Our Solar Buddies Story

Hello... Meet Kelli & Laura!

"We are incredibly proud of how far Solar Buddies has come. What started as an idea over ten years ago has grown into a real-life product loved by families around the world. Our award-winning refillable sunscreen applicator has not only made kids’ sun safety easier and more enjoyable, but it has also allowed us to share valuable knowledge about sun protection and eco-friendly sun care along the way—a journey that has been both rewarding and inspiring."

 

"As we look ahead, our new chapter is an exciting step forward. While our passion for innovation in family sun care continues, and new sustainable sun safety products are already in development, this moment gives us the chance to pause and thank you. To our customers—past, present, and future—your support of Solar Buddies and everything we stand for means more than words can express. From protecting children in schools to making family holidays safer under the sun, your trust keeps our mission alive. Thank you for being part of the Solar Buddies story."

Kelli & Laura

Kelli Aspland & Laura Waters / Owners & Founders of Solar Buddies

How It All Began...

Founded in 2011 by Kelli and Laura, Solar Buddies Ltd was created from their shared passion for children’s sun safety. Faced with the challenge of helping their kids apply sunscreen independently within strict school no-touch policies, they developed the Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator—the world’s first child-friendly, refillable sunscreen applicator. This innovative sun care solution quickly gained recognition among parents, schools, and caregivers, filling a widespread need for safer, easier, and more effective family sun protection products.

Understanding how difficult it can be to ensure proper coverage, Kelli and Laura designed the applicator to be user-friendly, mess-free, and fun. With a vibrant range of colours and a reusable refill system, the Solar Buddies applicator turns sunscreen application into an enjoyable routine. By making sun care simple and engaging, the brand helps children build lifelong habits of sun safety, while also offering a more eco-friendly alternative to single-use sunscreen bottles.

Plans For The Future 

The future of Solar Buddies is focused on growth, sustainability, and innovation. Alongside our award-winning refillable sunscreen applicator, we’re expanding into a wider range of eco-friendly travel and beauty products designed to solve everyday challenges for families and individuals on the go. This year, you’ll see the launch of several exciting new sustainable sun care and beauty essentials in our shop—so keep an eye out for what’s coming next.

 

Founders Kelli and Laura remain committed to making Solar Buddies a truly sustainable business. Our sunscreen applicators are now made using 94% recycled plastic, and we continue to reduce packaging waste wherever possible. As a brand, we proudly advocate for kids’ sun safety education and planet-conscious choices, offering a reusable alternative to traditional sunscreen bottles. By reducing waste and inspiring eco-conscious consumerism, we’re helping families protect both their skin and the planet.

 

The Solar Buddies journey has also been celebrated worldwide, with features on international TV and a recent appearance on Dragons’ Den, where we secured investment from Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden. We’re delighted to welcome both Peter and Deborah to the Solar Buddies team, and we are truly grateful for the incredible support they bring as we continue to grow our mission of delivering sustainable sun care solutions.

 Dragon's Den

The plan moving forward is to continue growing the Solar Buddies brand while expanding into a wider range of sustainable travel products and innovative beauty essentials designed to solve everyday pain points for families on the go. This year, several exciting new sun care and beauty products will be launching in our shop—so keep an eye out for the latest additions to the Solar Buddies collection.

Founders Kelli and Laura are deeply committed to making Solar Buddies a more sustainable business. Our award-winning refillable sunscreen applicators are now made from 94% recycled plastic, and we’re actively reducing packaging waste. As a brand, we champion kids’ sun safety education while offering eco-friendly, reusable alternatives to traditional sunscreen packaging—helping families protect their skin and the planet at the same time.

Our journey has also been celebrated on TV screens worldwide, with a standout moment being our appearance on Dragons’ Den, where we secured investment from Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden. We are proud to welcome Peter and Deborah into the Solar Buddies team and are truly grateful for the incredible support they bring as we continue to grow our mission of planet-conscious sun care.