Hawaiʻi’s Kuleana® Skincare Line Launches Natural, Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Kuleana®, a new skincare line created in Hawaiʻi, adds a natural sunscreen to its product offerings to protect consumers and coral reefs while supporting environmental nonprofits in Hawaiʻi. Kuleana® Sunscreen is made from plant-based oils, minerals, and other reef-safe natural ingredients and does not contain ecologically harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate – two chemicals known to be toxic to corals and other marine life and recently banned by Hawaiʻi’s new sunscreen law. In addition to its environmentally friendly formulation, Kuleana Sunscreen aims to support environmental organizations in the state through its membership in 1% for the Planet, a global organization that connects dollars and doers to accelerate smart environmental giving.

“We are proud to offer consumers another natural product that aligns with our state’s environmental goals to protect and preserve fragile marine ecosystems, including coral reefs,” said Joy Galatro, marketing director at Maui-based Pacific Biodiesel, Hawaiʻi’s pioneering renewable energy company and parent company of Kuleana. “Practicing sustainability and protecting the environment are central to our company’s mission. 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.”

Formulated, tested and produced in an FDA-compliant facility, Kuleana Sunscreen offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 protection, remains water resistant for 80 minutes, and works well with all skin types. It contains a sheer, non-whitening zinc oxide that rubs in clear, allowing for application with or without makeup and ideal for daily use with other Kuleana skincare products. The product contains an innovative “clear” zinc oxide which leaves no detectable nanoparticles in the final product. Because they are porous, the zinc clusters appear clear on the skin, eliminating the undesirable “whitening” appearance common with most non-nano zinc sunscreens.

Vegan, cruelty-free, and without synthetic fragrances or colors, Kuleana Sunscreen is formulated with macadamia nut oil and sunflower oil made from locally grown ingredients and produced by Pacific Biodiesel, which last year began farming sunflowers in Maui’s central valley. Other natural ingredients include aloe extract, jojoba oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and pineapple fruit extract – all skin-nourishing ingredients.

Through its new 1% for the Planet membership, Kuleana Sunscreen will support the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi beginning September 2018, in honor of the chapter’s 50^th anniversary. The Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi actively works throughout the islands to stop climate change, ensure climate justice for all, and protect Hawaiʻi’s unique natural resources. Additionally, when individuals volunteer with the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi in the next year, Kuleana will provide an exclusive 50% discount on its sunscreen product purchased from the company’s website at KuleanaSunscreen.com.

“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.”

“We are grateful and honored to have the support of Kuleana,” said Marti Townsend, Director for the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi. “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.”

Kuleana Sunscreen is available in 3-ounce tubes and retails for $18. In response to demand, the company is also offering the sunscreen in bulk sizes for its resort and tourism-related customers. The product will be available for purchase in retail locations beginning this month and is currently for sale on the company’s website. For more information, please visit kuleanabeauty.com.