Kauai Coconuts: Paradise Sunscreen's Toxin Trick?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 3, 2025

The scent of sunscreen, a mix of coconut and chemicals, is practically synonymous with summer. But what if that very scent is masking a hidden danger? For those of us living in paradise, particularly in places like Honolulu or Hilo on the island of Hawai’i, we need to be extra vigilant about what we’re putting on our skin. The sun here is intense, and the potential for harm from both the sun and questionable sunscreen ingredients is real.

Let’s dive into Kauai Coconuts sunscreen and see how it stacks up, and more importantly, how you can protect yourself and your ohana (family).

Kauai Coconuts sunscreen, like many others, relies on a combination of active and inactive ingredients. The active ingredients are the ones that actually block the sun’s rays, typically either mineral-based (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) or chemical-based (oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, homosalate, and octocrylene). The inactive ingredients are there to help with texture, preservation, and fragrance.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization that assesses the safety of ingredients in personal care products, including sunscreens. They have a database called Skin Deep where you can look up products and ingredients to see their safety ratings. A rating of 1-2 is considered low hazard, 3-6 is moderate, and 7-10 is high hazard.

Many chemical sunscreen ingredients, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, are flagged by the EWG as potentially harmful. Oxybenzone, in particular, is a known endocrine disruptor and has been linked to coral reef damage. Hawai’i has even banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect its reefs.

So, how do you, as a concerned resident of Honolulu or Hilo, test your sunscreen? It’s not about lab equipment; it’s about informed investigation.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Find the Ingredient List: This is usually on the back of the sunscreen bottle. Look for a complete list, not just the active ingredients.

2. Identify the Active Ingredients: Are they mineral-based (zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) or chemical-based?

3. Check the Inactive Ingredients: This is where things get tricky. Look for ingredients you don’t recognize.

4. Use the EWG Skin Deep Database: Go to ewg.org/skindeep and search for each ingredient. Note the hazard rating.

5. Assess the Overall Risk: If the sunscreen contains oxybenzone, octinoxate, or a high number of ingredients with moderate to high hazard ratings, it’s time to consider alternatives.

Let’s say you’re in Down to Earth in Honolulu. You’re looking for a safer sunscreen. Here’s what to look for:

• Mineral-Based: Opt for sunscreens with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the only active ingredients. These are generally considered safer for both you and the environment.
• “Reef-Safe” or “Reef-Friendly” Labels: While not a guarantee, these labels often indicate the absence of oxybenzone and octinoxate. Double-check the ingredient list to be sure.
• Minimal Ingredients: The fewer ingredients, the better. This reduces the chance of encountering potentially harmful chemicals.
• Look for Brands with High EWG Ratings: Some brands are consistently rated well by the EWG. Do some research beforehand.

Down to Earth and Whole Foods Market in Hawai’i typically carry a good selection of mineral-based sunscreens. Look for brands like Badger Balm, Thinkbaby, Thinksport, and Raw Elements.

What about DIY sunscreen? The idea of using locally sourced ingredients is appealing, but proceed with caution.

Here’s why DIY sunscreen can be risky:

• SPF Testing: You can’t accurately determine the SPF of your homemade sunscreen without lab testing.
• Ingredient Ratios: Getting the right ratio of ingredients to achieve adequate sun protection is difficult.
• Ingredient Stability: Some ingredients can degrade in sunlight, reducing their effectiveness.
• Preservation: Homemade sunscreens often lack preservatives, making them susceptible to bacterial growth.

If you’re considering DIY sunscreen, do not rely on recipes from random websites or social media. Instead, consult verified professional sources, such as dermatologists or cosmetic chemists, for safe and effective formulations. Even then, use it with extreme caution and always test it on a small area of skin first.

Common mistakes developers face when creating sunscreen formulas include:

• Incorrect SPF Calculation: Relying on estimations instead of proper SPF testing.
• Insufficient UV Filters: Not using enough of the active ingredients to provide adequate protection.
• Poor Formulation: Ingredients separating or becoming unstable.
• Lack of Preservatives: Leading to microbial contamination.

To overcome these challenges, developers should:

• Conduct SPF Testing: Partner with a lab to determine the SPF of their formulations.
• Use Effective UV Filters: Choose ingredients with proven UV protection capabilities.
• Formulate Carefully: Ensure ingredients are compatible and stable.
• Incorporate Preservatives: Use safe and effective preservatives to prevent microbial growth.

Ultimately, protecting yourself from the sun in Hawai’i is crucial. Don’t blindly trust labels or marketing claims. Take the time to research your sunscreen ingredients, choose safer alternatives, and be cautious about DIY options. Your skin, and the coral reefs, will thank you. Remember to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during peak hours. Aloha!