our story

Aussie-inspired, dermatologist-developed. Project Sunscreen was founded in 2016 when two moms, CEO Rachel Henderson, who has a background in public health and education, and Dr. Ashley Magovern, a renowned Los Angeles dermatologist, wanted to create a better sunscreen for their kids and family. Here’s their story... 

meet the creators

RACHEL HENDERSON
co-founder & ceo

A native of New Zealand and Australia—two countries with some of the harshest sun conditions in the world—Rachel learned early on that sunscreen use is a must. Now, raising two young kids in Southern California, she saw a need to encourage sun-safety habits and wanted to develop an effective product that kids will actually want to use. Her background in public health and clinical research provided the perfect foundation for developing a new sunscreen.

Finding a sunscreen that was easy to use and didn’t cause skin sensitivity issues was challenging. Whenever Rachel visited New Zealand and Australia, she’d bring back her favorite roll-on sunscreens. These became the go-to sunscreen for all her family and friends, since they were quick, easy to use, and fun. She shared her idea with her dermatologist friend Ashley, and they decided to combine their talents and create Project Sunscreen.

ASHLEY MAGOVERN, MD
co-founder & board-certified dermatologist

Specializing in general, cosmetic, and pediatric dermatology at her own private practice, Manhattan Dermatology in Manhattan Beach, Dr. Magovern sees a variety of skin conditions that could have been prevented if her patients had used sunscreen and managed time in the sun when they were younger. She knows the importance of sunscreen on children. Just two blistering sunburns as a child dramatically increase your risk of melanoma, the deadly kind of skin cancer.

As the mother of two young girls, Dr. Magovern wanted to make sure that whatever they use is good for them—and actually works. She and Rachel decided to create a mineral-based sunscreen which provides the broadest range of UV protection and is safe on skin of all types. Mineral (or physical) sunscreens are less irritating to skin and don’t contain chemicals that many parents are trying to avoid. They made sure to include ingredients that soothe, calm, and protect skin of all ages, tones, and types.