At The Coconut Life, we’re all about chasing the sun, floating through saltwater days, and soaking in the rhythms of the islands. But as we bask in the beauty of this life, we know it comes with responsibility—to care for ourselves and the incredible world around us.
If you’ve ever stood ankle-deep in turquoise waters, watched a sea turtle glide by, or marveled at coral formations just beneath the surface, you already understand how precious—and fragile—our oceans truly are. And yet, something as routine as applying sunscreen can unintentionally harm those very ecosystems.
That’s why we’re big believers in choosing products that protect our skin without harming the waters we play in. It’s not just a preference—it’s a priority.
The Hidden Harm in Everyday Sunscreen
Most people don’t realize that the ingredients in common sunscreens—like oxybenzone and octinoxate—can wreak havoc on coral reefs. These chemicals may be great at filtering UV rays, but they also disrupt marine life at a cellular level. Studies show they contribute to coral bleaching, damage fish DNA, and even reduce the resilience of reef systems. And it doesn’t take much—just a small amount washing off your skin can impact an entire reef area.
Add in the fact that so many of us are in and out of the water daily—swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and showering—it’s easy to see how even “a little” can become a lot.
Why We Use Stream2Sea
We’ve tried a lot of so-called “reef-safe” sunscreens over the years. Many of them claim to be eco-friendly but still contain hidden toxins or microplastics that don’t belong in our oceans—or on our skin.
Stream2Sea is different. It’s one of the very few brands that has been independently tested and proven safe for freshwater fish, saltwater fish, and coral larvae. That’s not just a feel-good label—it’s science-backed integrity. They’ve gone above and beyond by formulating their products without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. And they use mineral-based UV protection like non-nano titanium dioxide, which physically blocks harmful rays without seeping into the environment.
We especially love that they use biodegradable packaging, responsibly sourced ingredients, and recyclable tubes made from sugarcane resin. It’s not just reef-safe—it’s full-circle sustainable.
It Feels Good—Literally
Now let’s be honest: some mineral sunscreens leave you feeling like you just coated your skin in chalk. Not Stream2Sea. Their formulas are smooth, easy to apply, and don’t leave a ghostly white layer that screams “tourist” and their sport sunscreen holds up during long sails, beach yoga, or floating afternoons under the sun. And their Leave-In Conditioner has been a game-changer after saltwater swims—hydrating our hair without harming the sea.
My personal favorite is the Shimmer Mineral Sunscreen. It has golden sparkles made by minerals and looks amazing, particularly on a darker complexion. It’s my new goto for everyday use!
Our Ocean. Our Responsibility.
Living the coconut life means embracing slow mornings, salty breezes, and sun-kissed skin—but it also means being conscious consumers. Every product we use leaves a footprint, and we want ours to tread as lightly as possible on this Earth we love.
We don’t believe in preaching or perfection. But we do believe that small, mindful choices—like switching your sunscreen—can ripple outward in powerful ways. When we choose products that align with our values, we’re sending a message: we care about the future of our oceans. We care about the reef. We care about that curious fish that swims up to check us out. We care about the world we’ll leave behind for the next generation of sea lovers.
Get 10% Off – Because Doing Good Should Feel Good Too
The Coconut Life is excited to partner with Stream2Sea to help more people make the switch to ocean-friendly skincare. If you’re ready to protect your skin and the sea, head over to their site and grab 10% off using this link:
👉 https://stream2sea.com/COCONUTLIFE
Or just enter the code COCONUTLIFE at checkout.
Whether you’re heading out for a week on a sailboat, hiking up to a cliffside beach, or just floating on a Sunday, bring Stream2Sea with you. Because protecting your skin shouldn’t come at the ocean’s expense.
Here’s to living gently, sunning wisely, and embracing the wild beauty of island life—one reef-safe day at a time.
Slow down. Breathe deep. Protect what you love.
With love from the islands,
The Coconut Life 🌴