When it comes to the heat in Miami, sunscreen is the first thing that comes to mind. The sun shines generously here, and anyone who has ever spent a day at the beach without protection knows the value of a good SPF. But few people realize that the history of sunscreen began right here in 305 with an invention made by a simple pharmacist from Miami Beach. This is the story of a man who literally saved thousands of skins from sunburn and accidentally created one of the most famous cosmetic brands in the world, Coppertone.
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How it all began
During World War II, Miami Beach resident Benjamin Green served in the Air Force. Under the scorching tropical sun, he quickly realized that sunburned skin was a real threat. He found the solution where he felt at home among medicine jars and ointments.
Green invented an ointment called “red vet pet,” a thick reddish mixture based on petroleum jelly, which the military used to protect against ultraviolet rays. It really helped, but it had two serious drawbacks: it was too greasy and had an unpleasant smell. After the war, Green returned to Miami and continued his experiments. He added coconut oil and cocoa butter to the mixture to give it a soft aroma and a summery feel. Thus, in 1944, the first commercial sunscreen, Coppertone Suntan Lotion, was born.
The evolution of Coppertone
Green’s formula became the starting point for an entire industry. Coppertone was the first to market a product that protected against the sun and gave the skin an even bronze tone. Over time, the formula was improved with the addition of filters that block both UVA and UVB rays.
Today, the sunscreen market is worth billions of dollars, and the Coppertone name remains a symbol of summer. At the same time, scientists continue to research the safety of certain chemical components. Some filters are recognized as harmful to oceans and corals, but doctors agree: sun protection is essential.
Dermatologists advise choosing products labeled reef-safe and paying attention to the annual guide published by the Environmental Working Group, which ranks safe products. For Miami residents, it’s almost a reference book.
The story behind the poster
If you ask any Miami resident what first comes to mind when they hear the word Coppertone, many will remember the giant billboard on Biscayne Boulevard. It depicts a girl whose shorts are being pulled down by a mischievous dog. This image was created in 1959, when the company commissioned artist Joyce Ballantyne to design a new advertising campaign. Her three-year-old daughter Sheri was the inspiration, and she became the face of the brand.
Since then, the Coppertone Girl has become a cultural symbol of Miami. Her story includes several interesting facts:
- In 1959, artist Joyce Ballantyne created an advertisement using her daughter as a model. This is how the famous Coppertone Girl came to be.
- Biscayne Boulevard became home to the iconic billboard, which is seen by thousands of residents and tourists every day.
- Hurricane Irma (2017) damaged the sign: the wind tore off part of the girl’s head, and photos instantly spread across social media.
- The MiMo Biscayne Association community organized the restoration of the sign and achieved historical status for it.
- Today, the billboard is considered a Miami landmark and a symbol of the carefree summer that lives on in every sunny day in the city.
Local drivers are used to it as a roadside beacon; it still stands, smiling at the sun and reminding us that a good mood starts with sun protection.
Summing Up
The history of Coppertone serves as a reminder that even a simple invention can alter the habits of an entire generation. It was a long road from a pharmacy experiment to an international brand, but the spirit of Miami, the city of sun, experimentation, and entrepreneurship, always remained at the center.
The next time you grab your SPF cream before heading to the beach, remember Benjamin Green, the pharmacist who once decided that sun protection should smell like coconut and freedom.
