In 2018, Hawaii became the first state in the United States to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals shown in peer-reviewed studies to contribute to coral bleaching and reef stress. The law took effect January 1, 2021. Five years on, what have we learned?
Compliance was largely voluntary and broad
Most major brands reformulated rather than exit the Hawaii market. Mineral-based zinc oxide and titanium dioxide formulations are now widely available, often labeled clearly as reef-safe. Visitor education at airports, hotels, and dive shops has steadily improved.
What still needs work
The original ban targeted two ingredients. Subsequent research has flagged additional chemicals — including avobenzone and octocrylene — as potentially harmful in marine environments. Updating the list, and extending similar protections to other consumer products that reach the ocean (rinse-off cosmetics, certain cleaners), is a logical next step.
