About Us

Born in Sweden. Proven in the Himalayas. Made in the U.S.A.

Since 1981, Dermatone has been trusted by athletes, professionals, and everyday outdoor enthusiasts for high-performance skin protection in the world’s most demanding environments. From sun and high UV exposure to extreme cold, wind, and dry, our products are engineered to perform when your skin is pushed to the limit.

Whether you’re on the mountain, on the water, or out all day, Dermatone delivers long-lasting protection that won’t quit. Our science-driven formulas are built to protect, hydrate, and restore—helping your skin stay resilient through extended exposure to the elements.

Just as important, consistent sun protection plays a critical role in reducing the risk of skin damage and skin cancer over time. Dermatone is designed to help you stay protected during the moments that matter most: when exposure is highest and protection is essential.

Tested in extreme conditions—from Mount Everest to Death Valley—and trusted everywhere in between, Dermatone is built for those who spend more time outside and expect more from their protection.

Our mission is simple: to create durable, high-performance sunscreens and skin balms that stand up to the elements, and help defend your skin against the long-term effects of sun exposure.

Because long days outside demand protection you can trust.

See You Outside!

Defending Your Skin Since 1981

Naturally, Dermatone was born in the mountains.

Like so many things, it all started in the ’80s…

Ric Nelson, then an executive at a pharmaceutical giant, was enjoying a weeklong high-altitude skiing expedition in the mountains of Sweden. But to his dismay, his supposedly top-notch skin protection had been failing miserably. He was, to put it mildly, burnt.

Then the weather turned.

Suddenly, sun and snow blindness weren’t the only concerns. Wind and cold moved in with a vengeance.

Luckily, his ski partner was a shrewd Swedish pharmacist who’d created an amazing balm designed to fight not only sunburn but windburn, chapping, and even frostbite. He knew how to save his skin, no matter what nature might throw at him. So the day, and Ric’s face, were saved by this brilliant balm, while the other teams suffered frostbite (no kidding).

As you might expect, Ric as a businessman was convinced that the pharmacist’s balm was a golden ticket—and he soon bought the original Swedish formula, quit his job, and founded Dermatone. What follows is a story of wild success. (Our iconic tin has been to the wildest places on earth.) But, more important, we’ve realized our mission of giving you happier, healthier-looking skin while fighting skin cancer.

Used by you, your neighbors, Navy SEALs, Olympic athletes, Ski Patrol and so many more, Dermatone is designed to serve and save your skin.

Healthy Skin, Healthy You

Dermatone’s passion is creating skin-care products that empower you to work and play outdoors with confidence. Getting outside is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, and we want your skin to feel as happy out there as you do.

Sun Protection

With a range of SPFs (sun-protection factors), Dermatone has you covered no matter the activity or exposure.

Moisturizing

Every Dermatone product moisturizes your skin as it protects.

Medicated

Most Dermatone products are formulated to heal as they defend.

CRUELTY-FREE

Rest assured that no Dermatone product has been tested on animals (except adventure junkies).

paraben-free

You won’t find any of these unnecessary and overused preservative acids in your favorite Dermatone product.

Fragrance-Free

Select Dermatone products have zero fragrance, so you have more control over how you smell (or don’t want to smell, if you’re a fisherman or hunter).

Reef-Safe

All Dermatone products are oxybenzone-free, and all of our mineral products are reef-safe. Ocean reef preservation is a key part of Dermatone’s sustainability strategy.

non-greasy

Dermatone products apply smoothly, evenly, and grease-free, so your skin feels good—and looks good.

Natural

Dermatone prioritizes the use of natural ingredients and is committed to reaching its ambitious sustainability goals by the end of the decade.

SWEAT- & WATER-RESISTANT

Most Dermatone products are formulated to be sweat- and water-resistant, keeping you safer under the sun longer.

LONGER-LASTING

Dermatone formulas are built to last, resisting water, sweat, and extreme weather.

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

All Dermatone balms, lotions, and sticks are proudly made in the United States.

Climate Label Certified

Dermatone is serious about our commitment to protecting the planet, and we are proud to be officially recognized as The Climate Label Certified by the Change Climate Project, the leading independent organization dedicated to climate action certification.

Ambassadors

Our team of athletes, adventurers, photographers, and outdoor lovers inspires us every day with their commitment to get outside and do amazing things, pursuing their passions from first light to dusk and beyond.