Key points
- Ochre Sun manufactures high-protection sunscreens using botanicals sourced from Indigenous growers and Traditional Owners.
- Funding and research support from our Kick-Start program has been pivotal in advancing Ochre Sun’s product development.
- Founder Alana Kennedy's current focus is growing her team in Australia and expanding into the U.S. market.
Alana Kennedy, a proud Waanyi Kalkatungu woman from Mount Isa, is the founder of Ochre Sun. This skincare company combines traditional Indigenous knowledge with cutting-edge science.
Ochre Sun specialises in manufacturing high-protection sunscreens. The products incorporate botanicals sourced from Indigenous growers and Traditional Owners, who sustainably harvest the plants on Country.
Alana’s commitment to preserving ancient wisdom is at the heart of the business, and she’s determined to share the therapeutic benefits of native plants with the world.
"Native Australian plants carry immense potential and wisdom that has long been overlooked in mainstream sun and skincare. Everything we need, we already have," Alana said.
Kick-starting a transformative relationship
To realise her vision, Alana turned to our Kick-Start program. Our Kick-Start Program Manager, Dr Megan Sebben, worked with Alana to better understand Ochre Sun’s research and development requirements.
Megan then connected Alana with Dr Katherine Locock from our Biomedical Manufacturing Research Program. With funding and research support from the Kick-Start program, Katherine and her team conducted a six-month proof-of-concept study.
Our collaboration with Ochre Sun has been pivotal in advancing their product development.
Throughout the course of the project, the team explored the biological properties of native plants and developed innovative extraction methods to capture their bioactive ingredients. Bioactives are compounds that are present in the plant, which have some biological effect on our bodies.
These bioactives are essential to Ochre Sun’s unique formulations.
Preserving Indigenous wisdom and culture
Alana is dedicated to raising awareness of Indigenous culture and preserving the knowledge of her ancestors.
"Our vision goes beyond skincare. There is an ancient rhythm in Country, a remedy gifted to us culturally, and our purpose is to harness bush medicine and share it with the world," Alana said.
Commitment to ethical sourcing
Ochre Sun’s commitment to ethical sourcing ensures the plants used in its products are harvested with respect for both the land and Indigenous traditions.
This approach not only preserves cultural heritage but also maximises the economic benefits for Indigenous communities, creating an equitable Indigenous supply chain.
Alana hopes Ochre Sun’s practices will serve as a model for other businesses seeking to merge sustainability with cultural integrity.
Boosting global competitiveness through strategic funding
Our team’s deep scientific knowledge and attention to detail were crucial in helping Ochre Sun generate proof of concept data. This data was key to securing essential grants for their research and development (R&D) efforts.
This strategic advancement has positioned Ochre Sun uniquely in the marketplace.
“We've just secured a CSIRO Indigenous Research Grant, a milestone that will revolutionise our international approach and competitive strategy,” Alana said.
“This grant allows us to test our formulations with CSIRO, putting us on par with some of the largest skincare organisations globally.”
Expanding Ochre Sun’s reach
Alana's current focus is growing her team in Australia and expanding into the U.S. market. She is also passionate about creating opportunities for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in STEM, nurturing the next generation of Indigenous leaders in science and technology.
Our collaboration with Ochre Sun has given the company the tools it needs to share the benefits of native plants with the world while empowering Indigenous communities along the way.
As Alana looks to the future, she remains deeply grateful for the support she’s received.
"We could not have achieved our current milestones without the exceptional support of the CSIRO team," Alana said.
"Their work has been monumental in advancing our mission, and I am confident that together, we will continue to reach new heights."