Dune

Name: Dune
Brand: USA
Availability: OutOfStock

since2021 : SPF as Beauty

Dune Suncare was born in 2021, a culmination of both frustration and vision. Co-founders Mei Kwok, a surfer and DJ, and Emily Doyle, an event-production and marketing professional, realized during the COVID-19 lockdown that sunscreen was overdue for reinvention. Mei, tired of paying for expensive formulas that left a heavy white cast, dreamed of a sunscreen that was clear, effective, and inclusive. Emily’s beauty-industry expertise complemented Mei’s creative eye and lifestyle, and together they set out to build the brand they couldn’t find on the shelf.

Their goal was ambitious: to make SPF that works for every skin tone, doubles as skincare, and looks as good on a bathroom shelf as it feels on the skin. From the outset, inclusivity, performance, and design were integral to the DNA of Dune Suncare.

about Dune

Dune defines itself as “SPF as beauty” — sunscreen that is not a chore but an essential part of daily self-care. The formulas are designed to blend seamlessly on every complexion, leaving no chalky residue, while delivering real skincare benefits, such as hydration and antioxidant protection. The brand’s ethos blends inclusivity (clear gels for all skin tones), accessibility (premium performance at approachable pricing), and style (playful packaging, nostalgic colorways, even QR codes linking to curated DJ playlists).

The result is SPF reimagined as both functional protection and a cultural accessory, something you want to use, not just need to. By pairing dermatologist-tested performance with creative design, Dune has carved out a space where sun protection and beauty converge.

Products

The Bod Guard SPF 30 Body Gel is Dune’s breakout product. It is invisible on all skin tones, dermatologist-tested, reef-compliant, and enriched with hibiscus, neem, ginger, and vitamin E for hydration and antioxidant defense. Vogue has praised it as a body SPF that works like a moisturizer.

The Mug Guard SPF 30 Face Gel builds on the same formula but with a lighter texture tailored for the face. It absorbs quickly, smooths fine lines, and calms redness without pilling, making it a sunscreen designed to play well with both makeup and bare skin.

Other standouts include Mineral Melt SPF 30 (a sheer mineral option with anti-aging benefits), Slip Stick (a solid stick with blue-light defense), Golden Guard (an SPF with a bronzing glow), and Lifeguard, an aloe-based after-sun gel. Travel-friendly mini sets, like The Jetsetter Gelly Pack, round out the offering.

Ingredients & Innovation

Dune’s formulas combine chemical UV filters (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene) with skin-loving botanicals. Hibiscus delivers hydration, neem and ginger promote clarity and elasticity, and vitamin E provides antioxidant defense. Both Bod Guard and Mug Guard share over two dozen carefully balanced ingredients to ensure hydration, brightness, and barrier support, all without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin.

Brand Highlights

Since launch, Dune has stood out for merging beauty aesthetics with serious sun care. The brand quickly secured retail partnerships with Ulta Beauty and Amazon, expanding its reach beyond DTC. It has been featured in Vogue and other major publications, and its playful approach, from nostalgic packaging to hotel collaborations that include QR-coded playlists, positions it as more than just sunscreen but as part of a lifestyle.

Behind the scenes, the founders navigated early supply chain hurdles and vendor challenges during the pandemic, utilizing resilience and creativity to strike a balance between accessibility and high performance. Their story has been celebrated across beauty and business platforms as a model of inclusive innovation.

where to find

Dune sells directly through its website, offering flexible subscription options that make reordering easy for loyal fans. Its products are also stocked at Ulta Beauty, where they meet sustainable packaging standards, and are sold through Amazon for wide access. Beyond retail, Dune partners with luxury hotels and cultural platforms, embedding SPF into lifestyle experiences that connect design, music, and wellness.