It is unlawful to sell or use sunscreen containing oxybenzone or octinoxate.

The Law

To protect fragile marine ecosystems, Hawaii banned the sale and use of sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone or octinoxate. These chemicals have been proven to cause severe damage to coral reefs, leading to bleaching and death. Visitors are strictly required to use reef-safe mineral sunscreens when swimming in the ocean.