It was meant to be an unforgettable adventure.
Scott Russell trekked nearly 10,000 miles from New York to Indonesia’s isolated Mentawai Islands, seeking the ideal surfing experience, all while armed with a suitcase full of drugstore sunscreen.
“He absolutely killed it on the first day,” recalled his wife, Marisa Russell.
Local sun care traditions played a crucial role in their adventurous getaway, inspiring a brand that has gained a worldwide following.
Mission Mom
Marisa, at 53, had sunscreen on her mind long before her husband’s sunburns came into play.
“Initially, I wanted something that would actually stick to my kids’ skin,” she mentioned, being a mother of three from Long Beach, Long Island.
“We live by the beach and are a surf family,” she added.
In her quest for the right product, Marisa spent time looking into the options available on the market.
The Sunscreen Dilemma
Sunscreens play a vital role in shielding the skin from harmful UV rays, preventing burns, minimizing premature aging, and lowering the chance of skin cancer. However, not all products are created equally.
Astonishingly, of the 2,000 SPF products sold in the U.S., nearly 80% fail to meet safety, health, and efficacy standards set by the Environmental Working Group.
As Marisa searched for a sunscreen that was safe for her family, she discovered that many chemical formulas contained ingredients linked to potential health risks, such as endocrine disruption and even cancer.
That’s when she realized she was caught in what is often called the “sunscreen dilemma.”
“Not only did it heal the burns from day one, he didn’t get burned at all for the rest of the trip,” Marisa shared, reflecting on the experience her husband had with a local treatment.
“If this sunscreen is really harmful to me, do I risk skin cancer by using it, or do I go without and take my chances?” she pondered.
For her, mineral-based sunscreen seemed like a better option, as they don’t contain the potentially harmful ingredients found in many chemical alternatives. Yet, there was a catch.
“There were very few mineral sunscreens available that didn’t leave a noticeable white cast,” she said.
Inspiration from the Island
Flashback to 2017: during Scott’s surfing expedition, a local guide noticed his intense tan and generously offered him a paste made from local ingredients.
“He not only healed the burns from the first day, but he also remained burn-free for the rest of the trip,” Marisa said.
Before heading home, Scott bought as much of the local paste as he could carry. The entire Russell family started using it under the strong sun.
Marisa felt a rush of anxiety as their supply dwindled. Instead of reverting to her old sunscreen, she got creative in the kitchen.
A Long Road to Clean Sunscreen
By 2019, Marisa was committed to replicating that tropical formula with just her ingredients.
“I faced many failures, but I was determined enough to keep trying and learning,” she recalled, mentioning her journey that included joining chemistry groups and taking online classes.
“It took almost 300 attempts before the first prototype made it to the lab for SPF testing,” she explained, emphasizing her dedication.
Five years later, Meadow & Bark launched their first FDA-approved sunscreen, one of the rare products certified as safe for coral reefs.
The sunscreen boasts features like sweat and water resistance and can be used on both face and body.
“Of all the available sunscreen ingredients, zinc is the standout when it comes to providing protection against UVA and UVB rays,” Marisa pointed out.
“Ingredients of Hero”
To avoid the dreaded white cast, Marisa utilizes what she refers to as the “hero ingredient.” It’s Tanaka paste, derived from the bark of trees native to Myanmar.
“It’s revered by women there for its skin-brightening properties and dual function as sunscreen,” she explained.
“I incorporate it into our formula to lessen the whiteness of zinc and enhance the application experience—it’s also beneficial for the skin,” she added.
Research suggests Tanaka can reduce inflammation, combat premature aging, and protect against harmful sun exposure.
But it’s not all straightforward. Some Tanaka products have been linked to raised lead levels, posing risks, particularly to children. Moreover, while it’s often touted as safe for sensitive skin, some individuals might still experience allergic reactions.
Beautiful Materials, Clean Consciousness
Marisa emphasizes that what is excluded from Meadow & Bark’s sunscreen is just as critical as what’s included.
The company opts out of using coconut oil, a common ingredient that can clog pores. Ingredients like red raspberry seed oil and shea butter take precedence due to their rich nutritional profiles.
“Every ingredient is selected for its healthful and vitamin-rich qualities,” Marisa stated.
Moreover, their products are free from silicones.
“Silicone is just filler,” she noted. “It offers no nutritional value and can be harmful to the environment.”
Applying the mineral sunscreen is recommended at least 15 minutes before sun exposure to ensure optimal protection.
“The sun shouldn’t be taken lightly. It requires time to genuinely protect your skin,” she advised.
Along with sunscreen, Meadow & Bark also presents a range of clean skincare products that exceed typical expectations. Their bestseller is a face mist acknowledged for excellence by various beauty critics.
“Most people are surprised to find they can achieve medical-grade results through plant-based skincare, and that’s the essence of what we offer,” Marisa concluded.
