Mariola Urgellés
Sunspectra
Every year, tonnes of perfectly edible produce are thrown away simply because they are misshapen, bruised and deemed unfit for sale in supermarkets. This sad truth causes loss for farmers trying to stay afloat. At the same time, our oceans bear the brunt of harmful chemicals found in everyday cosmetics and sunscreens that come into contact with its water.
Transforming blemished papayas into ocean-safe skincare
The conception of Sunspectra was conceived on a quiet beach in Costa Rica, sparked by a simple question: could skincare be more thoughtful towards people, the planet, and the systems that connect them? Founded by chemical engineer Mariola Urgellés, Sunspectra connects agriculture and environmental care, and transforms rejected papayas into high-performance, reef-safe sunscreen. The company works directly with small-scale farmers, creating new income streams from produce that would otherwise go to waste.
It’s a solution where everyone wins: the land, the sea, and the communities in between.
Science, sustainability, and skin that glows
Developed in collaboration with the Center for Research in Natural Products (Ciprona) at the University of Costa Rica, Sunspectra’s mineral sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection without compromising marine life. Every formula is 100% reef-friendly, which are free from harmful chemicals that bleach coral reefs and poison aquatic ecosystems.
From compostable cardboard packaging to refillable containers, the entire lifecycle of every Sunspectra product is designed with sustainability in mind. The company also reinvests a portion of profits into reef conservation, partnering with Marine Conservation to fund coral restoration projects.
In just a few short years, Sunspectra has grown from a local idea to a national force, with 70 points of sale across Costa Rica and an annual turnover of $100,000. Today, its core audience, spanning eco-conscious young women, seek more than clean ingredients; they want clean oceans, thriving farms, and a future where beauty leaves nothing behind but good.
Key project results
Tonnes of papaya waste reused
Plastic containers avoided
Coral reef sections adopted
Extra income generated for small local producers
Carbon dioxide emissions mitigated
Sunspectra is a sustainable beauty startup transforming agricultural byproducts into
high-performance cosmetics.
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Sunspectra is a sustainable beauty startup transforming agricultural byproducts into high-performance cosmetics.
