Revolutionizing Sunscreen Formulations For Everyday Wear with SOL LABS -E.751

From Personal Experience to Purpose-Driven Innovation

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, host Ekta sits down with Seth Nelson, co-founder of SOL LABS®, to explore the journey of a melanoma survivor who’s reshaping the sun care industry. Diagnosed with melanoma at just 27, Seth’s life-changing experience sparked a mission: to create sun protection products that are not only safe but also enjoyable to use daily.

Rethinking Sunscreen: Function Meets Feel

Seth reflects on the lack of consumer-friendly sun protection in his youth and how traditional SPF products often felt greasy, left a white cast, and were rarely designed with everyday wear in mind. SOL LABS® set out to change that by formulating mineral sunscreens that rival the sensorial experience of high-end skincare — products that people would actually want to use daily. Their hero formulations went through 39 iterations over four years to achieve the perfect balance of efficacy, wearability, and aesthetics.

The Role of Branding in Shifting Behavior

Together with his wife and co-founder Jenny, who brings a branding and design background, the duo focused on crafting a unisex brand identity — one that is scientifically sophisticated yet playfully modern. Their motto: “anti-ordinary sunscreen.” The SOL LABS® aesthetic bridges the clinical and the casual, creating a space in between that feels both functional and fashionable.

Why Mineral Matters

SOL LABS® is committed to mineral-only formulations, citing concerns about hormone disruption and systemic absorption associated with chemical sunscreens. Their formulas not only protect but also nourish, featuring ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, centella asiatica, and the antioxidant powerhouse astaxanthin. The addition of astaxanthin, discovered serendipitously through AI research, adds a unique edge to the line with its superior anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties.

Global R&D and Korean Innovation

SOL LABS® turned to South Korea for formulation, drawn by the country’s skincare philosophy of prevention over correction. The result is a skincare-forward approach to SPF, blending botanical actives and mineral filters in lightweight, non-greasy textures that wear beautifully under makeup.

From Advocacy to Action

SOL LABS® isn’t just about products — it’s about purpose. The brand partnered with the Melanoma Research Alliance to raise awareness and drive innovation in sun care. With 31 new SPF products in the pipeline, SOL LABS® is set to lead the next generation of daily sun protection.

Conclusion: A Movement, Not Just a Brand

SOL LABS® is more than sunscreen — it’s a movement to redefine how we think about sun protection. With science-backed formulas, inclusive branding, and a mission rooted in personal experience, Seth and his team are changing the narrative on SPF — one product at a time.

To learn more about SOL LABS® visit their website and social media. Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions.

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