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Freaks of Nature
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Freaks of Nature

Freaks of Nature

Performance-driven skincare for the outdoor athlete

Founded

2024

Founders

Kelly Slater

Social

Industries

Beauty & Personal Care

About the Brand

About

Freaks of Nature is a premium performance skincare brand created specifically for people who spend significant time outdoors—from surfers and climbers to runners, cyclists, skiers, and everyday adventurers. The brand develops clean, science-backed skincare that strengthens the skin barrier while protecting against environmental stressors such as UV exposure, wind, heat, sweat, pollution, and saltwater.

Its formulations combine biotechnology with naturally derived ingredients, emphasizing skin microbiome health, mineral sun protection, and sustainability. Beyond product performance, the brand prioritizes environmentally responsible packaging, including ocean-bound recycled plastics and reef-safe formulations.

Founding Story

Freaks of Nature was co-founded in 2024 by surfing legend and 11-time world champion Kelly Slater alongside venture studio Squared Circles, whose co-founders include Lukas Derksen, Osman Khan, and Alexander Gilkes. Kelly Slater Squared Circles Lukas Derksen

The idea originated from Slater's decades-long search for skincare that could withstand the demands of professional surfing without relying on ingredients that were harmful to people or the planet. Unable to find products that combined elite athletic performance with clean formulations, he partnered with Squared Circles to build a new category of skincare for outdoor athletes.

Inspired by nature's resilience and powered by advances in biomimicry and biotechnology, the brand launched with mineral sunscreens and barrier-supporting skincare designed to strengthen and protect the skin microbiome in extreme outdoor conditions. Its mission is rooted in helping athletes "go harder for longer" while respecting the environments where they play. The brand's philosophy is captured in its mission statement: "Protecting every surface of those who go deep."

Signature Products

Tap a product to view details and request a sample.

Daily Defender SPF30

Freaks of Nature

Beauty & Personal Care / Skincare

Responds within 24 hrs
Peak Performance Sun Stick SPF 50

Freaks of Nature

Beauty & Personal Care / Skincare

Responds within 24 hrs
Solar Shield SPF 30 Spray

Freaks of Nature

Beauty & Personal Care / Skincare

Responds within 24 hrs

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Team & Experts

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  • Kelly Slater is widely regarded as the greatest competitive surfer of all time. Born on February 11, 1972, in Cocoa Beach, he has won a record 11 World Surf League World Championships and more than 50 Championship Tour events over a career spanning three decades. His influence extends beyond surfing into sustainability, health, and entrepreneurship.

    In addition to his athletic achievements, Slater has founded or co-founded several purpose-driven companies, including sustainable apparel brand Outerknown, the Kelly Slater Wave Company (creator of the Surf Ranch artificial wave technology), and performance skincare brand Freaks of Nature. Across these ventures, he has consistently focused on environmental stewardship, innovation, and products designed for active lifestyles.

    Slater co-founded Freaks of Nature in 2024 alongside venture studio Squared Circles after decades of searching for skincare that could withstand the demands of professional surfing without relying on ingredients he considered harmful to people or the environment. Drawing on more than 30 years of constant sun, saltwater, and wind exposure, he helped develop a line of microbiome-supporting, 100% mineral, performance-driven skincare products specifically for outdoor athletes.

    Beyond business, Slater is an outspoken advocate for ocean conservation, longevity, and regenerative health. His passion for biohacking, clean ingredients, and sustainable product design heavily influences Freaks of Nature's mission to create high-performance skincare that protects both athletes and the natural environments where they train and compete.

Press Coverage

THE FILTERY

Aug 20, 2026

We Tried 12 Natural & Mineral Sunscreens. Here's What We'd Recommend

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EMERGENT LAYER

Aug 10, 2026

The State of Sun Care

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INTELLIGENCER

Jul 27, 2026

All the Non-Whitening Mineral Sunscreens We Love

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RUN OREGON

Jul 26, 2026

Be a Nature Freak with Freaks of Nature

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MEN'S HEALTH

Jul 20, 2026

Sunscreen Is About to Suck a Lot Less - And I Couldn't Be More Excited

Read

SURFER MAGAZINE

Jul 20, 2026

2026 SURFER Awards: Best Sun Protection Of The Year

Read

MEN'S FITNESS

Jul 5, 2026

Max Jolliffe's 240 Mile Mindset: The Recovery, Discipline, and Daily Habits

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BACKPACKER

Jun 30, 2026

The Gear That Backpacker's Editors Loved in June 2026

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YAHOO SHOPPING

Jun 29, 2026

Best Sun Protection for Surfers 2026: Sunscreen, Rashguards and More

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FIELD MAG

Jun 29, 2026

Reflections From an 18-Mile Hut-to-Hut Hike in the Rugged Pemi Wilderness

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REAL SIMPLE

Jun 28, 2026

Dermatologists Share Which Sunscreens They Wear on a Daily Basis (June 2026)

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INSIDEHOOK

Jun 25, 2026

These Travel-Size Essentials Still Pack a Punch

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SURFER MAGAZINE

Jun 18, 2026

Bettylou Sakura Johnson on Tour Confidence and Progression

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SAN FRANCISCO GATE

Jun 16, 2026

13 road trip essentials that make long drives a lot easier

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LAUREN SANDS

May 22, 2026

The Ultimate Summer Sunblock Guide

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MEN'S JOURNAL

May 18, 2026

2026 Men's Journal Grooming Awards: We Tested the Best Products

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GOLF DIGEST

May 11, 2026

Father's Day Golf Gift Guide: Everything dad needs to prep for summer

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GO FUG YOURSELF

May 11, 2026

Your Holy Grail: Sunscreen

Read

WELLWORTHY

May 4, 2026

Freaks of Nature drops two new mineral SPFs for full-body coverage

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REAL SIMPLE

Apr 24, 2026

Dermatologists Share Which Sunscreens They Wear on a Daily Basis (April 2026)

Read

CNN

Apr 18, 2026

Feeling less than fresh? Upgrade your daily routine with these editor favorites

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E! NEWS

Apr 12, 2026

Prevent Sunburns With These Must-Have Sunscreens

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WELLWORTHY

Mar 18, 2026

Freaks of Nature created an electrolyte to protect you from the sun

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INSIDEHOOK

Mar 17, 2026

5 Exceptional Grooming Products Worth the Splurge

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MEN'S HEALTH

Mar 15, 2026

The 2026 Men's Health Grooming Awards

Read

GQ

Mar 8, 2026

Don't Be the Guy With a Meme-Worthy Grooming Routine

Read

FITT INSIDER

Feb 23, 2026

Outdoor Sports Fuel Performance Skincare

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EVERY QUEER

Feb 2, 2026

Masc Valentine's Gifts They'll Actually Love

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MEN'S HEALTH

Dec 29, 2025

I'm a Grooming Editor - This New $82 Scent Is the Best Vanilla Fragrance

Read

GQ

Dec 16, 2025

The 19 Products That Changed My Life This Year

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SUP CONNECT

Nov 29, 2025

Holiday SUP Gift & Gear Guide 2025

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CULTURED MAGAZINE

Nov 25, 2025

The Only Gift Guide You Need to Win Over the Chicest Person in Your Life

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SURFER MAGAZINE

Nov 24, 2025

The Best Black Friday Deals for Surfers, Travelers, and Gear Junkies

Read

WELLWORTHY

Nov 3, 2025

Freaks of Nature introduces Everyday Endurance, a microbiome supplement

Read

Asset Library

Editorial-ready assets. All images cleared for press use with credit.