Sunscreen may seem like a simple beach-day essential, but the ingredients in some sunscreens have been linked to significant environmental damage. A few common chemicals used in sunscreens, particularly oxybenzone and octinoxate, are known to cause harm to coral reefs and marine life. These chemicals can wash off your skin and enter the water, where they contribute to coral bleaching, disrupt the development of marine organisms, and even poison sea creatures. In fact, it’s estimated that over 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in the world’s oceans every year—enough to cause significant harm to delicate ecosystems.