Bluewashed: How the Beauty Industry Sold an Ocean-Friendly Illusion

As more people try to buy products that protect the planet, many skincare and sunscreen brands now advertise themselves as “reef-safe,” “biodegradable,” or “ocean-friendly.” These labels suggest that using the products will help save marine life and coral reefs. But in reality, most of these claims aren’t backed by science or regulation. There is no official government definition of what “reef-safe” means, and no requirement that companies prove their products actually protect the ocean.

Scientists have shown that some common sunscreen ingredients—like oxybenzone and octinoxate—can harm coral reefs by damaging coral DNA and interfering with how corals grow. This research led places such as Hawaii, Palau, and Aruba to ban certain chemicals in sunscreens. In response, many companies rebranded their products with ocean-themed packaging and slogans promising safety for reefs, even when the same harmful ingredients were still included. This marketing strategy is known as “bluewashing,” a newer version of “greenwashing,” in which brands use nature-friendly language and imagery to sell products without real evidence of environmental benefits.

A few smaller companies are truly reformulating their sunscreens to use mineral ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to harm marine life. Some also use eco-certifications and refillable or plastic-free packaging. But experts warn that individual consumer choices can’t solve the problem alone.

The article argues that clearer federal rules are needed to define and enforce environmental claims in cosmetics and personal care products. Until that happens, shoppers should read ingredient lists carefully and not trust marketing slogans. What looks “ocean-friendly” on the bottle may not be friendly to the ocean at all.

Read the full article “Bluewashed: How the Beauty Industry Sold an Ocean-Friendly Illusion” by Kate Petty

🔭   This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.