Why ZincTime Is Better Than Face Sticks for Sunscreen

Still using face sticks for your sunscreen? It’s time to rethink your setup. ZincTime offers a smarter, more convenient, and eco-friendly way to carry your favorite reef-safe zinc sunscreen—without the hassle of bulky packaging or plastic waste.

Unlike traditional face sticks that come in hard plastic tubes, ZincTime is a small, reusable silicone capsule that you fill with sunscreen from a metal tin—usually 2–3 ounces. Here’s why that’s a better choice:

1. More Sunscreen for Your Money

Face sticks may last for multiple uses, but they give you less sunscreen per dollar compared to traditional tins.

• Face Sticks: Higher cost per ounce—you pay more and get less.

• ZincTime + Metal Tin: Buy in bulk, refill as needed, and save money.

Instead of repurchasing expensive face sticks, simply refill ZincTime from your tin and get the same high-quality protection for less.

2. Face Sticks Are Bulky—ZincTime Is Ultra-Portable

Face sticks are awkwardly shaped and don’t easily fit in wetsuits, boardshorts, or small pockets.

• ZincTime is sleek, soft, and clips on to anything—your bikini strap, wetsuit, key loop, or even your watch band.

• No more bulky tubes—just grab your ZincTime and go.

For surfers, divers, hikers, and travelers, space-saving sun protection is a game-changer.

3. Less Plastic Waste, More Sustainability

Even if you reuse them, face sticks still rely on plastic packaging—which contributes to ocean and landfill pollution.

• ZincTime is plastic-free and infinitely reusable.

• Metal tins are recyclable and produce far less waste than plastic tubes.

If you care about the planet, ZincTime helps you take one simple step toward zero-waste sun protection.

4. Easier, More Even Application

Face sticks can be stiff, especially in cold weather, making it hard to get smooth, even coverage.

• ZincTime lets you apply sunscreen your way

• No waxy drag. No uneven clumps.

• Refillable with your favorite reef-safe zinc sunscreen—so you never compromise on quality.

Make the Switch to ZincTime

Ditch the bulky, overpriced face sticks. ZincTime is the refillable, ultra-portable alternative that keeps your skin protected—without harming the ocean.

• 💧 More sunscreen

• 🌱 Less waste

• 🧗 Ultimate convenience

The Best Reef-Safe Zinc Sunscreens: Find the Right One for You

When choosing a reef-safe sunscreen, it’s important to find one that works well for your skin type and stays put in the sun and water. All of the brands we recommend use zinc oxide as the active ingredient—providing broad-spectrum protection without harming coral reefs or marine life.

Though each of these sunscreens is natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, they vary in shades, textures, and packaging, making it easy to find one that suits your needs. Here's a breakdown of some of the top reef-safe zinc sunscreens available today.

Choose a Sunscreen That’s Local to You

All of these reef-safe zinc sunscreens offer excellent UV protection while safeguarding our oceans. To further reduce your carbon footprint, consider purchasing from brands that manufacture close to your region.

4ocean – A Mission-Driven, Ocean-Friendly Sunscreen (White Color)

More than just a sunscreen brand, 4ocean is dedicated to removing plastic waste from the ocean. Every purchase helps fund global cleanup efforts, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to support marine conservation.

• White zinc formula

• Long-lasting coverage

• Supports a mission to protect oceans

Link here: 4Ocean Sunscreen

Raw Elements – Hydrating Sun Protection (White & Tinted Options)

Raw Elements is known for its nourishing formula, packed with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients to keep your skin moisturized in the sun.

• Available in classic white and tinted options

• Ideal for daily use and water activities

• Great for sensitive skin types

Link here: Raw Elements

SunMud – Ultimate Sun Protection in Four Shades

Designed for surfers, divers, and outdoor lovers, SunMud delivers a thick, durable sunscreen that won’t budge in salt water or sweat.

• Available in four shades to match various skin tones

• Perfect for high-intensity outdoor activity

• Thick, stay-put texture for extreme conditions

Link here: SunMud

SurfDurt – Plastic-Free & Naturally Tinted

SurfDurt is made with organic ingredients and packaged in a reusable tin, making it one of the most sustainable sunscreens on the market.

• Naturally tinted with multiple color options

• Plastic-free packaging

• Great for eco-conscious adventurers

Link here: SurfDurt

Hawaii Peeps – Island-Approved with a Brown Tint

Formulated to meet Hawaii’s strict reef-safe sunscreen regulations, Hawaii Peeps offers a brown-tinted zinc formula that blends well with deeper skin tones.

• Warm-toned tint for minimal white cast

• Compliant with Hawaiian reef-safe laws

• Ideal for melanin-rich and medium to dark skin tones

Link here: Hawaii Peeps

Surf Yogis – Built for Tropical Heat and Hardcore Surf

Surf Yogis is a cult-favorite among surfers for a reason: it’s thick, rugged, and built to withstand intense sun and saltwater sessions. Handcrafted in Bali using natural ingredients like coconut oil and beeswax, this zinc-based formula stays on for hours, even in humid, sweaty, or surf-heavy conditions.

• No preservatives or synthetic chemicals

• Handmade in small batches

Link here: SurfYogis

Final Thoughts: Ditch Harmful Sunscreens for Good

The wrong sunscreen doesn’t just affect your health—it damages our oceans. Spray sunscreens, chemical UV filters, and synthetic additives have no place in responsible sun protection.

By switching to a reef-safe zinc sunscreen, you’re taking a small but powerful step toward healthier skin and a healthier planet.

p.s. All of these sunscreen options go great in ZincTime capsules so that you can reapply on the go!

Reef-Safe Sunscreen: The Best Choice for Your Skin and the Ocean

Reef-safe sunscreen protects your skin—and the planet.
Many traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that harm coral reefs and marine life. At ZincTime, we promote zinc oxide-based sunscreens for safe, effective protection in and out of the water.

Protect What You Love – Choose Reef-Safe.

Why Chemical Sunscreens Harm the Ocean and Your Skin

Most commercial sunscreens contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to:

• 🔥 Bleach and damage coral reefs

• 🐟 Harm marine wildlife including fish and sea urchins

• 🚫 Cause irritation, breakouts, or hormone disruption in humans

Every time you swim, your sunscreen washes off—and chemical formulas do lasting damage to marine ecosystems.

Why Zinc Sunscreen Is the Best Reef-Safe Option

Reef-safe sunscreens made with non-nano zinc oxide offer:

• ✅ Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection

• ✅ Biodegradable, reef-safe ingredients

• ✅ No absorption into your body—perfect for sensitive skin

• ✅ Water-resistant coverage that lasts

A little zinc goes a long way

The ZincTime Difference

Not all sunscreens are created equal. Thin, runny lotions often wash off quickly, reducing protection and polluting the ocean.

At ZincTime, we focus on high-viscosity zinc formulas that:

• Stay on longer

• Provide superior sun protection

• Are better for you and the reef

Make the Switch to Reef-Safe Today

Protect your skin and the ocean—without compromise. Reef-safe sunscreen is the smart choice for eco-conscious sun lovers.