A Guide to Vegan Sunscreen

Smidge Suncare Vegan & Cruelty-free

At Smidge, we believe that sun protection should align with your values. That’s why our vegan Daily Face and Body Sunscreen is formulated without any animal-derived ingredients or testing on animals. It’s our way of ensuring that protecting your skin and the planet can go hand-in-hand.

What Is Vegan Sunscreen?

Vegan sunscreen is free from animal-derived ingredients and is not tested on animals. Many conventional sunscreens include ingredients like:

1. Beef tallow: Used in some moisturisers as a fatty base.  

2. Beeswax: A common thickener and water-repellent.  

3. Sheep lanolin: Derived from wool, often added for its emollient properties.  

At Smidge we use vegan ingredients instead to offer a completely plant-based, ethical option for sun protection:

1. Shea butter instead of beef tallow

2. Candelilla Wax instead of beeswax

3. Coconut oil instead of sheep lanolin

Smidge Suncare: Certified Vegan and Proud Member of the Vegan Society NZ

Smidge Suncare is proudly certified by the Vegan Society of New Zealand. This ensures our products meet strict standards for being free of animal products and cruelty-free.

Our commitment doesn’t stop there. Our vegan sunscreen is also packaged in recyclable aluminium tins and our formulas are made right here in Aotearoa New Zealand, minimising our carbon footprint.

Meet Our Vegan Ambassador: Paula’s Life

Paulas.life, our Smidge Vegan Ambassador, embodies everything we stand for. Living in sunny Northland, Paula spends her days running, walking, and enjoying the beach—all while keeping her skin protected with Smidge. Whether you’re active like Paula or simply enjoy soaking up the sun responsibly, Smidge is the perfect choice.

Vegan, Cruelty-Free, or Animal-Friendly: What’s the Difference?

With so many labels in the cosmetics industry, it’s easy to get confused. Here’s what they mean:  

• Vegan: Free from animal-derived ingredients.  

• Cruelty-Free/Animal-Friendly: Indicates no animal testing, though it doesn’t necessarily mean the product is vegan.  

• Not Tested on Animals: In New Zealand, cosmetics testing on animals has been banned since 2015 (Consumer NZ, 2023). 

How Does Smidge Test Its Products?

Our sunscreen undergoes rigorous SPF testing on willing human participants. At Dermatest Labs in Australia, we evaluate our formulas under controlled conditions to ensure SPF and broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Rest assured, no animal testing takes place.

3 Tips on How to Shop for Vegan Sunscreen and Skincare

1. Buy NZ Made: Animal testing is banned for cosmetics made in Aotearoa.  

2. Check Ingredients: Look for common animal-derived ingredients and only buy products that align with your values.

3. Research Brands: check that brands that are claiming to be vegan or cruelty-free are affiliated with or have certifications from regulatory bodies such as Vegan Society of New Zealand.

Smidge makes it simple—our vegan sunscreen ticks all the boxes, offering a high-performing, and ethical option for your skincare routine.

Make the switch to Smidge vegan sunscreen today and experience sun protection that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your skin. 💛

Learn More:

Our 7 Safe Sunscreen Ingredients