Seth Nelson, cofounder of Sol Labs, was just 27 years old when diagnosed with early-stage melanoma. He recovered and describes the experience in “Seize Your Destiny: A Path Defined by Moments & Seconds.” Nelson didn’t stop at writing. He created Sol Labs, introduced a full range of products and unleashed a blistering campaign on the state of the suncare industry.

Happi: What’s wrong with the current sun care market and formulas?

Nelson: The biggest problem? Sunscreen hasn’t evolved. The formulas, the regulations, the way it’s marketed—it’s all outdated. The FDA hasn’t approved a new UV filter in over 25 years, while places like Europe and South Korea are lightyears ahead with modern, effective and skin-friendly formulations. Meanwhile, many US sunscreens still rely on chemical filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate, ingredients that have been banned in other countries for their potential hormone-disrupting effects and environmental damage.

But beyond the ingredients, the user experience is broken. Most traditional sunscreens feel like a chore—sticky, heavy, greasy and often leaving an uncomfortable residue. No one enjoys wearing them daily, which is a huge issue because daily sun protection is the foundation of long-term skin health. The industry has treated sunscreen as something you slather on at the beach, not an everyday essential like moisturizer or serum. That’s the mentality that needs to change.

Happi: What makes Sol Labs’ formulas different?

Nelson: We didn’t set out to make just another sunscreen. We set out to fix everything wrong with it.

At Sol Labs, we refused to compromise. We knew we had to work within the FDA’s mineral-only approval list, so we challenged ourselves to make 100% mineral sunscreen that performs like high-end skincare. No white cast. No greasy feel. No excuses. We re-engineered zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to blend seamlessly into all skin tones—without that heavy, chalky texture people hate.

But we didn’t stop at protection. Sunscreen should do more. Our formulas are infused with high-level ingredients and botanicals to actively work to hydrate, nourish, and repair your skin while protecting it. We’re not just blocking UV rays—we’re improving your skin with every use. It’s a true skincare-first approach that takes sun protection beyond just defense.

And most importantly, we made sunscreen that fits real life. Sol Labs isn’t just for vacations or pool days—it’s made for your morning routine, your workouts, your commutes and your weekends in the mountains. It’s daily protection that feels good, looks good, and works effortlessly into your lifestyle.

We’re not just making better sunscreen—we’re changing how people think about it.

Happi: How do you change a market that is regulated by the US FDA?

Nelson: You work smarter. You innovate within the system. And you educate consumers.

Look, the FDA moves at a glacial pace. We’re still waiting for approvals on UV filters that other countries have been using for years. But rather than waiting around, we focused on what we CAN do—taking the best FDA-approved mineral filters and formulating them to rival the performance of chemical sunscreens—without the risks.

Beyond the formulas, we’re changing the conversation around sunscreen. The industry has spent decades pushing the idea that SPF is just for summer, just for beach days. That’s outdated thinking. Sun care is skin care. In the same way you wouldn’t skip moisturizer or cleanser; you shouldn’t skip sunscreen. We’re making that message loud and clear. We’re not waiting for the industry to catch up. We’re leading the charge.

For a look at what’s ahead for Summer 2025, click here.

To learn more about the latest in suncare research, click here.