But whether you spend time on a beach in Florida, California, or Rhode Island, be aware that chemicals in your sunscreen can lead to coral bleaching when washed off in the ocean. TropicSport has a range of reef-friendly products, all of which are moisturizing, contain antioxidants, and are made with natural ingredients.

So, here’s some somewhat-alarming news about SPF: That of the chemical variety actually absorbs into your bloodstream, according to recent data from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here’s some more comforting news: The best mineral sunscreens of summer 2019 make that a non-issue.

In response to an obvious roadblock to people getting ample protection and the growing interest in clean beauty, mineral sunscreen has become the SPF du jour for most. Unlike its chemical counterparts, mineral formulas use natural ingredients that sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away from the skin instead of absorbing them.

Most people start thinking about sunscreens when summer approaches. Many people just go by the numbers, choosing a product with a high SPF. But sunscreen ingredients are important, too. In fact, a recent report from the non-profit Environmental Working Group rated sunscreens in terms of safety and effectiveness, finding that only two ingredients -- zinc oxide and titanium dioxide -- are considered safe and effective.

We love TropicSport for a few reasons: it’s chemical free (aka safe for the ocean), water resistant, full of vitamins and essential oils, and comes in a variety of handy sizes perfect for your purse

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a consumer activist group which has pushed the FDA to do further safety studies on sunscreen, has done extensive investigating of its own into which sunscreen products are "safest," and it's a helpful resource, especially as we await the FDA's verdict on those 12 ingredients (which is expected to come at the end of the year)

TropicSport, a reef-friendly, mineral sunscreen and skin care line, is thrilled to come onboard this year as the official sunscreen of World Surf League North America.

In the U.S., the FDA regulates this term via one standard test: A subject alternates between getting wet and drying off multiple times and is then tested to be sure the sunscreen is still on and in effect. All sunscreens that use the term “water-resistant” are required to undergo the test, so look for the stamp if you know you’re going to be swimming or sweating.

Tony Palmer, who has served as president of global brands and innovation for Kimberly Clark, is leaving that post effective April 2 to serve as CEO of TropicSport, the suncare brand he founded with his wife, Lisa Palmer.

"With the FDA's announcement, Hawaii's recent ban and Key West recognizing the serious dangers of chemical sunscreens, the public is just now becoming aware of the toxicity risks to their bodies and environment posed by what they thought was protection from skin cancer," said Palmer, "It's like the early years when we began to unwrap and truly understand the dangers of nicotine. This is why mineral based sunscreens are growing in demand, and we see a massive growth opportunity for TropicSport."

Tony Palmer, TropicSport founder and chairman. "Not only are we committed to protecting athletes with our mineral-based products, but also protecting our oceans and marine life. We share a mutual purpose with WSL PURE to protect our oceans, and I'd like to congratulate Hawaii on its proactive approach to sun-protection."

TropicSport reef-friendly mineral sunscreen and skin care line is helping Californians stay out longer to enjoy the first ever California Surfing Day this Thursday, Sept. 20 with "Top 5 Sun Safety Tips"