Stream2Sea Coral Care: The World’s First Reef-Positive Sunscreen
Discover why PIMS has partnered with Stream2Sea and how you can protect your skin while actively nourishing the coral reefs we’re working to restore.
January 27, 2026
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8 min read
For years, those of us working in coral restoration have faced a frustrating irony: the very sunscreens meant to protect divers, snorkelers, and beachgoers often contain chemicals that damage the coral reefs we’re fighting to save.
An estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter the world’s oceans every year. Many of these products contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other chemicals scientifically proven to cause coral bleaching, DNA damage in coral larvae, and hormone disruption in marine life. Even sunscreens marketed as “reef-safe” often contain harmful nano-particles or ingredients that simply haven’t been tested on actual marine organisms.
That’s why the Perry Institute for Marine Science is proud to announce our partnership with Stream2Sea—the only personal care brand with products tested and proven safe for freshwater fish, saltwater fish, and coral larvae. And their newest innovation, Coral Care, goes even further: it’s the world’s first sunscreen scientifically proven to actually nourish coral reefs.
PIMS Partner Discount
Save 10% on Stream2Sea
Use our link for 10% off your entire order. A portion of every sale directly supports PIMS coral restoration programs and the Reef Rescue Network.
What Makes Stream2Sea Different?
Stream2Sea was founded in 2015 by Autumn Blum, a cosmetic chemist and avid scuba diver. During a dive trip to Palau, she noticed an oil slick trailing a group of snorkelers—sunscreen residue washing directly into the ocean. That moment sparked a mission to create personal care products that would be genuinely safe for marine ecosystems.
Unlike companies that simply slap a “reef-safe” label on their products (a term that isn’t regulated by any government agency), Stream2Sea invested heavily in rigorous scientific testing. Their products have been tested by independent labs on:
- C. elegans (nematodes used for rapid toxicity screening)
- Freshwater fish (zebrafish and fathead minnows)
- Saltwater fish (monitoring feeding behavior, swimming behavior, and mortality)
- Coral larvae (testing impact on settlement and development)
The results? Stream2Sea products showed zero mortality and no significant behavioral changes in test subjects. Their sunscreens did not inhibit coral larval settlement—unlike competitor products that significantly harmed coral in the same tests.
“Our first formulations used ingredients that met Whole Foods Premium Body Care Standards, but they still killed tanks full of fish.”
Introducing Coral Care: From Reef-Safe to Reef-Positive
In 2025, Stream2Sea launched Coral Care—a groundbreaking sunscreen that doesn’t just avoid harming coral but actively promotes coral health and growth.
Working with Professor Michael Sweet at the University of Derby (a coordinating author for the United Nations World Ocean Assessment), Stream2Sea conducted a rigorous 16-week study. They enriched their proven reef-safe formula with a proprietary blend of marine nutrients—the same compounds coral farmers use to help coral thrive.
The results were remarkable:
- Coral Care boosted healthy coral growth by up to 21-29% in certain species
- Galaxy Coral (Galaxea fascicularis) showed particularly strong positive responses
- The formula passed all aquatic safety testing with flying colors
This research led to the creation of a new certification: RPF (Reef Protection Factor). Just as SPF measures sun protection for your skin, RPF certifies that a product has been scientifically proven to protect—and even support—coral reef health.
Coral Care is currently the only sunscreen in the world with RPF certification.
Why PIMS Partnered with Stream2Sea
At the Perry Institute for Marine Science, we’ve spent over 15 years restoring Caribbean coral reefs through our Reef Rescue Network. We’ve planted more than 15,000 corals and manage over 50 coral nurseries across The Bahamas, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, and beyond.
It would be counterproductive—frankly, absurd—for participants in our Reef Rescue Expeditions to wear sunscreen that damages the very corals they’re working to restore. That’s why we sought a partnership with a company whose values and science align with our mission.
Stream2Sea’s Nonprofit Partner Program made this collaboration possible. As an official partner, PIMS receives a 20% contribution from all purchases made through our referral link. But that’s not all—you also receive a 10% discount on your entire order. It’s a genuine win-win: you save money on products you can trust, and a portion of your purchase directly funds coral restoration.
How the Partnership Works
You Shop
Use our link to browse Stream2Sea’s full product line
You Save 10%
Automatic discount applied at checkout
Corals Grow
20% of your purchase supports PIMS coral programs
What You Should Know About “Reef-Safe” Sunscreen
The term “reef-safe” is not regulated by the FDA or any government agency. This means any company can use it as a marketing term, regardless of whether their product has been tested on marine life.
Many sunscreens labeled “reef-safe” have simply removed oxybenzone and octinoxate (chemicals banned in Hawaii and other marine-sensitive areas) but replaced them with other potentially harmful ingredients. Others use nano-sized particles that coral and marine life can absorb, leading to bioaccumulation and ecosystem damage.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3) – Linked to coral bleaching; banned in Hawaii, Palau, and other locations
- Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) – Disrupts coral reproduction and growth
- Octocrylene – Can accumulate in coral tissue
- Homosalate – Potential hormone disruptor
- 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4MBC) – Affects coral larvae development
- Nano-sized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide – Can be absorbed by marine organisms
What to Look For Instead
- Non-nano mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide particles larger than 100 nanometers)
- Third-party aquatic toxicity testing (not just “dermatologist tested”)
- Biodegradable formulas that break down in both fresh and saltwater
- HEL Labs Protect Land + Sea certification
- EWG Verified status
Stream2Sea’s products check all these boxes—and their Coral Care line goes even further with RPF certification.
Beyond Sunscreen: Stream2Sea’s Full Product Line
While Coral Care is their flagship innovation, Stream2Sea offers a complete range of reef-safe personal care products—all of which are covered by our 10% partner discount:
- Mineral Sunscreens – SPF 20, 30, and 45 options in various formulations
- Tinted Sunscreens – Natural coverage without harmful chemicals
- Sport Sunscreens – 80-minute water resistance for active use
- Kids Sunscreen – Gentle formula for sensitive skin
- Conditioning Shampoo & Body Wash – Biodegradable and marine-safe
- Leave-In Conditioner – Won’t leave a slick on the water
- Body Lotion – Moisturizing without reef-harming ingredients
- Lip Balm – SPF protection for your lips
- After-Sun Gel – Soothing relief that’s safe to rinse off
Whether you’re joining us on a Reef Rescue Expedition to Green Turtle Cay, diving your local reef, or simply spending a day at the beach, these products ensure your personal care routine doesn’t compromise ocean health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stream2Sea sunscreen really safe for coral reefs?
Yes. Stream2Sea is the only personal care brand with products independently tested and proven safe for freshwater fish, saltwater fish, and coral larvae. Their testing was conducted at Eckerd College and Mote Marine Laboratory in the Florida Keys. Unlike brands that simply claim “reef-safe,” Stream2Sea has published scientific data showing their products do not cause mortality, behavioral changes, or inhibit coral larval settlement. Their Coral Care line goes further—it’s been scientifically proven to promote coral growth by up to 29% in certain species, earning the first-ever RPF (Reef Protection Factor) certification.
What is RPF (Reef Protection Factor)?
RPF (Reef Protection Factor) is a new certification standard developed by Stream2Sea in partnership with McCann Global and the University of Derby. Just as SPF measures sun protection for your skin, RPF certifies that a product has been scientifically tested and proven not only to be safe for coral reefs but to actively support coral health and growth. To earn RPF certification, products must undergo rigorous testing on live coral, monitoring metrics like color change, tissue health, and growth rates over extended periods. Stream2Sea’s Coral Care is currently the only sunscreen with RPF certification.
How do I get the 10% discount on Stream2Sea products?
Simply shop through the Perry Institute’s partner link at stream2sea.com/PERRYINSTITUTE. The 10% discount applies automatically to your entire order—including sunscreens, shampoos, lotions, and all other Stream2Sea products. There’s no coupon code needed. As a bonus, 20% of your purchase is contributed to PIMS to support our coral restoration programs and the Reef Rescue Network.
What’s the difference between “reef-safe” and “reef-positive” sunscreen?
“Reef-safe” (or “reef-safer” as Stream2Sea prefers) means a sunscreen has been formulated to avoid ingredients known to harm coral reefs and has been tested to verify it doesn’t negatively impact marine life. “Reef-positive” goes a step further—it means the product has been proven to actively benefit coral health. Stream2Sea’s Coral Care is reef-positive because it contains a proprietary blend of marine nutrients that coral naturally feed on, and University of Derby research showed it can boost coral growth by up to 29%. It’s the difference between “do no harm” and “actively help.”
Does Stream2Sea sunscreen leave a white cast?
Mineral sunscreens work by sitting on top of your skin to physically block UV rays, which can leave some visible residue—this is actually a sign it’s working properly. Stream2Sea’s formulas are designed to rub in well and minimize white cast, but they recommend applying in small amounts, working in sections, and rubbing thoroughly. Their tinted sunscreen options provide additional coverage that blends more naturally with various skin tones. Many users find that after a few minutes, the initial white cast fades significantly. It’s a small trade-off for knowing your sunscreen won’t harm the reef you’re swimming over.
How does my Stream2Sea purchase support PIMS coral restoration?
Through Stream2Sea’s Nonprofit Partner Program, Perry Institute for Marine Science receives a 20% contribution from all purchases made through our referral link. These funds directly support our coral restoration programs, including maintaining our network of 50+ coral nurseries across the Caribbean, training local communities in restoration techniques, conducting long-term monitoring research, and running educational programs like the Rising Tides Youth initiative. Every tube of sunscreen purchased through our link helps plant corals, train reef stewards, and protect marine ecosystems for future generations.
Is Stream2Sea sunscreen water resistant?
Yes! Stream2Sea sunscreens are water resistant for up to 80 minutes—meeting the FDA’s highest standard for water resistance. This makes them ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and other water activities. You should reapply after 80 minutes of water exposure or immediately after towel drying. For non-water activities, reapply at least every 2 hours. The water-resistant formula means less sunscreen washes off into the ocean, further reducing any potential environmental impact while keeping you protected.
Where is Stream2Sea sunscreen made?
Stream2Sea is proudly made in the USA. The company is woman-owned and veteran-operated, manufacturing all products at their FDA-registered facility in rural central Florida. They use sustainable packaging including sugarcane resin tubes (instead of petroleum-based plastic) and bottles made from 97% recycled milk jugs. The company was founded by Autumn Blum after a dive trip in Palau, and their formulations were first tested and launched in Key Largo, Florida—”Florida grown, Florida made, Key Largo launched,” as the company says.
Ready to Protect Your Skin and the Reef?
Shop Stream2Sea through our partner link and save 10% on every order. Your purchase directly supports Perry Institute’s mission to restore Caribbean coral reefs.
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About the Author
Perry Institute for Marine Science
PIMS is a leader in innovative coral reef protection and restoration, with over 15 years of experience replanting thousands of corals across the Caribbean through our Reef Rescue Network.
