Index
Public Health & SafetyHawaii, USA

Hawaii Reef-Safe Sunscreen Law

Summary

Hawaii bans the sale and distribution of over-the-counter sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, which bleach and damage coral reefs.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    You cannot legally buy sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate in any store or pharmacy in the State of Hawaii.
  • 02.
    Several individual counties (like Maui and Hawaii County) took it a step further and banned ANY chemical sunscreen; you can only use mineral sunscreens (containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide).
  • 03.
    You are technically allowed to bring banned sunscreens from the mainland in your checked luggage for personal use, but the state strongly discourages it.
  • 04.
    You can only obtain oxybenzone/octinoxate sunscreens with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Retailers caught selling the banned sunscreens can face fines starting at $1,000 per violation.

Verified Citations

Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 342D-21

Source
"Beginning January 1, 2021, it shall be unlawful to sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale in the State any SPF sunscreen protection personal care product that contains oxybenzone or octinoxate..."