Sunscreen and Climate Change – The Hidden Carbon Footprint of Chemical UV Filters

You’ve probably heard about how car exhaust and industrial emissions contribute to climate change but what about your sunscreen? It might sound surprising, but the chemical UV filters used in many popular sunscreen brands leave a carbon footprint that’s anything but negligible.

From SPF to CO₂: The Numbers Behind Sunscreen Pollution

In 2014, scientists monitoring sunscreen pollution at Hanauma Bay in Hawaii found that chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate contributed up to 11 metric tonnes of CO₂ per year from a single beach.

In Maui, similar analysis revealed around 3 metric tonnes annually. These emissions stem from both the manufacturing process and the chemical breakdown of sunscreen ingredients in marine environments. Once they wash off swimmers and enter the ecosystem, they begin degrading under UV light and releasing additional carbon-based compounds into the water.

And it doesn't stop there.

Dr Craig Downs estimates that the direct production of oxybenzone and octinoxate in the United States results in an annual emission of over 5.4 million pounds of CO₂ and that’s a conservative estimate, excluding international shipping, packaging, or post-consumer waste.

A Chemical Burden with Global Consequences

Chemical UV filters are derived from petrochemicals, meaning they’re products of the fossil fuel economy. Their production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions in multiple ways: crude oil extraction, benzene synthesis, high-energy conversion reactions, and global distribution chains.

When consumers unknowingly apply these substances, they are often told their sunscreen is “reef-safe” or “eco-conscious,” but the truth is more complicated. Without regulations requiring lifecycle emissions disclosures, brands can market products as environmentally friendly while using ingredients that heavily contribute to climate change.

What’s the Alternative?

Mineral sunscreens, particularly those using non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, offer a compelling solution. These ingredients are naturally occurring, reef-safe, and less carbon-intensive to produce. In addition, sustainable brands are now exploring plant-based SPF ingredients and biodegradable packaging.

Climate-Conscious Sun Protection

Protecting your skin should not come at the expense of the planet. The next time you pick up a bottle of sunscreen, look beyond the SPF rating and take a moment to consider the hidden climate cost. With climate change accelerating, even small consumer choices can drive larger shifts in industry accountability and environmental impact.