrect info - her most recommended sunscreen uses zinc oxide as the primary filter. I was able to use your write-up (thank you for the easy citation!) to have an educated response to what was ultimately fear-mongering and incorrect info presented as a lesson. Thank you so much for all you do!

[@berlineczka]

I would add one more thing to the list of limiting personal footprint: own/buy less clothes, and especially do not buy clothes made of plastic (acryl, poliamid, poliester, nylon, lycra etc.). Especially acryl is to be avoided, as microfibres wash off it during washing and this microplastic fibres land then in the oceans and in the fish we eat.

[@livinkeola]

This video is vastly underrated and under viewed given all of the misinformation out there. Mahalo for taking the time to research and share all of this information with us! It's frustrating living in Hawai'i and having the blame shifted from the tourism industry/large businesses to locals/consumers in order to make up for their environmental degradation.

[@Helenemonblogdefille]

Thank you so much for speaking the scientific truth.

[@kkayli7592]

I agree

[@astoriarego8304]

This is why I respect your views so much. It's nice to hear from an expert who uses pure reason - who can embrace science and explain how to best protect the environment without demonizing science. I am one of those car-free vegan environmentalists, but so many in my community are ready to jump on the latest fad without looking into the facts. I was very skeptical of the effect of sunscreen on coral reefs, but with this information in hand, I will be careful the next time I snorkel because I do get close to coral. I use a lot of protective clothing, but it's pretty easy for me to adjust my sunscreen game.

[@abbyagust]

This video answered all my burning questions (no pun intended) about sunscreen and coral reefs! It's really shocking how we make a fuss over sunscreen bleaching coral reefs when the main culprit of this is actually climate change. This video opened my eyes and cleared my conscious, I hope more people see this :)

[@vickyoli]

Hello! I’m a diver and scientist as well (synbio though). I think you forgot to consider one situation: when people decide to go snorkeling or scuba diving close to corals. Many of them apply sunscreen just before jumping into the water. Usually the best views are close to corals, so imagine 20 people jump over a reef and they are full of sunscreen. I think this is the most worrying situation. It is not much when you are in the shore, but when people do these tours. Not considering that these MFs touch the corals and thats a bigger stress for them. People, there are many foundations that are helping corals. Corals are SO damn important for the ecosystem. Consider to donate to Coral Gardeners and support a coral yourself❤️ I love your channel!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Argh I thought I mentioned the diving near coral thing! 😣 Oops

[@vickyoli]

Lab Muffin Beauty Science no worries, I’m glad you are educating people in general :)

[@MeredithDomzalski]

@@LabMuffinBeautyScience You mentioned it but kind of downplayed it. I'm glad you brought it up at the end and emphasized it more there, but the message was undermined a bit by the rest of the video, in my opinion. I think if I decide to dive near coral reefs in the future, I'll get a reef-safe sunscreen and give it some time to absorb before going in the water. Otherwise, I'll stick with my regular sunscreen.

[@Siberius-]

​@@LabMuffinBeautyScience - No you did mention exactly that at 8:14. Then at 12:57 you mentioned things that can be done when swimming in areas close to coral (including not using these ingredients). At 15:08 you mention wearing a highly water-resistant sunscreen, and applying the sunscreen 20 minutes before going into the water.

[@binhkien7918]

I've been finding for a "coral reef safe" for a long time. Thank you for informing me that sunscreen isn't the main reason of coral bleaching 💚

[@svps169]

I appreciate all the hard work and immense amount of time you spent on making this video. I imagine it must be tough to do videos like this because you get profit from views, not from the number of hours spent, and with a serious topic like this, probably you don’t get as many views as you deserve. Despite all that, you put all this effort in making an amazing video and I am grateful for it!!! Keep up the good work.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️

[@Justine-iu4bv]

I really felt bad for using sunscreen with oxybenzone and now thank you. I thought it was that big of an issue. Now I'm enlightened to what really do matter.

[@horrr0r]

Please remember that Hawaii is a very high tourist destination and our coral reefs are very close to shore and our tourists concentrate at very specific areas. Also our coral reefs form a sort of current blocking wall around these beaches which only serves to trap the water more. Not only that, but our water that goes down our drains goes into the ocean too, so it’s not just swimmers, it’s everyone on the islands who wears these sunscreens (and the Hawaiian islands are insanely population dense for their size). Our coral reefs are indeed in rapidly declining health, meaning we need to do what we can to preserve them.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

There's been a more recent study that sampled more water around Hawaii - they failed to find high enough sunscreen concentrations to explain the declining reef health, which is much more easily explained by other, previously known factors. Here's an op-ed from the lead researcher: amp.floridatoday.com/amp/1620711001

[@daniela9488]

As always politicians and big corporations pushing the whole burden of responsibility onto the end consumers.

[@emilyloseke1386]

This video is so good! It is incredibly well researched and rounded. I'm off to go find that nerdy nitty gritty you promised is in the blog post now

[@elizabethfleener4791]

Hands down this is the best video I have seen on this topic so far. Thanks so much for the info!

[@melanieborduas8687]

Thank you so much for your content. The alarmist style misinformation circulating the internet can be exhausting to sift through and when we don’t have scientific backgrounds to properly interpret that information it can be hard to understand what is worth worrying over. I do my best to be an informed consumer and try to “vote” with my purchases. Your channel is helping a lot

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you!

[@ericanewcomb2643]

This is a really great video! I'm glad you always use studies to back up what you say. I think people should focus on buying less stuff (and thus using less plastic) rather than hunting for a sunscreen they will probably forget to use.

[@xcforlife77]

Excellent points, thanks for taking the time to thoroughly research this...I've been a bit skeptical at the claims

[@nonamonsod]

THANK YOU. I've spent days trying to look for the best sunscreens and their safety to the environment is such a huge factor I consider but struggle to understand. You've laid it out perfectly.

[@sterlgirlceline]

It would be deeply appreciated if you would do informational videos on 1) which of the numerous alcohols in skin and hair care are nourishing/non-harmful versus those alcohols that are drying and/or harmful to the skin and hair. There is so much conflicting information on the internet without any citations to empirical evidence that it is difficult to decipher what is accurate. 2) Would you please do a video on the varying surfactants commonly found in skin and hair care ingredients and which are for deeper cleansing versus milder cleansing and any that might be drying or harmful versus helpful to hair and skin? It would be deeply appreciated and helpful 🌸

[@efranki2757]

This is such a great video! Being that this was posted 5 years ago now, was wondering if there have been any updates or changes to the harmful/minimal harm/untested ingredients list? Would love to see a breakdown of more recent studies on this (sorry if you’ve already done this, I haven’t looked thru your archive yet) Thanks for all your hard work on educating us :)

[@_rrwwcox]

Thanks so much for this video, I really appreciate you covering multiple and conflicting studies. Hopefully content like this can help combat chemical phobia. Let's not forget that sunscreen is a life-saving product.

[@musicismegod]

:) Loved it. No more excuses to not apply sunscreen. So thoroughly researched (as always). xx

[@musicismegod]

And that bit about voting for political parties that recognise the growing concern that is climate change. Exactly what needs to be said.

[@kelliatqut]

I love your style of visually summarising the relevant studies in your video, thanks for this detail!

[@annakis2795]

I love that you weight the information you hear and don't just start shouting the popular opinion, and you warn us the real dangers :) and also, you are beautiful :) it goes well with being wise :D (sorry for my english, its not my mother langauge)

[@TriskellAyla]

Thank you for that. I always loathe buying sunscreen because I want to do as less harm as I can. It highly participates to my eco anxiety. Anxiety isn't always rational and now I feel stupid I didn't do more research to know if it's actually that harmful. I now have more info and might be able to make a better choice for my own mental health and the environment.

[@Sentient_Goose]

I f'n love you. Bring that science to the politik. At least we're listening. This was not depressing, it's a call to arms. Your final message was rather inspiring. Thank you

[@angiev.5132]

I personally use Md Solar Sciences tinted Mineral Crème SPF 30. I’ve been using it for about 3 years now and it truly works for me. I’ve used it on my travels to the Philippines and it helped my makeup look flawless after 8 plus hours in sweltering heat and humidity. Unfortunately it does have micronized zinc oxide, but at the same time, it’s waterproof, and I could still feel it on my face and neck after I swam in the ocean. I’m using my own judgment here and I really don’t want to give up something that works for me.

[@dyathinkhesaurus]

I just LOVE your videos! I suffer from severe insomnia and anxiety (some of it sparked by curiosity, some of it about sunscreen haha). Watching your informative geeky style videos is really interesting yet you've explained it well enough, at a good speed and don't really too much on visual aids. So being exhausted and brain frazzled, I can listen to it with my eyes closed most of the time. It's like scientific ASMR for me 😂. Thank you thank you for being one of the few you tubers I watch who base all your arguments on current science so I don't have to get more nagging questions whenever I watch videos of yours.

[@BL-hw4mn]

Thank you so much for this video! I’ve been so confused about which sunscreens are good and which are bad for coral, and there aren’t that many sources on the issue that are trustworthy and easy to understand on the internet.

[@bloomsanchez1650]

This was a super informative video and I love that you point out that sunscreens represent a tiny fraction of the harm that we inflct on corals and oceans. But in this video, after establishing that many common sunscreen ingredients (oxybenzone, octinoxate, enzacamene (4-MBC), and zinc oxide) are "harmful" to corals, you suggest that we avoid coating ourselves in these ingredients ONLY when we swim in human-populated, potentially ingredient-dense bodies of water. This makes me wonder whether the effects of washing these SAME ingredients down the shower drain (all water pathways lead to groundwater reserves, rivers, lakes, etc., then ultimately to oceans) exacerbates ocean acidification and/or how "harmful" these ingredients can be to other ocean-dwellers and terrestrial life forms. I get that the dose makes the poison, but if BILLIONS of us are supposed to be applying sunscreen every single day, isn't it fair to assume that this has consequences?

[@Mahi-nw5vh]

Hmm good point. Maybe if billions of us use sunscreen its better to switch to the newer filters.

[@natasha-wp2pg]

Right, this is something that i was thinking about. I know this video was uploaded a long time ago, but do you have an answer to this, Michelle? Or maybe it just shows me that i dont have a really good grasp about the whole comparison for the water and the sunscreen thing

[@janblqn7000]

This should be viral.

[@soeeyore1]

I’m so relieved the only sunscreen that doesn’t irritate my skin is a combination one and I was not ready to give it up as my everyday face sunblock!

[@eggsberts]

thank you so very much for this video this hasnt quite calmed my sunscreen anxiety but my goodness gracious it has helped tremendously

[@smooth1748]

This is the BEST video have found about sunscreen. Very informative! I am so happy I found your channel ❤

[@nana7fan]

This video does not have enough exposure. I follow some skincare gurus pushing inorganic sunscreens and demonizing the organic ones when even zinc oxide can be harmful. We need to take action, but the right kind of action!

[@Biogrrrl]

Great video! I decided to wear beach leggings and a rashguard, and limit the sunscreen to just my exposed face. I figure that's probably the best option.

[@esrynshudder4216]

As a chemistry student, this was exactly my thought when buying sunscreen. Thx for doing the math and breaking it down.

[@novataenprogreso7638]

Thank you so much for talk about these recent news! It's good to take care of corals but we must take care of all the World too, I love your videos!😍

[@TheErms12345]

Small things lead to big changes. Getting reef safe sunscreen is one of those small changes

[@abr3703]

This is such an amazing video, I love all of ur content. More ppl need to know about your channel as its one of the hidden gems

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you so much!

[@HmongCutiie]

This was highly informative and I appreciate you taking the time to make such a video!

[@Squed92]

Please do a video on perfumes and safety/toxicity truths and myths. It’s so difficult to find non-biased scientific info! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@alexissherrera462]

Just recently found your channel and I love it. Already shared you videos with all my friends!

[@jakeroege]

Really enjoying your approach to science/chemistry/the chemicals we choose to put on our skin. How do you feel about fragrance? Many find them irritating, could be interesting to talk about the different chemical structures of certain fragrances and plant extracts!

[@waterwanders]

You’re doing incredibly important work making this content, thank you so much!!!

[@nrsvd8361]

This video is from four years ago. Would you mind updating the content and review ingredients that are safe for the sea life and coral? Thanks.

[@ozwrangler.c]

Recently went snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. We were provided with ‘stinger suits’, so very little sunscreen needed because you’re covered up totally, except for face. Win-Win 😁

[@EmMa-rx7wb]

Wow! thanks for the great breakdown of content and touching on some hot topics in Australia right now. The Government need to re-allocate the funds accordingly with a tender process.

[@winterzealot]

Fantastic video! Thank you so much for breaking this down.

[@thelaribunny]

Awesome video! A great research on the topic, and very well explained! Thank you! Love from Brazil

[@leeseojeong5948]

Even if i found your video very informative and a bit reassuring, I suppose everyone should do their best to protect corals. One of the solution can be to wear UV protecting clothes when swimming in the ocean, particulary if you go diving near corals. And in General to not exposed yourself in the direct sun.

[@thehumancomedy3891]

Very informative, 17 minutes not wasted, compared to a 5 minute video that wasted my time with nonsense 👍

[@ozwrangler.c]

Found this the day before snorkelling on Great Barrier Reef 🇦🇺 Will be wearing a stinger-suit (wet season), neck tube, so only sunscreen will be on my face I hate having sunscreen all over my body, so use suits, tights, rashies in the sun. Aussie brand ‘Adrenalin’ make good quality UPF50 gear and affordable. Especially like their fleecy tops and tights which are great for swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding in Aussie winter

[@liespeuk]

I love you so much. You are such an amazing researcher, spreading the correct information 🥰

[@skinfitnessexpert]

Such a great video! I've been trying to get these EXACT same points across to my clients. Thanks so much for putting science together in such an easy to comprehend package, plus discussing the important fact that SPF isn't the main destructive force to the earth/ocean/coral right now.

[@steve0ks]

I just realize that I never look at the biodegradability of sunscreen ingredients... 😢 And I must agree, this video is extremely depressing.

[@3lla387]

I really respect your seriousness of the subject ♥️

[@alexanderolafsson4709]

This was an absolutely amazing video!!! So educational, informative, and inspiring!

[@natalierollmann9172]

I'm so overwhelmed by the amount of differing opinions on which ingredients are and aren't reef safe, it seems literally every possible sunscreen ingredient can fall into either category depending on the source you look at 😭 I would love if someone had a source with a more extensive list of ingredients so I can try to wear reef safe sunscreen to the beach

[@balle3631]

SUCH A GOOD VIDEO thank you so much for debunking this foolish myth i used to believe in this as well and this video is what changed my mind!! thank u

[@steffenbuchner6696]

Can you make a scientific video on pre- and probiotics please :)? That would be really interesting and quite helpful to lots of people!

[@dinurse8591]

OMG I love this video! This is so informative and honest Point of view to the coral bleaching problem. Thanks very much

[@fishthinkers]

This is really well done, Nice work

[@vieauparadis]

Thank you for this. I live in the Caribbean and was worried about this.

[@annaemilyhernandez718]

I really appreciate your work and dedication. Thank you so much!!

[@lillie968]

such a great video! very enlightening. Thank you. And also - what lipstick are you wearing? I love it.

[@kagitsune]

Your makeup is so pretty in this video, ahhh 😍❤️

[@bun_709]

Wow I use a sunscreen from Derma E that is nano zinc oxide and on the label they wrote "reef safe"

[@nearhanah]

I do have a question regarding the chemical active ingredients that are found to be harmful to corals. Are they still considered harmful and should be avoided in the context of daily use where we apply in the morning but it would eventually be washed off down the drain? Or we should avoid those harmful ingredients only in the context of swimming in the ocean with coral reefs but they are okay for everyday use? I have been looking for alternative sunscreens to my favorite ones without said harmful ingredients but a clarification on this would be good as well!

[@nolvanaken6084]

Is it possible to do an update on this? I want to be as ocean friendly as possible and it’s hard to know what to wear (materials/sunscreen) when surfing to cause as little damage. How can we help the ocean/what charities to support? Also you mentioned zinc bleaching the reefs more, can you go into that a bit more?

[@SL_LCY]

In the context of safety to coral reef only, chemical sunscreen may not be worse than physical ones. But in the context of the safety to the general environment(including our human body, water body, accumulation in the biologic chain), I would still say ingredients with lower environmental hazards may be better. We are not monks of course, but I still think that's what we can do: Try to support whole food, plant-based diet. Try to support zero waste, plastic-free lifestyle. Try to support clean energy. Most importantly, rethink what you really need, don't be seduced by consumerism.

[@Watchamocalit]

Great video, in Hawaii right now so looked this up!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kathryntaylor6866]

I see zinc oxide on the harmful list, but what about non-nano zinc oxide?

[@karlabramley7283]

Super informative vid, thank you! However its now 5 years old...can we please have an update on the research? 🙏❤

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I updated it as part of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6G1f6J6o5psgsk

[@ebichu03071986]

Please do a video of PARABENS 🏥🙏🏻👏🏻👩🏻‍🔬🙋🏾‍♀️

[@abidavies154]

This makes me feel much better about my new suncream I just bought!

[@stevec.8257]

Reefs in the Philippines that they close to tourists "sanctuaries" always recover so i don't think you can blame climate change.

[@goshirago]

Science education done so, so well. Thank you! ❤️

[@noemistrahm2035]

This video is so relevant, thank you!

[@gingerbadjie9670]

Such an important topic. Thanks doll xoxo

[@fishscales28]

Coral bleaching also happens mainly due to global warming, and this influences things like some bacteria that infect corals and other factors.

[@eugenenguyen1696]

I've learned a lot. Thank you so much!!!

[@thestormlscoming]

Haha wow I was not expecting to hear my tiny state of Rhode Island in this video. Thanks for the explanation

[@DoctorAnne]

That was really informative, thank you.

[@stormiestarz]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@johanneshalberstadt3663]

Great to know !😊 One thing to cross of the list of things to worry about. One question still. If I use sunscreen in everyday life and not at the beach. Does it get into the ocean by just showering? Or is it filtered out in waste eater treatment plants/ destroyed on its way into the environment? Does sunscreen biodegrade?

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

It'll eventually degrade, whether by biological or other means - either way, the concentration once it reaches the ocean is low enough that it's insignificant in terms of biological effects.

[@persephonelilac6365]

You are everything I want to be!!! Thank you for the inspiration.

[@saranghae30]

Hawaii recently banned avobenzone and octocrylene this year 2021. Can you make an updated video please?

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWalgaCphbWEeLc

[@MelzoA.]

Thank you so much!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@yushihan1506]

We need more Facekini vibe when going to beach… haha!

[@pikachuiswatchingyou]

Thank you for your insight. I have a question, should we worry about daily sunscreen going to sewage ?

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Not in the context of coral reefs!

[@moev29]

Fantastic video!

[@mursepurse]

Thank you for talking about climate change

[@sherryg1838]

Thank you for this video. The political machinations are so frustrating.

[@fujikokun]

Oh man I love you for this