As you prepare for your upcoming vacation to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, you’re likely considering what to pack. Swimsuits, sunglasses, and sandals are a given, but one item that might not immediately come to mind is sunscreen. However, not just any sunscreen will do. When visiting the stunning reefs and cenotes of this region, it’s crucial to use a specific type of sunscreen: one that is 100% reef-safe.
The Grupo Xcaret parks, including Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xenotes and Xplor, are committed to preserving the area’s unique marine ecosystem. As part of this commitment, they only allow sunblock and sunscreen containing titanium oxide and zinc oxide as active ingredients. These ingredients are safe for the environment and won’t harm the beautiful coral reefs that make snorkeling in the area so unique. Using any other type of sunscreen is prohibited at all Grupo Xcaret parks, and you’ll be required to buy some on-site if you arrive with the wrong sunscreen.
Ingredients To Avoid
Unfortunately, finding a sunscreen that meets these requirements can be challenging. Many sunscreens contain harmful ingredients like Octocrylene, Benzophenone, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Hexyldecanol, cetyl dimethicone, methylparaben, polyethylene, Propylparaben, and Butylcarbamate. These are not biodegradable and can damage the delicate marine ecosystem.
What’s worse, a lot of products actively advertise themselves as being reef-safe, while including these non-biodegradable and harmful ingredients! This misleading advertising can make it difficult for consumers to make informed choices about which products are truly safe for the environment, and which one’s won’t be banned at the entrances to Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xavage, or Xenotes.
So, how can you ensure that the sunscreen you choose is genuinely reef-safe? The key is to carefully read the list of ingredients. Look for sunscreens that contain titanium oxide and zinc oxide as active ingredients, and avoid those with the harmful ingredients listed above.
Approved Reef-Safe Sunscreen Lotions
To help you prepare for your Cancun & Riviera Maya vacation, we’ve compiled a list of the top reef-safe and biodegradable sunscreens currently currently listed for sale on Amazon. These products are not only safe for the environment but also provide excellent protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Please note that formulas & ingredients are liable to change at any moment, so please make sure to double check the ingredients labels on the items you are shopping for!
Remember, every time we enter the ocean, we have an impact on the marine life that calls it home. By choosing a truly reef-safe sunscreen, we can protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays while also protecting the health of the ocean and its inhabitants.
Prices & items last updated on 2023-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In conclusion, choosing the right sunscreen for your trip to Cancun and the Riviera Maya is about more than just protecting your skin. It’s about protecting the environment and preserving the beauty of the region for future generations to enjoy. By choosing a truly reef-safe sunscreen, you can do your part to keep the ocean healthy while also keeping your skin safe from sunburn. And buying it in-advance rather than at the parks is going to also save you a few bucks! So pack your bags, don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Cancun and the Riviera Maya!
