Our take
Why We Trust This Brand
Manda earns a high ingredient score for a genuinely simple, mineral-only formula: 20% non-nano zinc oxide plus edible organic ingredients and thanaka, with zero chemical filters or synthetic fragrance. It loses a point because the cinnamon essential oil can irritate sensitive skin and it isn't EWG-Verified. On independence it scores near the top, a small, surfer-founded brand we found no outside institutional capital for. Just know the paste applies thick and leaves a visible tinted layer by design.
What's inside
Ingredients & Safety
Sole active is 20% non-nano zinc oxide with no chemical UV filters. The base is ~70% organic (coconut oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, cacao, shea) plus thanaka bark powder for extra antioxidant benefit. It is not fragrance-free: it contains cinnamon essential oil, and the cacao gives a natural chocolate scent and brown tint that leaves a visible layer.
Certifications
We read every line on this label. Nothing here is on our watch or caution list — no synthetic fragrance, no flagged chemicals.
Full Ingredient List
- Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 20%
- Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
- Organic Cera Alba (Beeswax)
- Organic Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
- Thanaka
- Organic Theobroma Cacao (Cacao) Powder
- Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
- Organic Cinnamomum (Cinnamon) Oil
Prefer a spotless pick? Stream2Sea in Sunscreen & Sun Care is Clean Verified — every ingredient clean, with no recalls or lawsuits on record.
Who owns it
Ownership & Independence
Manda (Manda Naturals) was co-founded around 2016 by professional surfer/filmmaker Cyrus Sutton, who is also head formulator, alongside collaborators from the Korduroy.tv surf community. It remains a small, privately held independent brand; we found no venture funding or acquisition on record. Its exact headquarters is ambiguous, business databases list Encinitas, CA, while products are made in the Columbia River Gorge.
Where to buy
Key Products
- Organic Sun Paste SPF 50 View on Amazon →
- Organic Sun Cream SPF 50 View on Amazon →
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions never influence scores.