Mexico: federal marine protected areas (e.g., Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancún & Punta Nizuc) sunscreen guidance
Mexico has no national sunscreen ingredient ban. Many federal marine parks managed by CONANP do have binding management rules that allow only 'biodegradable' tanning lotions and sunscreens while swimming, snorkeling or diving. The rules do not define 'biodegradable' or name any ingredients, so we cannot give a pass/fail verdict. Mineral-only sunscreen is the safe choice. Products shown as meeting guidance here have only mineral actives. That is our recommendation, not a CONANP certification.
Last verified October 14, 2026 · Management Program, Parque Nacional Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancún y Punta Nizuc (summary published in the DOF, Aug. 2, 2016); similar rules in other CONANP management programs
Ingredients to avoid
The details
- The Isla Mujeres / Punta Cancún / Punta Nizuc management program lists 'using tanning lotions or sunscreens that are not biodegradable' as a prohibited activity in its reef subzones. Its public-use subzones allow only biodegradable products.
- The same wording appears in other CONANP management programs, for example Parque Nacional Huatulco and Bahía de Loreto. A DOF-published rule for Cenote Xlakán bans non-biodegradable sunscreen during diving and swimming. Rules differ from park to park.
- Because 'biodegradable' is not defined, there is no official list of banned ingredients. Our ingredient check therefore cannot flag specific chemicals for this entry; read it as guidance to use a zinc oxide / titanium dioxide product.
- Private eco-parks in the Riviera Maya (e.g., Xcaret and Xel-Há) have their own house rules requiring 'biodegradable' sunscreen and offer on-site swaps. These are company policies, not government rules.
- No federal or Quintana Roo state law banning specific sunscreen ingredients was found.
History
- August 2, 2016 · Took effect Guidance took effect.
We last re-read this law’s sources on October 14, 2026. All law updates →
What “biodegradable” means on a sunscreen label, and what the park rules say →
Sunscreens that meet this guidance in Mexico marine parks
388 of 988 products we track pass; 599 don’t.Browse all 388 →
Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
SPF 30 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
SPF 30 Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
SPF 30 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray
By brand
Common questions
What sunscreen ingredients are banned in Mexico marine parks?
No ingredients are banned; this is guidance only.
When did the Mexico marine parks sunscreen rule take effect?
August 2, 2016.
Which sunscreens are allowed in Mexico marine parks?
Of the 988 products we track, 388 meet the Mexico marine parks rule. The simplest choice is a sunscreen with only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients.