There are two types of sunscreen: Chemical sunscreens, which are absorbed into the skin and rely on chemicals such as oxybenzone and avobenzone to protect from the sun's harmful UV rays, and physical sunscreens that sit on top of the skin and contain minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which reflect the sun's rays.

Chemical sunscreens are effective, but research has found that the use of sunscreen containing these ingredients results in high levels of the ingredients being absorbed into the bloodstream and causing hormone disruption and possibly contributing to cancer. Also, some manufacturer's sunscreen products were found to contain low levels of benzene. Benzene, which isn't supposed to be used in sunscreen products, is a compound linked to the development of some cancers

At the same time, environmental experts have raised concerns about the effects of oxybenzone and avobenzone on marine life, because sunscreen can rinse off of skin when we enter the water. That can affect the health of coral reefs, algae, fish, dolphins and other sea creatures,

Alternatively, mineral sunscreens are highly effective and safe for humans and sea life.  Unlike chemical sunscreen ingredients, which are absorbed into the skin, mineral sunscreen ingredients sit on top of your skin without getting absorbed. Therefore, they do not have to be applied as frequently (unless being washed off) and offer long lasting protection. So when shopping for a sunscreen I strongly suggest looking for a high percentage of zinc as the only active ingredient.  My favorites for the face are Lira's Solar SPF 30 sunscreens which contain 21% zinc and Dermaquest's Sheerzinc SPF 30 sunscreens which contain 18.6% zinc.  Both offer regular and tinted options along with excellent moisturizing ingredients for safe and lasting protection.