British ecologists have conducted a study revealing that most people are unaware of the harmful effects of sunscreens on the world’s oceans. An analysis of scientific literature and a local survey highlighted a significant gap between actual environmental threats and consumers’ everyday habits.

The Impact of Sunscreens on the Environment

Millions of people regularly use sunscreen to prevent skin cancer. The main ingredients in these products are chemical ultraviolet filters. Each year, around 10 million tons of these substances are produced, with up to 14,000 tons ending up in coral reef areas. These chemicals wash off the skin during swimming and also enter the ocean through wastewater after washing towels or showering.

Laboratory studies have shown that these substances can bleach corals and damage fish DNA. High concentrations of UV filters are regularly detected in the waters of popular tourist lagoons worldwide. In some resort regions, such as Hawaii and Thailand, legislative bans on the use of harmful sunscreens have already been introduced.

Ingredients and Safety of Sunscreens

Some popular sunscreen brands have been found to contain benzene, a dangerous carcinogen. An independent study of several hundred batches of sunscreens and after-sun products from 69 well-known brands found benzene in 27% of the samples.

Public Awareness

British researchers examined the public’s awareness of the dangers of sunscreens. A systematic review of global scientific literature showed that this topic is barely studied: only nine peer-reviewed articles on the perception of ocean pollution by sunscreens were found. The analysis revealed a global trend: consumers are generally unaware of the risks posed by cosmetics, but when informed, they are willing to switch to safer alternatives.

In the UK, there was no data on this issue, so a local survey was conducted in the coastal city of Plymouth with 281 participants. Nearly 89% of respondents had used sunscreen at least once in the past year, yet 55% had never considered the potential harm these products might cause to marine flora and fauna.

Knowledge of “Reef-Safe” Cosmetics

The study also checked whether people are aware of eco-friendly cosmetics labeled as “reef-safe.” Companies use this label to attract attention, but there is no legal regulation of this term, so ordinary sunscreen can be marketed as such. The survey showed that 81% of respondents had never heard of this term.

Study Limitations and Regional Differences

The methodology of the British part of the study has its limitations: the survey of random passersby did not account for participants’ age, gender, or education. Nevertheless, a clear trend emerged: in countries with colder climates, where coral reef decline is not a pressing issue, people are less likely to suspect the chemical footprint of such cosmetics. In Russia, where environmental awareness in consumer behavior is less developed, the level of knowledge about the dangers of sunscreens is likely even lower.

Effects on Coral Reefs and Scientific Conclusions

Coral reefs are capable of recovering after bleaching. On Australia’s east coast, there have been cases of corals regaining their color after losing their symbiotic algae. However, some scientific skepticism remains: there is no strict causal link established between sunscreen use and the death of specific reefs, as the ocean is simultaneously affected by global warming, microplastics, agricultural runoff, and natural ecological factors. Still, laboratory tests confirm the toxicity of UV filters not only for corals but also for fish and algae, which may be relevant for nearby resort areas, such as the Black Sea.

Perspectives and Recommendations

Reducing the chemical burden on ecosystems is seen as a step that can be taken immediately. Raising environmental awareness among consumers is identified as the first stage on this path.