ICYMI, it’s now officially illegal in Thailand to wear sunscreen with certain chemicals that adversely affect coral reefs. This regulation was implemented in early August 2021, when the government finally realized that the delicate health of Thailand’s underwater ecosystems is slowly being eroded, partly due to exposure to the harmful chemicals in non-environment-friendly sunscreens most tourists apply.
This is a respectable initiative by the authorities to better protect the environment, but a lot of us are wondering how we can save the reefs but also protect our skin.
Fortunately, not all sunscreens are banned. You can still safeguard your skin from damaging UV rays as long as you avoid using products that contain any of these four chemicals:
- oxybenzone (benzophenone-3 or BP-3)
- octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate)
- 4-methylbenzylid camphor (4MBC)
- butylparaben
All these long scientific names may seem overwhelming and complicated, so we make things easier by recommending sun-protection products that you can actually use on your next trip to our national marine parks. What’s better, we have chosen three brands by Thai producers, because there’s nothing better than helping the environment while getting to support local businesses.
