Free predictive pre-evaluation
Before any coral is exposed, we score your formulation across six pillars plus ICP-OES water analysis, screen the ingredients against Hawaii Act 104, US Virgin Islands Act 8185, and Palau RPPL 10-30, and route it to the compatible live-coral test panel. The pre-evaluation is complimentary and included with every paid test.
Methodology
Six formulation pillars, scored for ecotox risk.
+
Oil phase
Lowers the score. The one pillar in the model that reduces predicted coral exposure.
−
Emollients
Raises the score. Organic load that increases oxygen demand as it breaks down.
−
Nitrogen / phosphorus compounds
Raises the score. Nutrient input that feeds algal overgrowth on reefs.
−
Preservatives
Raises the score. Biocidal actives designed to kill microorganisms.
−
Humectants & emulsifiers
Raises the score. Emulsifier and surfactant load that can disrupt cell membranes.
−
UV filters
Raises the score. The chemistries targeted by the sunscreen bans screened below.
Plus ICP-OES analysis of artificial aquarium water before and after contact, measuring trace element and micronutrient release. The combination produces a numeric ecotox score.
Output
Risk classification and compatible panel routing.
| Risk level | Score | Compatible tests |
|---|---|---|
| Low | ≥ −4 | ReefTox 12 & 50 compatible |
| Moderate | −4 > score ≥ −6 | ReefTox 12 compatible |
| High | −6 > score ≥ −8 | ReefTox 1 & 3 compatible |
| Very high | < −8 | Not suitable for live-coral testing |
A Very-high classification means the live-coral panel is not appropriate for this formulation. The pre-evaluation has saved the testing spend by routing you to reformulation instead.
Built into the same step
Hawaii Act 104, US Virgin Islands Act 8185, and Palau RPPL 10-30 ingredient-compliance screening.
Hawaii Act 104 (effective 2021)
Oxybenzone and octinoxate ban in sunscreens. First US state ban, set the precedent for state-level UV-filter restrictions.
US Virgin Islands Act 8185 (2020)
Expanded restrictions including octocrylene. Adds a third UV filter to the screened set.
Palau RPPL 10-30 (effective 2020)
Restricts a defined list of ten sunscreen ingredients including oxybenzone and octinoxate. A national ban screened alongside the two US jurisdictions above.
Two things the pre-evaluation is not
Not consulting
The pre-evaluation is a predictive scoring + panel-routing step. We don't reformulate your product or advise on formulation strategy. We score it, classify the risk, and route it.
Not ReeFilter
The free pre-evaluation is ReefTox's internal predictive methodology. ReeFilter is the live-coral acute test on SPF ingredients. They run at different stages of the process.
Submit your formulation.
We return your risk classification and the compatible test panel before any coral is exposed. The pre-evaluation is complimentary and included with every paid test.
Your formulation stays confidential. We work under an NDA, and your data and IP are handled under strict controls.
