A new study has found sunscreen chemicals in Mediterranean seagrass. UV filters absorbed by Posidonia oceanica could cause long-term damage to local ecosystems.
A new study suggests that sunscreen could be affecting our oceans.
Chemicals from popular sunscreen lotion brands have been found ‘accumulating’ in Mediterranean seagrass. Scientists discovered ultraviolet filters in the stems of a certain type of seagrass known as Posidonia oceanica, found on the coast of Mallorca.
Researchers believe the cause is likely to be tourism wastage in the local area, as samples included varying concentrations of sunscreen components. Oxybenzone, avobenzone 4-methyl, benzylidene camphor, benzophenone-4, and methyl parabens were all discovered.
The actual effects are unknown as of yet. Scientists do not have any indication on how severe the impact could be, though they do remain concerned.
In a statement, the study’s co-author Prof Nona Agawin said that ‘we will have a problem’ if sunscreen is found to affect the photosynthesis of seagrass. ‘Seagrasses play an important ecological role in the Mediterranean coasts.’
We’ve known for a while that using sunscreen can cause environmental problems – and not just for seagrass.
Certain UV-filtering sunscreen chemicals can damage fish, dolphins, and turtles. Reproductive systems can become disrupted, ultimately harming the development of young sea life.
The conclusion from the study is that, ultimately, more research needs to be done to understand how sunscreens and UV chemicals can affect seagrass meadows.
Agawin added that ‘if we find which sunscreen components are harmful, then we should regulate and provide alternatives’.
So, the news of sunscreen causing problems in our seas may tempt you to avoid using the stuff altogether. However, skin is still susceptible to damaging sunrays – so it’s best to continue protecting yourself if you do decide to head out on holiday.
There are various brands available that are oxybenzone and octinoxate free. Rolling Stone recommends Stream2Sea Sport, Supergoop!, Badger Clear Zinc, and a bunch more sustainable options. Check out the full list here.
Avoiding some holiday destinations could help to keep pollution levels down too, mind. A different research piece from 2020 noted that 267 million tourists visit the Mediterranean Sea every year and warns of the potential harm that accumulating sunscreen chemicals could cause.
We could be seeing sunscreen phased out from our shops in the near future, with eco-friendly alternatives providing as substitute.
I’m Charlie (He/Him), a Remote Writer at Thred. I was previously the Editor at Thred before moving to Bristol in 2024. As a music and gaming enthusiast, I’m a nerd for pop culture. You can find me curating playlists, designing article headline images, and sipping cider on a Thursday. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.
Yep, you read that correctly. We’re living through peak dystopian greenwashing.
There’s something morbidly poetic about bulldozing eight miles of pristine Amazon rainforest to build a road to a… climate summit.
A new four-lane highway has cut through tens of thousands of acres of land ahead of COP30, which takes place in the Brazilian city of Belém. The goal is to reduce traffic as around 50,000 people descend on the...
In Great Britain, the rise of female doctors is a triumph worth celebrating amid pervasive gender inequality worldwide.
For the first time ever in the UK, female doctors now outnumber their male peers. Women now make up 50.04% of the nation’s registered doctors, a shift that coincides fittingly with International Women’s Day.
According to the General Medical Council (GMC), the number of women on its register has overtaken men for...
In 2024, the global fight against terrorism has taken an alarming turn, as teenage recruitment into extremist organizations reaches its highest levels.
The latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 report reveals an 11% rise in terrorism fatalities, with more than 50% of the deaths concentrated in the Sahel region.
More disturbingly, one in five terror suspects in several Western countries is now under the age of 18. The Islamic...
Amidst tensions and uncertainty between the US and Europe, France’s President Emmanuel Macron has stepped up and proposed an initiative that could turn the tide on European security.
In early 2020, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested discussions about how his nation’s nuclear forces could play a part in Europe’s collective security.
He greatly emphasized France’s nuclear doctrine, strictly focusing on extreme circumstances of self-defense. At that time, as he highlighted the...
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok