Heading to Xel-Há anytime soon? Located in Riviera Maya, Mexico, Xel-Há is a natural water theme park and ecotourism development that boasts amazing spots for snorkeling and scuba diving, crystal clear blue water and marine life up close and personal. Explore caves, take underwater river tours, jump off cliffs, zip down the lighthouse waterfall, go ziplining and swim amongst colorful, vibrant marine life like you’ve never seen before — there’s something for everyone… but only if you have the right type of approved sunscreen.

You see, there are many cenotes in this area of Mexico, and especially in this hotspot attraction in Riviera Maya. Cenotes are smaller bodies of water and underground rivers that all connect. Because they’re smaller, any chemicals that visitors wear in the water can easily contaminate the bodies of water and affect the vegetation and wildlife. So as you pack for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Mexico, be sure you’re bringing along biodegradable sunscreen. Chances are, the one you keep stowed below your bathroom sink is probably prohibited in these areas of Mexico.

If your sunscreen contains any of these ingredients, they are not allowed:

Oxybenzone, Octocrylene, Benzophenone, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Hexyldecanol, cetyl dimethicone, methylparaben, polyethylene, Propylparaben, Butylcarbamate.

Sunscreens that contain any of those ingredients are chemical sunscreens, and are ultimately harmful to marine life and especially coral reefs. Chemical sunscreens are easier to find than mineral, biodegradable sunscreens, but that could soon change. Locations, like Xel-Há in Mexico, prohibit chemical sunscreens, and legislation is even in motion in Hawaii to ban chemical sunscreens.   

Rather, choose a biodegradable sunscreen. Mineral, biodegradable sunscreens are the only type that are allowed in Xel-Há and other popular eco-parks in Mexico.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the two ingredients to look for to ensure that your sunscreen is biodegradable.

And that’s exactly what you’ll find in Tropical Sands products — biodegradable sunscreens, tanning oil, aloe and more. All of which will be approved in these coveted destinations in Mexico!