A Journey to Create Safe Sunscreen
Marisa Russell’s journey to create safe sunscreen began when her husband, Scott, got severely burned on their surfing trip to the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia. Despite applying sunscreen, Scott’s skin was "crispy" on the first day. A local guide gave him a locally produced paste that healed his burns and prevented further burning for the rest of the trip.
The Sun Protection Dilemma
Marisa had been searching for a safe and effective sunscreen for her family, but her research revealed that many chemical formulas contained ingredients associated with potential health concerns, including endocrine disorders, reproductive damage, and even cancer. She was caught in a "sun protection dilemma," wondering whether to apply sunscreen and risk cancer or not wear it and risk skin cancer.
Inspiration from the Islands
The local paste that healed Scott’s burns inspired Marisa to create her own natural sun care products. She began researching and experimenting with different ingredients, attending chemical groups, and consulting with herbal experts. After almost 300 attempts, she developed a mineral-based sunscreen that was safe and effective.
The Long Road to Clean Sunscreen
Marisa’s journey to create clean sunscreen was not easy. She faced many challenges, including reproducing the tropical paste and finding the right ingredients. However, she was relentless and continued to experiment and learn. Finally, after five years, she developed a sun protection product approved by the FDA.
The "Hero Ingredient"
Marisa discovered a "hero ingredient" called Thanaka paste, made from the ground bark of trees in Myanmar. Thanaka paste has been shown to reduce inflammation, fight early aging, and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria on the skin. It also protects people from the harmful rays of the sun and calms sunburns.
Clean Ingredients, Clean Conscience
Marisa was careful about what ingredients she used in her sunscreen. She avoided coconut oil, which can clog pores and cause breakouts, and instead used ingredients like red raspberry seed oil, seabuckthorn, calendula, and shea butter. Her products are also silicone-free and do not contain ingredients based on oil.
Using Mineral 45
To maximize protection, Marisa recommends using Mineral 45 at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplying every two hours, even on land. She emphasizes that the sun is a serious business and deserves attention to protect one’s skin.
Beyond Sunscreen
Meadow & Bark offers a range of clean skin care products beyond sunscreen, including a best-selling facial mist that has been recognized by Oprah Daily as a 2025 standout for best scent. Marisa’s goal is to provide medical-grade skin care products that are safe and effective, and she is committed to delivering high-quality products that meet her standards.
