Can Sunscreen Be Both Wild and Responsible?

Written by Alexandra Merlino

At B.Wild Outside, nature isn’t just something we enjoy… It’s something we’re shaped by. From the trails we hike to the rivers we paddle, the natural world is the foundation of who we are and how we live. It’s also the driving force behind every decision we make as a company.

Our mission is simple: create the cleanest, most responsible sunscreen on the market, something that’s healthy for you and safe for the planet.

Why Sunscreen Matters

If you spend time outdoors, sunscreen is essential gear. However, many commercial products contain ingredients that are not only harmful to your skin but also to the environment, particularly marine ecosystems. Furthermore, most sunscreens are packaged in single-use plastic, contributing to the global plastic pollution crisis.

In the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that over 110 million plastic sunscreen containers are sold each year. That’s a massive footprint for a product meant to protect us while we’re enjoying nature.

We believe sunscreen shouldn’t be the exception in an otherwise sustainable lifestyle.

Nature as Our Muse

Nature inspires everything we do, from how we formulate our sunscreen to how we package it. It’s why we’ve committed to non-toxic, mineral-based ingredients, and why we worked for two years to develop a patent-pending refillable dispenser.

Our active ingredient is non-nano zinc oxide, one of the safest, most effective UV blockers available. Unlike chemical sunscreens, it won’t damage coral reefs or disrupt hormones. Unlike nanoparticles, it doesn’t pose a risk to marine life.

But “reef-safe” is more than a label to us; it's a promise backed by science and transparency. Many brands still use harmful additives while claiming to be reef-friendly. We don’t. Every ingredient in our formula is chosen for both safety and performance.

Our lotion is lightweight, water-resistant, and moisturizing, leaving no white cast. It goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t feel greasy, even in heat and humidity.

Design That Works With You, Not Against You

Our ergonomic dispenser, inspired by river rocks, is designed to go wherever you do. It fits comfortably in your hand, hangs from your backpack, or slides easily into a pocket. It’s made to be used with one hand, so you don’t have to slow down to stay protected. Even better? It’s refillable.

Instead of throwing out another plastic bottle, simply refill your cartridge from one of our larger countertop dispensers or recycle the used aluminum cartridge and insert a new one. No mess. No waste.

Tackling Plastic Pollution

We’re committed to reducing plastic waste because the numbers are staggering:

• 400+ million tons of plastic are produced annually.
• 50% of that is single-use.
• Less than 9% is ever recycled.
• More than 14 million tons end up in the ocean each year.

Our refill system significantly reduces waste by utilizing recyclable aluminum cartridges and durable containers designed to last. It’s a slight shift with a significant impact, and it’s just the beginning. Advocacy and Action

We’re not just here to sell sunscreen, we're here to change the norm. B.Wild Outside is part of a growing movement to challenge business-as-usual and push for a more sustainable future.

That means speaking up, supporting outdoor stewardship, and building a community that cares deeply about the wild spaces we all love.

The Bottom Line

Sunscreen can be both powerful and planet-friendly. With the right ingredients, better packaging, and a whole lot of passion, we’re redefining what it means to protect yourself and the places you play.

B.Wild Outside is about more than sun care it’s about care, period. So the next time you head outside, ask yourself:

Can your sunscreen do more? Ours can.