The Pacific island state of Palau has become the world’s first country to ban suncreams.

Such creams are harmful to corals and the marine environment. From now on, it is forbidden to carry or sell in country suncream containing any of the 10 chemical ingredients that are characteristic of such creams. These include oxybenzone and octinoxate, which absorb ultraviolet light.

“We have to live and respect the environment, because the environment is the nest of life. When science tells us that such practices harm coral reefs, fish populations, or the ocean itself, our people take that into consideration, and our guests do so too”, – said Palau President Thomas Remengesau.