Kuleana Skincare Line Launches Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Kuleana, a new skincare line, recently released their new reef-safe sunscreen. According to the skincare brand, the sunscreen protects customers and coral reefs while supporting environmental nonprofits in Hawaiʻi. The sunscreen is made from plant-based oils, minerals, and other reef-safe ingredients. The brand said that the sunscreen does not contain chemicals that harm marine life like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which were recently banned by Hawaiʻi’s new sunscreen law.

Pacific Biodiesel is a maui-based renewable energy company that is one of the owners of Kuleana. Their marketing director Joy Galatro said that they are are proud to offer consumers a natural product that aligns with the state’s environmental goals.

“Practicing sustainability and protecting the environment are central to our company’s mission,” Galatro said. “With this product, we’re able to offer an earth-friendly and effective sunscreen choice for consumers while giving back to local nonprofits that are doing important work for our environment. We believe this is our responsibility, our kuleana.”

Kuleana aims to support local environmental organizations through its partnership with 1% for the Planet, a global organization that helps businesses support the environmental efforts of groups in their community.

Through this partnership, Kuleana will support the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi beginning this month in honor of the chapter’s 50th anniversary. The Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi aims to combat climate change and protect Hawaiʻi’s natural resources. Kuleana said they will give anyone who volunteers with the Sierra club of Hawaiʻi in the next year an exclusive 50 percent discount on online sunscreen purchases. 

“The Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi focuses on priorities that reflect our company’s own values: clean energy, climate change, food and water security, and sustainability,” Galatro added. “Supporting their statewide efforts reinforces the importance of a mauka to makai focus in protecting Hawaiʻi’s reefs – because harmful waste and pollutants on the land can eventually flow down into the ocean and negatively affect our fragile marine ecosystems.”

Sierra Club of Hawaiʻiʻs Director Marti Townsend said that the chapter is grateful and honored to have Kuleanaʻs support. “Guided by a genuine commitment to our planet and fueled by cutting edge science, Kuleana is making it easier for all of us to do what we love with less impact on the natural resources around us,” Townsend said.

The sunscreen was created and tested in an FDA-compliant facility. According to Kuleana, the sunscreen is able to resist water for up to 80 minutes and provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 protection. The company also mentioned that the sunscreen contains a mineral called zinc oxide that can be rubbed onto the skin with or without makeup. Zinc oxide clusters appear clear on the skin, so the sunscreen does not leave a “whitening” appearance like other sunscreens do, the brand said.

According to Kuleana, the Sunscreen is vegan, cruelty-free, and does not contain artificial fragrances or colors. The sunscreen also contains macadamia nut oil and sunflower oil made from ingredients that Pacific Biodiesel grew locally in Mauiʻs central valley. Other ingredients in the sunscreen include aloe extract, jojoba oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and pineapple fruit extract, which Kuleana said all help to nourish the skin.

Kuleana Sunscreen is available in 3-ounce tubes for $18 and can be purchased on the companyʻs website. The company is also offering the sunscreen in bulk sizes for its resort and tourism-related customers. The sunscreen will be available for purchase in retail locations beginning this month.