My Block Skin wins $100K Draper grant for inclusive sunscreen
What's the deal? My Block SkinDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, an inclusive sun-care startup, won a $100,000 investment commitment from the Draper family at the 2026 UCLA Draper Innovation Showcase. The company advanced from more than 150 entrepreneurs to become one of 10 finalists, backed through a program involving Draper Associates, Halogen VenturesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, and Boost VC.
What does it do? Founded by Dujon Smith, My Block Skin develops sun protection that works across skin tones without leaving the white or gray cast common to mineral sunscreens. The company says it is building patent-pending technology to change how sunscreen is formulated.
What's the endgame? Smith is positioning the brand as a science-led skin-health business rather than a conventional beauty label. He credited chief science officer Jason Williams, a Ph.D. candidate, with advancing the company's research, and has developed technology through the Magnify Incubator.
Why it stands out: My Block Skin was the only beauty and consumer packaged goods company among the 10 finalists, which otherwise included biotechnology and climate technology ventures. "Beauty deserves a seat at the deep tech table, too," Smith said.
What could go wrong? The $100,000 is modest against established rivals. CeraVeDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → launched an "invisible" mineral sunscreen in August, and NeutrogenaDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has pushed lighter formulas—competitors with far deeper capital and distribution. The test is whether My Block Skin can scale and substantiate its technology claims.
The signal: The grant sits in the lower half of disclosed deal sizes, a reminder of how early this is. Still, backing a CPG brand on scientific merit against deep-tech peers suggests investors increasingly see sunscreen formulation as unfinished technical ground.
Read more: mensjournal.com
Image credit: Generated with Gemini
