EK Kawakawa sunscreen: The 18-year journey to perfecting our formula

A 100% natural sunscreen that offers SPF50 protection while blending seamlessly into the skin was once dismissed by laboratories worldwide. But Jules Bright, the founder of Earth’s Kitchen, refused to give up.

She spent 18 years researching and perfecting her natural sunscreen formula, pursuing what scientists once called “impossible.” Beyond a high-performance sunscreen, EK Kawakawa represents the story of a woman who spent decades learning, testing, and standing firm in her belief in the healing power of nature.

A journey rooted in faith in nature

Before founding Earth’s Kitchen, Jules Bright spent 15 years as a surgical nurse, managing a surgical ward in London. While her medical background gave her a deep, professional understanding of human health, Jules always felt a strong calling to explore nature and traditional healing methods passed down through generations.

The turning point came during her time in India. After a serious motorbike accident far from hospitals and modern medical supplies, local villagers stepped in to help. They treated her wounds entirely with ingredients from nature: washing them with coconut milk, sterilizing them with fermented coconut toddy, serving warm herbal drinks in coconut shells, and gently placing fresh coconut flesh over her injuries.

This experience left a lasting impression on Jules. She witnessed firsthand how indigenous wisdom and natural remedies could gently and effectively restore the body. Driven by this realization, she spent the next 10 years studying traditional healing practices with indigenous communities around the world.

Combining her background in surgical nursing with formal qualifications in Medical Herbalism, Naturopathy, and the knowledge gathered from her travels, Jules developed a unique approach to skincare. This became the foundation for her journey to create a truly natural sunscreen.

18 years of overcoming doubt: “It’s impossible!”

Creating a natural sunscreen is notoriously difficult. But Jules set her standards even higher: a 100% natural formula that provides certified high SPF protection while leaving an invisible, silky finish on the skin. When she first shared her success, testing labs told her it couldn’t be done.

Undeterred by their skepticism, Jules spent 18 years refining and testing her formula. Her journey brought together 15 years of nursing experience, formal training in Medical Herbalism and Naturopathy, and deep respect for native plants.

This fusion birthed Earth’s Kitchen’s philosophy: Botanical Intelligence—combining indigenous plant wisdom with modern science to create gentle, effective skincare.

After nearly two decades, Jules achieved what others thought was impossible. That breakthrough is EK Kawakawa Sunscreen.

EK Kawakawa Sunscreen: Exceeding standards with 100% natural power

EK Kawakawa Sunscreen strikes the perfect balance between effective natural mineral filters, deep skin nourishment, and strict safety standards. Every detail of this formula is designed to protect sensitive skin while honoring a sustainable lifestyle.

Powered by native Kawakawa & Tamanu

Kawakawa and Tamanu are the core stars of our formula. Known as the “king of medicine” in New Zealand’s native Rongoā tradition, Kawakawa is rich in vitamins and minerals with natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tamanu – often called “green gold”- offers natural UV-absorbing qualities, calms inflammation, and supports healthy skin recovery.

Real-world protection tested at SPF 65.8

While labeled as SPF50 to meet international standards, EK Kawakawa achieved an actual lab-tested result of SPF 65.8. It offers broad-spectrum protection against sun damage and is gentle enough for daily use on all skin types, including hyper-sensitive skin.

Deeply hydrating without clogging pores

In addition to sun protection, EK Kawakawa keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day without feeling heavy or greasy. Its 100% natural composition blends easily without leaving a white cast, making it an effortless addition to your daily skincare routine.

2-hour water resistance

With up to 2 hours of water resistance, EK Kawakawa holds up during outdoor activities, swimming, and warm days, offering flexible, reliable protection whenever you need it.

The world’s first BioGro-certified natural sunscreen

EK Kawakawa is proud to be the world’s first sunscreen to achieve BioGro Natural Certification, alongside NATRUE certification for natural cosmetics. It is certified 100% natural, Non-GMO, and Cruelty-Free. These strict standards apply from raw ingredient sourcing to final production, ensuring complete transparency and zero “greenwashing.”

Reef-safe & ocean friendly

Every year, thousands of tons of chemical sunscreen wash into the ocean, bleaching and destroying fragile coral reefs. Countries and regions like Hawaii, Mexico, and Palau have already banned chemical sunscreens containing reef-toxic ingredients.

For Jules Bright, protecting human skin should never come at the cost of marine life. EK Kawakawa was created to ensure that every time you step into the ocean, you are wearing clean, nourishing ingredients that are completely safe for the delicate marine ecosystem.

The 18 years behind EK Kawakawa represent more than just a timeline. They reflect a deep respect for your skin, backed by medical knowledge and a genuine love for the planet.

When you choose EK Kawakawa, you aren’t just choosing a lightweight, invisible SPF50 sunscreen – you are choosing a conscious, sustainable way to protect yourself and the world around you.