Beauty Boss: Mama Sol Co-Founder Arielle Moody Saw a Need for Clean, Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen—So She Set Out to Create It
Arielle Moody.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Arielle Moody, Co-Founder of Mama Sol—a 100% mineral sunscreen brand that is safe for all skin types as well as pregnant and nursing moms. When she met Tahlia Disisto, the two mothers instantly connected through their shared concern over a need for safer sunscreen options—something they both agreed was missing on the market.
With Disisto’s expertise working in customer service for e-commerce brands and Moody’s professional background as a beauty sales trainer for major brands like Smashbox and Dr. Perricone as well as Head of Product Development for Skinn Cosmetics, the two entrepreneurs decide to join forces to create Mama Sol.
The Best Sunscreen Products for Your Face and Body
Mama Sol’s product line includes sunscreen for the face and body, in addition to tinted lip oils that provide sun protection. Their ingredients combine the best of skincare science and powerful antioxidants to protect skin and enhance its natural glow. All of the brand’s formulas are clean, vegan, cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, and beneficial for the environment with recyclable glass bottle packaging.
We chatted with Moody who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, best advice, and much more.
Mama Sol’s 100% Mineral Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 ($48) is a 3-in-1 product with sun protection, moisturizer, and makeup primer.
When was Mama Sol founded and what does the name mean?
Mama Sol was founded in 2017 but launched in 2023. The name is a tribute to both motherhood, Mother Earth and the sun—three powerful forces that nurture, protect, and sustain life.
What inspired the creation of your brand?
The beauty industry is wildly unregulated, and when I became pregnant, I felt a deep responsibility to understand what was truly safe for me and my baby. I quickly learned that sunscreen, something I had always considered protective, was actually one of the most toxic categories in the industry.
Many formulas contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that have been found in breast milk. That was a big wake-up call. I searched for a mineral sunscreen that was both safe and luxurious, but I couldn’t find one I genuinely loved using. That’s when I knew: if it didn’t exist, I had to create it.
Mama Sol’s Bodybrella 100% Mineral Hydrating Milk SPF 40 ($44) is a lightweight, water-resistant body sunscreen that melts into skin in seconds.
Do you have a hero product?
Our 100% Mineral Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30. It's a silicone-free, 3-in-1 daily 100% mineral sunscreen with SPF 30, moisturizer, and makeup primer packed in a recyclable glass bottle. It goes on white so you can see where you have applied it and don't miss a spot and with the warmth of your fingers, blends into skin in seconds.
Favorite products from the brand?
I love all of them equally. We only have three different formulas (for now): one for face, lip (two shades), and body and they are all equally as important. People often forget to protect the skin on the body so I suggest keeping it on your vanity as a reminder and at the very least apply it to the arms, hands, neck, and décolletage.
Where are your products sold?
On our website and and at luxury spas and hotels like the Four Seasons, Fairmont, Planet Hollywood, Ocean Reef Club, and Carmel Valley Ranch, just to name a few.
Future plans for the brand?
Big things. We’re launching two new formulas next spring and are on a mission to shake up the suncare space even more. Stay tuned!
Who inspires you?
My mom. She is a world-renowned eye and laser cosmetic surgeon and is also one of our co-founders at Mama Sol. My mom was the only woman out of 55 men during her residency at Johns Hopkins. She taught me one of my most important lessons when it comes to your finances: Never depend on anyone but yourself!
Secret to success?
My relentless passion and unwavering belief in what I'm building.
Mama Sol Lipbrella 100% Mineral Tinted Lip Oil SPF 20 ($34) is an ultra-hydrating tinted lip oil treatment that protects and softens lips.
Beauty secrets?
Wearing sunscreen everyday is the foundation of my routine, not an afterthought.
Hydration is key. I prioritize moisture and nourishment from the inside out using intensely hydrating creams to drinking only water—no juices or sodas.
“Less is more” is a philosophy I live by when it comes to beauty. In a world filled with constant new trends and overwhelming product options, I believe in the power of minimalism, focusing on quality over quantity. Rather than jumping on the latest beauty fads, I prioritize core products that are effective, sustainable, and timeless.
Wellness tips?
I use an app called Pause. It's a guided breathwork app that has truly changed my life. After completing a 25-minute session, my body is tingling and any stuck energy or emotions I have been holding in instantly release and allow me to have a much better day and better sleep.
I see skincare as a ritual, not a chore. I use it as my time to breathe deep and give myself a self-care moment.
Healthy skin starts with a healthy lifestyle and I prioritize movement throughout my day, from daily walks with my dog and running around with the kids to early morning yoga and Pilates.
Best advice?
Don't wait for the perfect moment to follow your dreams, take action and be bold, even when things feel uncertain. Stay aligned with your vision and let that intention guide your actions. There will always be obstacles, but if you trust the process and visualize your success, the universe will conspire to bring the right opportunities to you.
How do you like to relax?
I love a good bath or a sauna—anything that reminds me to breathe.
For more information about Mama Sol, visit their website and follow on Instagram: @shopmamasol
[Images courtesy of Mama Sol]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk