Ocean Friendly Skincare: How to Protect the Sea While Caring for Your Skin

The ocean covers over 70% of our planet . It’s not just a stunning view or a holiday destination—it’s our life source. The ocean produces at least 50% of the oxygen we breathe , is home to most of Earth’s biodiversity , and provides the primary source of protein for over a billion people worldwide. On top of that, by 2030, around 40 million people will be employed in marine-based industries .

In short? The ocean is kind of a big deal.

But as our shelves fill with cosmetic and skincare products promising brighter skin and smoother texture, many of them are quietly wreaking havoc beneath the waves . From coral damage and hormone disruption in marine animals to the ever-growing tide of microplastic pollution, the beauty industry has some explaining to do.

If you're ready to make more ocean friendly skincare choices , here’s what to avoid—and how to switch to better, cleaner alternatives.

Every time we shower, swim, or wash off a product, tiny particles of it end up in our waterways. Some of these ingredients are toxic to marine life , disrupt ecosystems, and contribute to the deterioration of coral reefs —the very rainforests of the sea. It’s not just sunscreen that's to blame. Everyday skincare products like cleansers, moisturisers, and fragrances can leave a damaging trail.

The good news? With a little knowledge, we can all make small changes that help protect our blue planet—while still giving our skin the nourishment it needs.

These are common chemical sunscreen ingredients that have been shown to bleach and kill coral reefs , interfere with the development of marine species, and prevent the growth of blue-green algae , which is vital to coral health.

These chemicals don’t just vanish—they wash off your skin straight into the sea . That’s why Hawaii has banned them after detecting levels 12 times higher than anywhere else on the planet.

OCEAN FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE?

Ocean-Friendly Alternative: Choose mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide . They’re reef-safe, gentle on skin, and don’t harm marine life.

This potent antimicrobial agent is found in some toothpaste, face washes, and even deodorants. While it’s effective at killing bacteria, it also kills fish, crustaceans , and disrupts aquatic ecosystems. It’s also toxic to blue-green algae , which are crucial for coral reef health.

OCEAN FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE?

Use triclosan-free, gentle cleansers . (Bonus: they’re usually kinder to your skin barrier, too.)

These synthetic scents might smell nice in a body lotion or bath soak, but they come with a heavy cost. Studies show artificial fragrances can trigger algal blooms which deplete oxygen in the water, suffocating aquatic life.

OCEAN FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE?

Look for products that use pure essential oils instead. At Raven Botanicals, we only use sustainably sourced essential oils for fragrance - meaning our products stimulate the olfactory system as well as support your skin health.

At Raven Botanicals, ocean-friendly isn’t a label - it’s an embedded practice in all we do. We handcraft all our products in a solar-powered studio in rural East Lothian, using plant-based, ethically sourced ingredients , and package them in glass and aluminium with reusable pumps and droppers - no single use plastic, no waste. Our range is cruelty-free, vegan, palm oil free and ethically certified by The Good Shopping Guide .