After nearly three decades in business, Jamaican manufacturer Ayrtons Distributors is continuing to grow its cosmetic offerings, most recently with the launch of its defyAGE Sunscape Sunscreen under its skincare brand.

The sunscreen is an SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen formulated to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, reducing premature ageing and sunburn.

According to Jodi-Lee Oakley, sales and marketing coordinator at the company, one of the key features of the product is that it leaves no white cast, an issue commonly reported by people with darker skin tones.

“We realised that that is an issue that a lot of women with melanin skin have. They find that, yes, the sunscreen may be nice, but it leaves a white cast or a white residue on their face. Based on the reviews that we’ve been getting, no white cast,” Oakley told Observer Online.

The sunscreen provides approximately 97 per cent protection from UVB rays. Oakley noted that while higher SPF numbers may appear more protective, the difference in coverage between SPF 30 and higher ratings, such as SPF 50, is minimal.

“The key to sunscreen is reapplication,” she said, encouraging users to reapply every two hours for optimal protection.

The product is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it suitable for use in hot or humid conditions. It can be used on both the face and body and is designed for all genders.

Ayrtons is a family-owned business which began 29 years ago under the leadership of founder Dorothy Finlayson. What started as a pharmaceutical distribution enterprise has since expanded into the fast-growing beauty and personal care sector.

Over time, the company built a reputation with household staples such as cocoa body oils, cocoa body butters and Epsom salts. The salts, including scented varieties, are widely distributed across Jamaica.

More recently, the company introduced its defyAGE skincare line, a facial care range designed to address common skin concerns through a structured routine. The line features a three-step system consisting of a cleanser, toner and moisturiser, alongside a growing range of targeted serums.

“The serums are to target specific skin conditions that persons may have. So, from dry skin, acne-prone skin, if you have dark spots, hyperpigmentation, if you have wrinkles, fine lines, there is a serum that has been created to target those issues,” Oakley explained.

In 2025, the company introduced its Salicylic Acne Care products featuring a two per cent salicylic serum and a one per cent acne solution, aimed at helping people dealing with more severe breakouts.

“The salicylic is designed to target that and to bring relief and to help to create a smooth surface, reduce the whiteheads, the blackheads, and it is very gentle but effective to deal with the acne or the breakout,” she continued.

Within the defyAGE routine, the sunscreen serves as the final step after cleansing, toning, applying a serum and moisturising.

“So it starts with the cleanser, follow up that with the toner, you then use a serum of your choice — whatever specific skin issue you may be having, say if you feel like you need to use the Alpha Arbutin, which is a serum used for dark spots, you can insert that as the third step. You then would follow up with the moisturiser and end with the sunscreen,” Oakley explained.

“And basically, what the sunscreen does is just lock in the moisture that you would have gotten from the previous products and whatever nourishing ingredient that is in it, it would lock that in,” she continued.

The defyAGE Sunscape Sunscreen includes ingredients such as vitamin E and ceramides, which help maintain hydration and support the skin barrier, particularly important in tropical climates where sun exposure can dry out the skin.

“It provides that extra layer of protection, keeps your skin soft, keeps your skin hydrated…You want when you leave your house, you’re confident and you don’t feel insecure about what your skin is looking like,” Oakley shared. “It is lightweight so it doesn’t feel heavy on your skin. It provides your skin with a nice afterglow, and we’re in the Caribbean, we all like to look dewy and glowing, but not oily, and so the sunscreen is not oily.”

Ayrtons distributes its products islandwide through pharmacies, beauty supply stores and selected supermarkets. The company also supplies wholesalers, spas and dermatologists, many of whom use the products during treatments and recommend them to clients.

Oakley added that accessibility and affordability remain central to the brand’s approach.

“We have been able to achieve a cost-friendly price point and still maintain the quality for our consumers to use and include in their day-to-day routine. And of course, it’s a Jamaican product, made in Jamaica by Jamaicans for Jamaicans because we live here, we know the issues and so we have tried to come with this product to give you that resolve for your skin care issues, specifically sunscreen,” she explained.

The sales and marketing coordinator also pointed to a common misconception that people with darker skin do not need sunscreen.

“Sunscreen is very important [in protecting] against premature ageing, wrinkles, skin cancer. There are so many factors… With sunscreen being inserted in your day-to-day skin care routine, you will see an immediate glow over a period of time. Your skin will feel more hydrated and just overall feel better.”

Early feedback from retailers and consumers has been positive, she added, with many highlighting the sunscreen’s lightweight feel, pleasant scent and lack of white residue.

“They say it’s lightweight. It feels good on their skin. It doesn’t feel heavy. It has a nice smell,” Oakley said. “Persons have been loving the price point as well. Based on what other brands sell their products for, we are at a reasonable position and persons are satisfied with the price point that we’ve set.”

The Ayrtons Distributors head office in Kingston.