Sunscreen Specimen file

Hawaiian Tropic "Reef Friendly" Sunscreen

Marketed "reef friendly" while under active greenwashing litigation over its chemical filters.

Reviewed Jul 5, 2026 by Trusted Labels Editorial Team

Recalls, lawsuits & findings 1 on file
Lawsuit · 2025 ACCC "reef friendly" greenwashing case On July 1, 2025 Australia's ACCC instituted Federal Court proceedings against Edgewell alleging the "reef friendly" claim is misleading because the sunscreens contained one or more of octocrylene, homosalate, 4-MBC (enzacamene), and avobenzone. Active. Source →

Our take

Why It’s on Our Radar

We don't recommend it. A "reef friendly" label on a chemical-filter formula that is the subject of active greenwashing litigation: the mineral sunscreens in our picks are the honest version of that claim.

What's inside

Ingredients & Safety

Octocrylene, homosalate, and avobenzone (oxybenzone on some SKUs): the very filters at issue in the "reef friendly" lawsuits.

Worth a closer look 6 ingredients we flag
Watch Avobenzone 3% (sometimes listed as Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) The main UVA chemical filter; effective but photo-unstable unless stabilized; FDA lists it as needing more safety data.
Watch Homosalate 10% (sometimes listed as Homomenthyl Salicylate) UVB chemical filter the EU restricts to 7.34% in face products over endocrine questions; FDA says more data are needed.
Watch Octisalate 5% (sometimes listed as Ethylhexyl Salicylate) UVB filter that also stabilizes avobenzone; generally considered lower-risk but not yet FDA GRASE-confirmed.
Watch Octocrylene 3% (sometimes listed as Octocrilene) UVB/UVA filter that can slowly degrade into trace benzophenone over time; EU allows up to 10% and FDA seeks more safety data.
Caution Oxybenzone 4% (sometimes listed as Benzophenone-3) Heavily skin-absorbed UV filter with hormone-disruption questions and reef harm; banned in Hawaii/Key West, EU-restricted, and FDA seeks more data.
Watch Fragrance (sometimes listed as Parfum) Undisclosed scent blend that is a common allergen and irritant; choose fragrance-free for sensitive or reactive skin.

Ingredient list reviewed

  • Avobenzone 3%
  • Homosalate 10%
  • Octisalate 5%
  • Octocrylene 3%
  • Oxybenzone 4%
  • Fragrance also listed as Parfum, Perfume Watch

Formula scope: the disclosed ingredient list captured for this review. Formulas can differ by product, scent, country, and date; compare the current package with this list before deciding.

Want a cleaner option? Stream2Sea in Sunscreen & Sun Care currently meets our top criteria. Review its formula scope and cited records before deciding.

Who owns it

Ownership & Independence

Hawaiian Tropic is owned by Edgewell Personal Care.

Ownership record Acquired
Founded
1969
Headquarters
Shelton, CT
Control
Owned by Edgewell Personal Care

Products covered

Key Products

We don't link to buy products we flag. Read why above, or see Stream2Sea, which meets our top criteria.

  • Everyday Active Sunscreen
  • Silk Hydration Sunscreen

Evidence

Sources & Reports

External references used in this review. Links open in new tabs.
lawsuit ACCC: Banana Boat & Hawaiian Tropic owner in court over "reef friendly" claims www.accc.gov.au lawsuit ClassAction.org: Hawaiian Tropic "reef friendly" class action www.classaction.org

More in Sunscreen & Sun Care

Related Brands

All Sunscreen & Sun Care reviews →
Badger Second-generation family B Corp; a 4-ingredient, unscented 22.5% non-nano zinc sunscreen. Independent 10Safety /10 Stream2Sea A cosmetic chemist's aquatic-tested 19% non-nano zinc, EWG Verified and reef-focused. Independent 10Safety /10 Waxhead A 5-ingredient, non-nano zinc sunscreen from a family shop that EWG scores a perfect 1. Independent 9Safety /10