What Aulani Visitors Should Know About Hawaii’s new Sunscreen Law!
Heading to Disney Aulani soon? Hawaii’s law banning the sale of over-the-counter sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in order to protect Hawaii’s marine environment went into effect on January 1, 2021! Here is what Aulani visitors to know about Hawaii’s new sunscreen law!
Why is regular sunscreen bad?
Sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate cause developing corals to bleach, baby corals to die, and lead to genetic damage in corals and other organisms.
Hanauma Bay had been closed to all visitors for eight months at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. When it reopened in early December, the organization revealed how water clarity had improved and marine life. Coral reefs had grown and flourished. One reason stated was the absence of swimmers and divers wearing sunscreen.
What else should Aulani Visitors know About Hawaii’s new Sunscreen Law?
While the new law bans the sale in the state of sunscreens containing the two elements, it does not prevent mainland Aulani visitors from bringing it into Hawaii and using it. Prescription sunscreens that contain the ingredients are also exempt from the ban.
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Here are some tips for choosing a sunscreen:
1. Pick items that feature zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient. Both are mineral sunscreens, which sit on top of your skin (rather than get absorbed into your skin and bloodstream).
2. Read the ingredients of your skincare collection, too. Moisturizers, face creams, lip balms and even some shampoos offering “SPF protection” probably contain oxybenzone and octinoxate.
3. Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are water resistant. To be safe, reapply every two hours or after swimming or playing in the ocean.
4. Reduce your need for sunscreen by covering it up with a hat, rash guard, and beach umbrella!
What sunscreen is compliant?
One sunscreen that is Hawaii-compliant is Banana Boat Simply Protect SPF 50+. Other options are Sunbum and Coola products. You can also consider buying your sunscreen when you get to the islands!
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