What if applying sunscreen could be as fast and hands-free as walking through a car wash? That was the futuristic pitch behind Sunscreen Mist, a company that promised effortless sun protection through misting booths in public spaces. It gained national attention after its 2015 Shark Tank appearance. But by 2025, the company appears to have faded from the market, with no active operations.
This investigative article uncovers the rise, legal battles, and quiet decline of Sunscreen Mist. It offers a well-reasoned look into its net worth and what truly happened behind the sun-soaked promise.
Sunscreen Mist Net Worth 2025: The Numbers Behind the Name
In 2015, Sunscreen Mist entered Shark Tank seeking $400,000 for 15% equity, valuing the company at $2.6 million. Despite failing to secure a deal, they leveraged the exposure, reportedly reaching $2 million in annual revenue by 2021, driven by revamped machines and venue partnerships.
By 2025, Sunscreen Mist shows no signs of active operations, with its website down since at least August 2023 and no recent social media activity. No acquisition or formal shutdown has been announced.
Net Worth Estimate (2025):
- Peak Revenue: ~$2 million/year by 2021 (reported).
- Profit Margin: Unknown. Vending industry averages ~10%.
- Franchise Investment: $30,000 per distributorship (promotional ROI claims unverified).
- Current Assets: Machines (18 globally as of 2021) possibly worth <$100,000 total, assuming depreciation.
- IP Value: Patent US6918897B2 expired October 15, 2023.
- Final Estimate: Sunscreen Mist’s 2025 net worth is likely $0–$100,000, primarily from residual hardware, with no active revenue or brand presence.
The Emotional Spark: Why Sunscreen Mist Was Born
Co-founder Tony Fayne was driven by a close friend’s melanoma diagnosis, aiming to reduce skin cancer risks by simplifying sunscreen application in high-traffic outdoor spaces. Partnering with Josh Kaplan, they developed an automated booth that sprayed SPF in ~10 seconds, blending accessibility with public health.
This personal mission fueled Sunscreen Mist’s early momentum, resonating with audiences and anchoring its vision.
Shark Tank Spotlight: The Pitch That Made Waves (But Sank Quietly)
On Shark Tank Season 6, Episode 28 (aired May 8, 2015), Fayne and Kaplan delivered an impassioned pitch.
- Ask: $400,000 for 15%.
- Valuation: $2.6 million.
- Outcome: No deal.
The Sharks praised the concept but criticized high booth costs ($6,990–$31,000), limited scalability, and niche market fit. Mark Cuban questioned the business fundamentals, while Kevin O’Leary suggested licensing to vending companies. Despite the rejection, the “Shark Tank effect” drove short-term exposure, leading to installations in Florida, New Jersey, and New York, including small venues like local attractions.
RELATED: 9 Rejected Shark Tank pitches that made millions
The Business Model: Misting Machines and Distributors
Sunscreen Mist’s booths offered SPF 15–30, cooling aloe, tan enhancers, and bug repellent. Users paid $1–$5 for a 10-second spray, with machines accepting cash, credit, or hotel key integration.
Expansion relied on distributorships:
- Investment: $30,000 for a machine and territory.
- ROI Claims: Promotional materials boasted 400–1200% per vend (unverified).
The company targeted high-traffic venues but failed to secure major partnerships with brands like Disney or Six Flags, limiting growth to niche placements.
Legal Heat: Sunscreen Mist vs. SnappyScreen
In March 2017, Sunscreen Mist filed a patent infringement and false advertising lawsuit against competitor SnappyScreen in Florida federal court, targeting vending system technology (Patent US6918897B2) and claims of being the “first” touchless system. The litigation, ongoing through at least 2021, likely strained resources and focus.
The patent expired on October 15, 2023, erasing any competitive edge. Meanwhile, SnappyScreen rebranded as SNAP Wellness, securing hotel partnerships and outpacing Sunscreen Mist.
Deadpooled in Silence: What Went Wrong?
Several factors led to Sunscreen Mist’s decline:
- High costs and limited scale: Machines were expensive. Only 18 were installed globally by 2021.
- Weak digital presence: No significant social media traction post-2021.
- No follow-up exposure: The company never appeared on Beyond the Tank.
- Patent expiration: Loss of IP protection in 2023.
- Founder transitions: Fayne and Kaplan shifted focus to other ventures. Kaplan worked as a consultant and advisor across industries.
Without major retail adoption or investor backing, Sunscreen Mist couldn’t overcome distribution challenges or evolving market demands.
Final Verdict: A Vision That Burned Out
Sunscreen Mist had emotional appeal, public health value, and a futuristic product, but high costs, limited scalability, and an expired patent stifled its potential. Its legacy serves as a cautionary tale: in startups, a great idea needs execution, scale, and timing to shine.
“Even the brightest ideas can burn out without traction.”
🔹 TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Sunscreen Mist promised touchless sun protection after Shark Tank, but by 2025, it quietly faded with a net worth under $100K.
FAQs
Is Sunscreen Mist still in business in 2025?
No, Sunscreen Mist is considered “deadpooled” as of 2025, with no active operations, website, or social media presence.
Did Sunscreen Mist get a deal on Shark Tank?
No, Sunscreen Mist did not receive a deal. The Sharks declined to invest due to scalability and cost concerns.
What was Sunscreen Mist’s net worth in 2025?
Sunscreen Mist’s net worth is estimated to be under $100,000 in 2025, with no revenue and only residual hardware value.
Who were the founders of Sunscreen Mist?
Sunscreen Mist was founded by Tony Fayne and Josh Kaplan. As of 2025, both have moved on to other professional ventures.
What happened in the lawsuit between Sunscreen Mist and SnappyScreen?
Sunscreen Mist sued SnappyScreen for patent infringement in 2017. The case lasted several years but their patent expired in 2023.