About Solar Buddies
Solar Buddies revolutionised how children apply sunscreen, created by UK mums and best friends Kelli Aspland and Laura Waters. Their journey began in 2011 when both discovered their children's schools had "No Touch Policies" preventing teachers from helping with sunscreen application—leaving kids unable to protect themselves properly from the sun. Working with Cardiff Metropolitan University students, the pair developed a child-friendly sunscreen applicator combining a sponge and roller ball mechanism. The refillable design allows parents to use their preferred sunscreen brand while giving children independence in applying sun protection safely and mess-free. Solar Buddies caught the attention of Dragons' Den in 2023, where Peter Jones called it "really clever" and an excited Deborah Meaden foresaw "a huge business." Despite some scepticism, the founders secured £80,000 for 20% equity, split between Deborah and Peter. Their confidence proved well-founded—the business tripled net assets between 2021 and 2022, growing from £97,702 to £304,930 in a million-pound success story. Sustainability is built into the brand, with applicators now made from 94% recycled plastic and ongoing efforts to reduce packaging waste. UK shoppers can find Solar Buddies at Tesco, Boots, and Morrisons in blue and pink options. Grocefully helps you compare prices on these innovative sun protection tools that let kids take charge of their own sun safety.

