You arrive on a tropical island, jump into crystal-clear water, and swim above colorful coral reefs filled with turtles and tropical fish. It feels like paradise. But what many people do not realize is that something as simple as the sunscreen on our skin can have a huge impact on the ocean we came to enjoy.
“Every year, thousands of tons of sunscreen wash into the sea.” (Iwani, 2025)
In popular diving destinations like the Gili Islands, this happens every single day. While sunscreen protects our skin from harmful UV rays, many traditional suncreams contain chemicals that can damage coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
Corals are living animals, even if they often look like rocks or plants. They are extremely sensitive to pollution and environmental stress. Chemicals commonly found in regular sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been linked to coral bleaching, coral deformities, and damage to marine life.
For divers and ocean lovers, this creates an uncomfortable contradiction: we travel across the world to experience beautiful reefs while unknowingly contributing to their decline.
The good news is that protecting the ocean can start with a very small change.
A Small Choice That Makes a Big Difference
Reef-safe suncream uses mineral-based ingredients instead of harmful chemicals. Products made with non-nano zinc oxide create a protective layer on the skin without releasing toxic substances into the ocean.
It may seem like a tiny decision, but when thousands of travelers make the switch, the impact becomes enormous.
Choosing reef-safe products is similar to refusing single-use plastics or joining a beach cleanup. One person alone will not save the reef, but collective choices absolutely matter.
And honestly, once you start diving or snorkeling regularly, it becomes personal.
You begin recognizing the same turtles on the reef. You notice which corals are healthy and which areas are damaged. The underwater world stops feeling like a tourist attraction and starts feeling alive — fragile, connected, and worth protecting.
Why We Love IWANI
One local brand helping make that change easier is IWANI, a Lombok-based sustainable skincare company creating reef-safe suncream inspired by nature and the ocean.
What makes IWANI special is not only the product itself but also the philosophy behind it. Their reef-safe suncream uses non-nano zinc oxide and natural ingredients without harmful chemicals linked to coral damage.
But beyond that, the brand feels connected to the islands. Their products are inspired by Lombok’s rainforests and reefs, supporting a more sustainable relationship between tourism, local communities, and nature.
It is refreshing to see local businesses creating products designed not only for travelers, but also for protecting the environment those travelers came to experience.
Protect the Ocean While Enjoying It
Nobody is perfect, and sustainable travel is a journey. But reef-safe suncream is one of the easiest changes ocean lovers can make immediately.
The next time you jump into the sea, remember that the reef below you is alive. The turtles, corals, fish, and marine ecosystems that make places like the Gili Islands so magical depend on the choices we make above the water too.
Sometimes protecting the ocean starts with something as simple as the sunscreen you pack in your bag.