June 19, 2026
Made in Belize, Crafted for the Reef
A conversation with the creator of Barrier, the reef-safe sunscreen that will help protect what we love.
The Belize Barrier Reef isn’t just one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, it’s one of the nation’s most treasured resources. It sustains tens of thousands of livelihoods and the national economy, protects the country’s coastlines, and is home to hundreds of marine species. Because of this, protecting the reef can’t rest on policy and conservation efforts alone; it starts with our everyday choices, from how we use plastics to what we put on our skin. For Hughette Saul, that realization came in two parts: first, witnessing coral bleaching firsthand in Mexico in 2015, and later, watching a documentary that linked sunscreen chemicals to reef damage. Together, those experiences pushed her to act.
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What inspired you to create Barrier?
HS: Witnessing coral-bleaching first hand was frightening. Compared to Belize’s vibrant reef, I felt depressed, but sometime later I came across a documentary that claimed sunscreen plays a role in coral-bleaching. This gave me hope because while I have no control over global warming, I felt like I could do something if sunscreen was also part of the problem.
Over time, I learnt about how toxic so many cosmetic products are, besides sunscreen. Women of African descent in particular suffer from higher rates of breast cancer because of the chemical ingredients in our hair products, and relaxers are not the only culprit. As a trained economist, I am angered by the fact that we run annual trade deficits because we import these toxic foods and cosmetic products that lead to many health issues, which then means we must pay for medical treatment. These treatments can drain the resources that took a lifetime to accumulate.
How did you decide on the name?
HS: I tried a few names, but somehow I came across Barrier randomly. I liked it because, at the time, we only had a formula for sunscreen, and Barrier represents many things. Your skin is a barrier, and the sunscreen is a barrier that protects you. Lastly, Belize has the second largest barrier reef, which is also protected by our product.
How long was the development process?
HS: It took years! I began research in July 2017. My formulas kept spoiling until 2020, and by the end of 2020, I completed an Organic Skincare course with the United Kingdom’s Centre of Excellence to ensure the product was truly ready to be sold.
What makes Barrier reef-safe/different from other options?
HS: We grow some ingredients used on an organic farm, meaning we avoid chemical fertilisers and chemical pesticides. We also leave out chemical ingredients. Barrier is made for sensitive skin, and it is so natural that you can eat it. It tastes good; it’s sweet.
What do you hope Barrier represents beyond just a sunscreen?
HS: Barrier is a health-conscious movement. Barrier is rebellious and is attempting to teach people about the source of a lot of their health issues – from our farming practices to the household brands that we trust. Barrier offers safety in a toxic world.
Is Barrier designed for face and body use?
HS: Yes, Barrier is designed for face and body. It is actually a wonderful primer. It keeps makeup in place nicely, even on the hottest of days.
Is it designed for all outdoor use?
HS: It is designed for daily use, sports and swimming. Because it is food for your skin, your skin absorbs it. Other sunscreens stay on your skin and slide off when you swim or sweat. Barrier clings to skin and offers at least four (4) hours of broad-spectrum protection.
What do you hope more people will understand about sunscreen and the ocean?
HS: I hope more people will understand that they play a role in protecting the environment. Sunscreen should be part of your daily routine, and using the wrong sunscreen can cause a lot of hormone-related problems for users and those around them, as well as the fish and corals.
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When it comes to protecting one of our greatest marine treasures in Belize, no choice is too small. So, while protecting our skin, we can also protect our reef.
Note: In addition to sunscreen, the brand makes other eco-friendly products, including pain-relief products, face and body scrubs, hair-growth products, and mouthwash, all of which the creator said are edible. These products can be purchased at Brodies on the Philip Goldson Highway in Belize City and Go Mart in San Pedro, or ordered directly through social media (search “Barrier” on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok) or via WhatsApp (+501-625-3248).
