Outer Reef Sunscreen
Formulated in the Florida Keys especially for divers and snorkelers, this special reef friendly sunscreen is 100% chemical-free.
The founders of Outer Reef Mineral Sunscreen, Randy & Mary Pegram, operate a large watersports outfitters company in the Florida Keys with 2 locations including diving, snorkeling, and paddling tours.
No strangers to the sunscreen segment of skin care, Randy & Mary are the founders of Banana Boat®, today one of the largest suncare companies in the world.
A few years ago they introduced a biodegradable, chemical free sunscreen in response to a growing concern about the damage to our environment and in particular the fragile coral reefs in the Keys, a 100-mile chain of islands that that is overwhelming credited in no small part to chemical sunscreens.
Formulated with a single active ingredient, titanium dioxide, they not only have achieved a broad-spectrum SPF 30 but also a somewhat astounding 97% block of the painful UVB rays.
UVB rays cause sunburn and can be the vacation ruiner. And really, who wants to look like a red lobster come dinner time?
• Special reef friendly chemical-free formula
• Enriched with free radical fighting antioxidants
• Blocks 97% of painful UVB ‘burning rays’
• Special ultra light formula with a minimum of active ingredients
• Active ingredients 8% titanium dioxide
Many common sunscreens contain chemicals that are damaging to coral reefs, harming coral health, reproduction, and DNA, potentially causing bleaching and death.
Using a proprietary blend of rich organic antioxidants, we have managed to obtain a highly effective broad-spectrum product with a minimum of active ingredients. Outer Reef’s sole active ingredient is 8% titanium dioxide. Zinc free and with no phenoxyethanol or parabens.
Outer Reef is the official sunscreen of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Concession in Key Largo, Florida.
Blocking 97% of the UVB spectrum, titanium dioxide is especially effective in reflecting this painful burning portion of the spectrum. In effect, no sunburn. Titanium dioxide is easy on the eyes as well, no stinging, perfect for the younger family members.
Mineral vs chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens are defensive. They reflect while chemical sunscreens absorb. Mineral sunscreen will leave a ‘white cast’ on the area applied. Not the most appealing but highly effective.
Keep in mind that our special formula is maximized for your watersport event, not daily use. A white appearance is a small price to pay for this level of protection, both for you and our endangered coral reef environment. Our special ultra light formula leaves a desirable translucent appearance while minimizing the ‘white cast’ associated with mineral sunscreens.
There is overwhelming evidence that chemical sunscreens are harmful to our coral reefs. The National Park Service estimates that over 14,000 tons of sunscreen impact our reefs yearly.
Please do your part by using only mineral based sunscreens. Also, insist on non-nano active ingredients as nano actives can penetrate coral and induce bleaching, which lowers its resistance to disease and ultimately causes it to die.
Some products claim ‘clear’ application. This very likely indicates a nano active. Avoid these sunscreens.
All Outer Reef products are tested on humans for efficacy and claims, not just in labs but on real people.
Outer Reef is certified ‘80 minutes water resistant’, the maximum claim allowed by the FDA. And for those traveling, the 3.4 oz tube is compliant with TSA.
Nautical Mile Magazine
