We all know the importance of wearing sun cream to protect our skin.

But did you know traditional SPF products could be bad for the environment.

In May last year, Hawaii started a trend by announcing a ban of sunscreens that contain chemicals believed to contribute to coral bleaching when they wash off into the sea.

The Republic of Palau announced the same ban six months later, and in February this year the city of Key West followed suit, in order to protect the barrier reef - one of the world's largest - that is found six miles off the Florida Keys.

The bans are yet to come into effect, but sun cream manufacturers are already responding to the news, producing products that won't harm reefs.

"For my new suncare range, I didn't want to compromise between protecting the skin and protecting nature," says Mathilde Thomas, founder of Caudalie.

"Most brands on sale contains two filters that damage and cause the beaching of coral; oxybenzone and octinoxate.

"These ingredients are cheap and effective, but they have an impact in the marine ecosystem."

Green People has introduced a range that doesn't contain the two main culprit ingredients, and eradicates an additional chemical that's dangerous for marine life.

"It's estimated that around 10,000 tons of UV filters are produced annually and, on average, about 25 per cent of the sunscreen ingredients applied to skin are released in the water over the course of a 20-minute swim," says Charlotte V0htz, founder and managing director for Green People.

"Another ingredient in sun creams that is raising concern is ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate.

"Studies have shown that this chemical ingredient is a hormone-disrupting chemical which mimics oestrogen and could genetically alter the gender of fish."

Some elements of traditional sunblock can be potentially harmful for humans, too.

"After examining 25 molecules authorised in Europe, we have eliminated all chemical filters suspected of disrupting the endocrine system, such as octinoxate, octocrylene and nanoparticle filters," Thomas explains.

"Caudalie has selected four filters, compared to the nine that brands usually use in suncare products.

"These filters, combined together to work in synergy, are formulated at a lower dosage than the market average and provide maximum SPF protection."

Plus, the formula is 98 per cent biodegradable in just 28 days, with the remainder degrading subsequently.

Greenpeople's range, which contains a minimum of 80% organic ingredients, includes plant-derived green tea, rosemary and edelweiss.

"To provide effective protection against UVB radiation, we add titanium dioxide, a naturally occurring white mineral that acts as a reflective barrier," V0htz says.

"We also add Isoamyl P-methoxycinnamate, which is derived from cinnamic acid found in the leaves of the cinnamon tree and provides natural protection against UVB radiation."

No matter what sunscreen you use, it's important to remember to apply liberally 20 minutes before sun exposure, and to reapply after swimming - reef damage has proven that no sun cream is truly waterproof.

READ MORE: This is how to apply sun cream correctly according to experts

Reef relief: 6 sunscreens that don't contain oxybenzone or octinoxate

  • Caudalie Milky Sun Spray SPF30, £20 for 150ml
  • Green People Scent Free Sun Lotion SPF30, £22.50 for 200ml
  • Soleil Toujours Organic Sheer Sunscreen Mist SPF50, £32 for 177ml, Space NK
  • Coola Mineral Cucumber Face SPF30, £36 for 50ml, Cult Beauty
  • Uriage Bariesun SPF50+ Spray, £21.44 for 200ml, Look Fantastic
  • Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF30, £58 for 50ml