Sunscreen, suncream, SPF lotion or balm?
- Natalie Jones
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Is Smidge a sunscreen, suncream, or waterless balm?
Smidge is a SPF 40 sunscreen. It’s independently lab-tested and compliant with AS/NZS 2604:2021 as well as being broad-spectrum. Smidge is made without water, so yes — it’s technically a waterless balm — but it’s creamy, easy to apply, and not like the thick zinc sticks used by surfers or cricket players. Smidge rubs in smoothly and doesn’t leave a white cast.
So while it looks and feels different (better!) from a traditional sunscreen or SPF lotion, it does exactly what a sunscreen should: protect your skin from UV damage.
What Makes Something A Sunscreen
In Aotearoa New Zealand, a product can only be sold as a sunscreen if it:
Contains approved UV filters
Is independently lab tested to prove its SPF and broad-spectrum protection
Smidge meets both of these requirements. Our Daily Face & Body SPF 40 is tested in an accredited Australian laboratory and provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection, defending against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays.
Why Waterless Sunscreen
Most conventional sunscreens are water-based emulsions. Smidge isn’t.
Formulating without water gives Smidge its balm-like texture and means:
You’re only paying for the good stuff — not water as a cheap filler
A smaller amount goes a long way (just a smidge)
Less need for preservatives
A more concentrated formula
This makes Smidge a waterless sunscreen — and not a lotion with SPF.
Sunscreen, Sunblock and Suncream - What's The Difference
It’s mostly language.
Sunscreen is the most common term in NZ and Australia
Suncream is more commonly used in the UK and Europe
Both refer to products designed to protect skin from UV radiation.
Smidge fits both definitions, but we use sunscreen because it’s the regulated term here in NZ.
Sunblock is an out-of-date term that implies 100% of UV rays are being blocked, which no sunscreen can achieve.
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