The Problem
When I moved to Tampa, I had a problem - I was suddenly in the sun almost every day unprepared. Most sunscreens were loaded with chemicals that do more harm than good or left that thick, pasty zinc cast I couldn’t stand. As an athlete and a student of sports medicine, I knew how important skin health and recovery were, yet I couldn’t find a natural product that felt good, performed well, or aligned with my values.
The Solution
With a background in sports medicine and autonomic response testing, I combined science, performance, and nature to design a formula that truly works. Island Butter was born - a 100 % natural, reef-safe sunscreen that ditches every “traditional” negative. No white cast. No chemical smell. No greasy film. Just a silky, antioxidant-rich blend that nourishes, hydrates, and gives your skin a radiant, golden glow worthy of a Greek god or goddess, wherever the sun shines.
The Philosophy
I realized the truth: nature already gives us everything we need to protect, heal, and thrive. My travels to over 40 countries showed me both the beauty of our planet and how fragile it can be. We wanted to build a brand that honors that balance - one that helps people explore freely while protecting what makes those adventures possible.
Each jar is crafted with love from Tampa, inspired by the sun, and designed for athletes, explorers, and sun-chasers alike.
Our Story:
Our Promise
Our formulas work in harmony with the earth, so every adventure you take leaves both you and the places you explore thriving. By choosing all-natural care, you’re not just treating your skin, you’re joining a movement to protect the wild beauty that inspires us.
Take Island Butter with you. Protect your skin. Preserve your playground.
FAQs
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Yes! Island Butter is designed to perform through every adventure, whether you’re surfing, hiking, or training outdoors. The natural beeswax in our formula creates a breathable barrier that helps it stay on through water and sweat, keeping your skin protected longer. (As with any natural sunscreen, reapply after swimming or towel-drying.)
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Not at all. Our mineral-based blend absorbs beautifully into every skin tone, leaving only a healthy, golden glow, never that chalky zinc look. Because Island Butter is concentrated and rich, a little goes a long way. Using more than needed may create a temporary light tint before it fully blends in.
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Absolutely. Island Butter doubles as a daily moisturizer rich in antioxidants and botanicals that hydrate, even tone, and nourish your skin year-round perfect for athletes, travelers, and everyday adventurers.
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Yes. We use non-nano minerals and natural oils that are safe for coral reefs and marine life. Our packaging is designed to be eco-friendly, using glass and Bamboo with minimal plastic components to reduce waste.
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Yes, Island Butter works beautifully as a daily tinted moisturizer, giving your skin a light, even tone and a healthy glow (think of it like a natural BB cream). The cocoa powder and zinc oxide create the soft tint, while coconut, olive, and cucumber seed oils hydrate and arrowroot powder keeps the finish balanced. Never greasy, always smooth.
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Yes. Our formula is gentle and free of synthetic fragrances, parabens, and harsh chemicals. If you have known sensitivities, we recommend a quick patch test first, you’ll likely find it soothing rather than irritating.
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Yes, Island Butter is non-comedogenic and formulated with ingredients that actually help balance and calm the skin.
Arrowroot powder absorbs excess oil and helps refine texture, making it great for acne-prone or combination skin. It also supports skin renewal, helping fade the appearance of past breakouts and scars.
Coconut and olive oils deliver hydration without clogging pores when blended with beeswax and arrowroot, together they create a breathable barrier that locks in moisture while allowing skin to detox naturally.
Cucumber seed oil is rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support the skin’s natural barrier.
Lavender oil adds gentle antibacterial and calming properties, which can help reduce redness and irritation.
Zinc oxide is naturally soothing and widely used in dermatology for its anti-inflammatory and healing effects. It helps calm active breakouts and supports recovery of acne-prone skin.
So not only is Island Butter safe for acne-prone skin, it’s actually beneficial. It supports clearer, healthier skin over time by balancing moisture, reducing irritation, and protecting against environmental stress.
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Reapply every 90 minutes of sun exposure or after towel-drying. This keeps your natural protection at its best.
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The 3.4 oz travel size usually lasts 4–6 weeks with daily use, while the 5 oz everyday jar lasts 2–3 months, depending on how much sun time you get.
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Island Butter is made from pure oils, waxes, and botanicals with no synthetic preservatives. When stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, it stays fresh for 8–10 months unopened and about 6–8 months after opening. If kept cool, many customers find it remains great for up to a year. For best results, store below 75 °F and always keep the lid tightly sealed.
“Island Butter is pure magic, so soothing and nourishing, it makes my skin feel amazing. Plus, it gives me a natural, sun-kissed glow that makes me look effortlessly radiant!"
-Sara H