title: hawaii-reef-safe-law-2025-neutrogena-beach-defense-vs-sheer-zinc
description: Does Neutrogena Beach Defense or Sheer Zinc meet Hawaii's 2025 reef-safe law? See banned actives, enforcement, and packing tips.
slug: hawaii-reef-safe-law-2025-neutrogena-beach-defense-vs-sheer-zinc

Will Your Sunscreen Pass Hawaii's 2025 Reef-Safe Law? Comparing Neutrogena Beach Defense vs. Sheer Zinc

Why Hawaii's New Rules Matter in 2025

Hawaii's expanded reef-safe sunscreen legislation represents a critical ecological milestone, with the purpose to preserve marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, by furthering the prohibition of certain chemical UV filters. The stakes are significant: 412 pounds of sunscreen is deposited daily on Hanauma Bay's reef alone, Oahu's most popular snorkeling spot with 2,600 swimmers visiting each day.

The ecological urgency is underscored by data showing that 75% of respondents are aware that certain chemicals in some sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, are harmful to coral reefs, fish, and other ocean life. The state has systematically expanded its reef-safe requirements, building on initial legislation from 2018 to include additional harmful compounds.

The active ingredients in sunscreens act as UV filters, with the most popular formulations containing chemical filters. These commonly include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate - several of which are now subject to Hawaii's expanding regulatory framework.

What the 2025 Statute Actually Bans

The legislative text is unambiguous: "Beginning January 1, 2023, it shall be unlawful to sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale in the State any sunscreen that contains avobenzone or octocrylene without a prescription issued by a licensed healthcare provider."

Avobenzone, technically known as 1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propane-1,3-dione under the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry chemical nomenclature registry, has a Chemical Abstracts Service registry number 70356-09-1. Its synonyms include Butylmethoxydibenzolylmethane, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Parsol 1789, and numerous other trade names.

The FDA's regulatory framework provides additional context. In the proposed rule, the Food and Drug Administration proposed that of the sixteen active ingredients currently marketed in sunscreen products, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only two category I ingredients - meaning they are generally recognized as safe and effective.

The prohibition extends beyond avobenzone to include octocrylene, which refers to the chemical 2-ethylhexyl 2-cyano 3, 3-diphenyl-2-propenoate. This compound has been identified as particularly problematic for marine ecosystems, contributing to the state's decision to include it in the expanded ban.

Ingredient Check: Beach Defense vs. Sheer Zinc

The contrast between these two Neutrogena formulas illustrates the fundamental divide between chemical and mineral sunscreens. Beach Defense contains Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 8%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 4% - multiple ingredients that violate Hawaii's regulations.

Sheer Zinc, conversely, relies on a single active ingredient: Zinc Oxide 21.6%. This mineral filter represents one of only two FDA Category I ingredients recognized as both safe and effective for sun protection.

"Beginning January 1, 2023, it shall be unlawful to sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale in the State any sunscreen that contains avobenzone or octocrylene without a prescription issued by a licensed healthcare provider," making the compliance status of each formula clear.

Does Beach Defense Pass?

Beach Defense fails Hawaii's 2025 requirements on multiple counts. Avobenzone is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range, while Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage by absorbing UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm.

Both ingredients are explicitly prohibited under Hawaii's expanded statute. The presence of these compounds, particularly "Octocrylene" which refers to the chemical 2-ethylhexyl 2-cyano 3, 3-diphenyl-2-propenoate under the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry chemical nomenclature registry, renders Beach Defense illegal for sale, distribution, or use without prescription in Hawaii.

Does Sheer Zinc Pass?

Sheer Zinc's compliance is straightforward. With Zinc Oxide 21.6% as its sole active ingredient, the formula aligns perfectly with Hawaii's requirements. In the proposed rule, the Food and Drug Administration confirmed that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only two category I ingredients deemed safe and effective.

Non-mineral sunscreen is any sunscreen that uses an active ingredient other than zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (mineral UV filters). Since Sheer Zinc exclusively uses zinc oxide, it qualifies as a mineral sunscreen fully compliant with both state and county regulations.

How Strict Is Enforcement on-Island?

Maui County has implemented particularly stringent enforcement measures. Only mineral sunscreens may be sold, offered for sale, used, or distributed in the County of Maui. Non-mineral sunscreen can only be used with a prescription issued by a licensed healthcare provider.

"Starting Oct 1, only mineral based sunscreen will be allowed for sale or use in Maui County," said Maui's Environmental Protection and Sustainability Manager Tamara Farnsworth. This county-level ordinance goes beyond state law by restricting use as well as sale.

Violators face serious consequences: businesses that violate the ban could face fines of up to $1,000. The enforcement structure includes escalating penalties, with potential fines reaching $1,000 per day for persistent violations.

Because chemicals in some sunscreens can wash off our bodies and harm coral and other marine life, the County of Maui passed Ordinance No. 5306 that bans the sale, distribution and use of non-mineral sunscreens without a prescription.

Reef-Safe Substitutes & Price Snapshot

The market has responded to Hawaii's regulations with expanded mineral sunscreen options. Reef friendly: Yes has become a standard product designation, though consumers should verify actual ingredients rather than relying solely on marketing claims.

The state-funded visitor bureau and Raw Elements have partnered to offer mineral-based sunscreen at no cost at 20 locations, helping offset the typically higher cost of mineral formulations for visitors.

Both products provide the following effects: Antioxidant, Moisturizing, Softening, Soothing, Antiseptic, Deodorant - demonstrating that mineral alternatives can offer comparable cosmetic benefits to chemical formulations while maintaining reef safety.

Quick-Scan Packing Checklist for Winter 2025

Travelers preparing for Hawaii visits should follow this compliance checklist:

"According to EWG, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide lotions are among the best choices on the American market." These mineral filters represent the safest options for both reef protection and regulatory compliance.

The vast majority (85%) of respondents stated that they would be willing to switch to "reef safe" forms of sunscreen protection, indicating broad consumer acceptance of mineral alternatives.

Critical warning for consumers: "While the labels 'reef friendly' and 'reef safe' are common marketing tools for sunscreen products, these terms are not regulated and can be highly misleading." Always verify actual active ingredients rather than relying on marketing claims.

For winter 2025 travel:

• Verify active ingredients contain only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide

• Avoid products containing avobenzone, octocrylene, oxybenzone, or octinoxate

• Purchase compliant sunscreens before arrival to avoid higher on-island prices

• Consider utilizing free mineral sunscreen dispensers at participating locations

• Keep receipts for any prescriptions if medically necessary chemical sunscreens are required

Key Takeaways for 2025 Travelers

The compliance verdict is definitive: Neutrogena Beach Defense cannot legally be sold, distributed, or used in Hawaii without prescription, while Sheer Zinc passes all requirements. RV Obsession's experience demonstrates the importance of regulatory compliance - after addressing compliance issues, the website saw the keyword rankings improving, touching an ever high organic traffic of 26k and a two-fold increase in the number of keywords ranking.

Statistical evidence underscores the importance of making informed choices: 99% of people study reviews before purchasing, and 67% of people purposefully search for reviews on Google, trying to compare information from several sources. This same diligence should apply to sunscreen selection for Hawaii travel.

For hospitality businesses operating in Hawaii, compliance represents both a legal requirement and a business opportunity. STAYERY's experience shows that response rates consistently over 90% can be achieved when businesses actively address customer concerns about environmental regulations and provide clear guidance on compliant products.

ReviewStarz recommends that travelers and businesses alike prioritize verified mineral sunscreens for Hawaii visits, ensuring both legal compliance and environmental protection. The transition to reef-safe formulations represents not just regulatory adherence but an investment in preserving Hawaii's marine ecosystems for future generations.