Search this site

< Back Why Are Skin Cancer Rates So High in New Zealand? 31 Mar 2025 New Zealand has some of the highest skin cancer rates in the world ( Science Learning Hub, July 29, 2008 ). Understanding why this is the case can help us make informed choices to protect ourselves and our whānau from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Shop Now Burn time within minutes in NZ Aotearoa New Zealand often ranks highest globally for skin cancer rates, with people able to burn within minutes even on cloudy days. Our location closer to the ozone hole means UV rays are more intense, increasing the risk of skin damage ( The Starfish, 2024 ). The peak UV season — typically from September to April — can catch people off guard, especially during cooler, cloudy days when the sunburn risk still exists. We love the outdoors Whether it's at the beach, tramping in the bush, or enjoying a summer barbecue. This active, outdoor lifestyle often results in extended sun exposure. While our love for the sun is a big part of who we are, it also means we need to be more vigilant about sun protection. Limited Awareness and Prevention According to a recent report from MelNet ( MelNet Press Release, Scoop, 2025 ), a national strategy has been launched to address New Zealand's high skin cancer rates through improved prevention and early detection. Despite increased efforts, many Kiwis still underestimate the dangers of sun exposure. Common misconceptions, like thinking sunburn is harmless or that a “base tan” provides protection, contribute to the issue. The New Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy Developed by the Melanoma Network of New Zealand ( MelNet) in collaboration with skin cancer experts and stakeholders (including Consumer NZ ) the strategy outlines 12 key recommendations to strengthen prevention and early detection efforts. Consumer health spokesperson Belinda Castles said the strategy’s recommendations regarding sun-protection products are consistent with what Consumer NZ has been advocating for over many years. The strategy outlines 12 key recommendations: Establish a comprehensive, multi-sectoral, nationally co-ordinated skin cancer prevention and early detection programme. Provide all health professionals working in New Zealand with structured training in the prevention and early detection of skin cancer. Develop a nationally consistent triage and audit service for the early detection and management of skin cancer that involves both primary and secondary care. Plan and deliver public education campaigns that promote sun safety and early detection, and evaluate their reach and impact. Adopt World Health Organization recommended sun protection guidelines in all education settings. Mandate and enforce sun protection policies for workplaces with workers who work outdoors. Adopt sun protection policies in sports settings where participants are exposed to high levels of solar ultraviolet radiation. Integrate sun protection into planning for outdoor recreation areas where people congregate. Increase access and affordability of high-quality sun protection products. Review existing sun protection guidelines and related position statements to ensure they reflect latest research and are consistent across platforms. Implement an outright ban on the importation, manufacture, sale and rental of sunbeds for commercial or private use. Ensure all skin cancer prevention and early detection interventions are informed by robust research and quality data. Credit: Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Strategy 2024 - 2028 MelNet’s full report can be accessed via this link: Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Strategy 2024 - 2028: https://strategy.melnet.org.nz How Can We Protect Ourselves? At Smidge, we believe wearing sunscreen can be a good experience for everyone. We understand that finding effective sun protection is challenging, especially for children and those of us with sensitive skin. Choosing a zinc sunscreen is best for sensitive skin - learn more . Here’s how you can take positive, practical steps to keep your skin safe year-round: Slip, Slap, Wrap, and Smidge: Slip on a shirt, slap on a hat, wrap on sunglasses, and apply a smidge of our SPF 40 Daily Face & Body Sunscreen to yourself and the kids. Here’s how to apply Smidge properly. Seek Shade: When possible, stay in the shade, especially during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Use Niwa’s handy tool to check the daily UV index in your region . Check Your Skin: Keep an eye on any changes to your skin and get a skin check-up. Did you know AA Members are entitled to a 20% discount at MoleMap !! SPF 40 Daily Face & Body Sunscreen Buy Now Learn More: Zinc Sunscreens are Best for Sensitive Skin

< Back Reef safe sunscreen: false claims and certifications explained. 17 Aug 2022 How to know if your sunscreen is truly reef safe. Even if a sunscreen is labeled as "reef safe" there's no guarantee that it actually won't harm the corals, fish and other marine life. This is because there is no regulation when it comes to marketing a product as reef safe. More research and tighter regulations are much needed but thankfully, the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory (HEL) is already doing some great work in this space. Reef Safe Sunscreen Certification HEL is a non-profit, scientific organisation on a mission to conserve wildlife and ecosystems, just like us! Products labeled with HEL’s Protect Land + Sea Certification means that the product has been laboratory‐tested using analytical‐forensic techniques to verify that the product is free of the chemicals that are known pollutants in many different environments (freshwater streams, river, beaches, and ocean systems) or harmful to wildlife such as corals, fish, birds, marine mammals, sea turtles. These chemicals aren't just bad for coral reefs; they can also be harmful to your body. One of the most common toxic ingredients in sunscreen is oxybenzone , an emerging human and environmental contaminant often used in conventional sunscreens ( DiNardo & Downs, 2018 ). Damaging Sunscreen Chemicals Pollutants HEL checks for when certifying a product include: Any form of microplastic sphere or beads. Any nanoparticles like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Oxybenzone Octinoxate 4-methylbenzylidene camphor Octocrylene Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) Methyl Paraben Ethyl Paraben Propyl Paraben Butyl Paraben Benzyl Paraben Triclosan Our products do not contain any of these ingredients AND our sunscreen is also plastic-free . Packaging is often forgotten about when it comes to "reef safe" claims and certification yet most sunscreen packaging is difficult if not impossible to recycle. The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is well known. Read more about our safe sunscreen ingredients. Shop Smidge Suncare SPF40 Sunscreen References DiNardo J. C., Downs C. A., 2018. Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/benzophenone-3. J Cosmet Dermatol, 17(1):15-19. DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12449 Haereticus Lab. Protect Land and Sea Certification. Retrieved 17 August 2022, available from https://haereticus-lab.org/protect-land-sea-certification-3/

< Back How Zinc Oxide Provides Safe & Effective Sunscreen SPF Protection 5 Mar 2025 Not all sunscreens are created equal—especially when it comes to sensitive skin. If you’ve ever experienced stinging, redness, or breakouts after applying sunscreen, you’re not alone. Many sunscreens rely on chemical UV filters that can irritate the skin and even disrupt hormones. These ingredients can be absorbed through the skin. “In recent years, studies have also raised concerns about endocrine-disrupting effects of three ingredients: homosalate, avobenzone and oxybenzone ( EWG 2025 ). The good news? There’s a better way to protect your skin—with zinc oxide. Shop Now How Sunscreens Achieve SPF Protection SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well a sunscreen shields your skin from harmful UVB rays —the type of radiation that causes sunburn and skin damage. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection (as long as the sunscreen is being applied properly and re-applied regularly): SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays No sunscreen provides 100% protection! SPF 30 is widely recommended by New Zealand dermatologists as the minimum for daily use—especially given NZ’s harsh UV conditions. But how a sunscreen provides that protection makes all the difference. The Difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens Chemical sunscreens (like oxybenzone and octinoxate) absorb into the skin and soak up UV radiation (EWG 2025). M any people find that chemical sunscreens lead to painful skin irritation, redness, and breakouts, especially for those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin (learn more about sunscreen for sensitive skin ). Mineral sunscreens, like zinc oxide, form a protective barrier on the skin's surface that primarily absorbs UV rays, despite the common belief that zinc works solely by reflecting or scattering sunburn-causing ultraviolet radiation ( Cole et al. 2015 ). Zinc Oxide is the best SPF ingredient for sensitive skin - it’s often found in nappy rash creams and is safe for babies and children ( Dermaltherapy 2025 ). Smidge: Sunscreen That Puts Skin First At Smidge, we believe sun protection should and can be a good experience for everyone. That’s why our SPF 40 sunscreen is powered by non-nano zinc oxide—giving you safe, effective protection without irritation. 💙 No chemical UV filters 💙 Fragrance free 💙 Lightweight, non-greasy formula SPF 40 Daily Face & Body Sunscreen Buy Now Discover More: Our 7 Safe Sunscreen Ingredients

< Back The difference between sunscreen, sunblock and suncream. 16 Jul 2022 The terms sunscreen, sunblock and suncream are often used interchangeably. But do they actually mean the same thing? According to the Oxford dictionary… Sunscreen is a cream or lotion rubbed on to the skin to protect it from the sun Sunblock is a cream or lotion for protecting the skin from the sun and preventing sunburn Suncream is a creamy preparation spread over the skin to protect it from sunburn So, based on these definitions, the difference between the three terms is minimal. It isn’t unusual to hear the words sunblock and sunscreen used interchangeably, but according to some people, sunscreen and sunblock are two very different types of sun protection. According to Healthline sunscreen is a chemical defence, penetrating the skin and absorbing the UV rays before they reach and damage the dermal layers while sunblock is a physical way to defend against UV rays where mineral particles sit on top of the skin and acts as a barrier. However, there are two problems with this: Some sunscreens use a combination of both chemical and physical UV filters. According to a scientific paper by Cole et al. (2016) , the definition for ‘sunblock’ was subsequently dropped in the 1999 Final Rule for Sunscreen Products primarily to recognise that the term ‘sunblock’ suggested total protection which was not appropriate for any sunscreen. Is there a difference between Sunscreen SPF and Sunblock SPF? According to the Cancer Council SPF50+ filters out 98% of UVB radiation, while SPF30 blocks out 96.7% of UVB. So regardless of the SPF value of a sunscreen, sunblock or sun cream, some radiation is still reaching your skin. Based on that, we think it’s more appropriate to use the term sunscreen. Suncream I couldn’t find a whole lot on the history and use of the term suncream but I think sunscreen more accurately describes the purpose of sunscreen which is to screen a proportion of the sun’s rays before they reach your skin. Seasick Sunscreen Non-nano zinc oxide is the only active ingredient we use in our sunscreen. It is a "natural" sunscreen made with a mineral (or physical) UV filter that provides great protection for your skin whilst being much safer for the environment than chemical UV filters. Our sunscreen is broad-spectrum sunscreen meaning it gives extra protection because it filters out both UVA and UVB rays. This is important because: UVA radiation goes deep into the skin, causing long-term damage such as wrinkles, blotchiness, sagging and skin cancer. We call this UVA for ageing. Learn more about sunscreen and ageing. UVB radiation gets into the top layer of skin and can cause sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer. We call this UVB for burning. Our sunscreen meets the AS/NZ 2604:2021 (SPF certification) and ISO 24444:2019 (broad spectrum certification) sunscreen standards. Always check that your sunscreen is SPF certified. Melanoma (skin cancer) is the most common form of cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand and UV rays are the primary cause of premature ageing. So if you take one thing away from this blog it’s that you should wear sunscreen on your face, neck and other exposed skin daily! Shop Smidge Suncare SPF40 Sunscreen References Cole, C., Shyr, T., & Ou‐Yang, H. (2016). Metal oxide sunscreens protect skin by absorption, not by reflection or scattering. Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine, 32(1), 5-10. doi: 10.1111/phpp.12214 .

< Back Everything You Need to Know About Sunscreen SPF 6 Nov 2024 Whether you’re heading to the beach or just going about your day, applying sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. But with so many options out there, terms like "SPF" and choosing between SPF 30 and SPF 50 can be confusing. Here’s everything you need to know about SPF, why Smidge is SPF 40, and how to make the most of your sun protection. What is SPF? SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn and can contribute to skin cancer. The higher the SPF, the more protection you get from these damaging rays, but SPF alone doesn’t indicate complete protection. No sunscreen blocks 100% of UVB rays, and even high-SPF sunscreens must be reapplied regularly, especially after swimming or sweating, for maximum effectiveness. SPF 30 vs. SPF 50: What's the Difference? SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays. SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays. New Zealand dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher for reliable protection, especially given New Zealand's intense UV exposure. Did you know? All sunscreens now sold in New Zealand have to be independently tested. They also have labelling requirements: sunscreens can’t claim an SPF greater than 50+ Smidge Suncare’s SPF Rating: SPF 40 Sunscreen You Can Trust Our sunscreen meets the rigorous Australia New Zealand sunscreen standard (AS/NZ 2604:2021) , which is printed on the back of every tin, giving you confidence in our products tested protection level. Smidge Suncare’s Daily Face and Body Sunscreen is rated at SPF 40, offering broad-spectrum protection that’s gentle enough for daily use yet powerful enough for long days outdoors. How Do We Test Our SPF? Ensuring reliable sun protection is essential, so our formulations are rigorously tested by Dermatest Eurofins in Australia, a reputable lab that performed the SPF retesting for Consumer New Zealand over the last few summers. SPF testing involves applying sunscreen to the skin of a group of 10 individuals, who are then exposed to controlled UV light. The test measures the time it takes for each person’s skin to begin showing signs of redness, indicating the level of sun protection provided by the sunscreen. These tests confirm that Smidge offers dependable, high-performance sun protection you can count on, whether you’re spending time at the beach or in the backyard. From SPF 30 to Smidge SPF 40: What’s Changed? If you’re a long-time user of our products, you may remember that Seasick Sunscreen was labelled as SPF 30. With the launch of Smidge, we’ve increased the label to SPF 40—but here’s the good news: our formulation hasn’t changed! After consulting with Cosmetics NZ, we were advised that our sunscreen’s actual SPF testing exceeded SPF 40, allowing us to confidently update our label without any alteration to the ingredients or formula. So, while the label reads differently, your favourite sunscreen remains as effective as ever. Will Smidge Release an SPF 50 Sunscreen? For those wondering if Smidge will eventually offer an SPF 50 option, we’re always open to new developments, but at the moment, it’s not on our immediate roadmap. Here’s why: Achieving consistent SPF 50 coverage requires a much higher concentration of UV filters, which can alter the sunscreen’s texture and make it less comfortable for sensitive skin. In fact, some brands claiming SPF 50 have struggled to meet this level when retested. At Smidge, we’re confident that SPF 40 provides high protection and is more than sufficient when applied correctly and reapplied regularly. For ultimate sun safety, remember that sunscreen should always be part of a sun-smart routine, including protective clothing, hats, and time out of direct sun. Are you ready to try Smidge Suncare and experience sun protection that feels as good as it performs? SPF 40 Daily Face Sunscreen Buy Now

View information around the Smidge Suncare terms of service. Terms of Service OVERVIEW This website is operated by Smidge Suncare. Throughout the site, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Smidge Suncare. Smidge Suncare offers this website, including all information, tools and services available from this site to you, the user, conditioned upon your acceptance of all terms, conditions, policies and notices stated here. By visiting our site and/ or purchasing something from us, you engage in our “Service” and agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions (“Terms of Service”, “Terms”), including those additional terms and conditions and policies referenced herein and/or available by hyperlink. These Terms of Service apply to all users of the site, including without limitation users who are browsers, vendors, customers, merchants, and/ or contributors of content. Please read these Terms of Service carefully before accessing or using our website. By accessing or using any part of the site, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to all the terms and conditions of this agreement, then you may not access the website or use any services. If these Terms of Service are considered an offer, acceptance is expressly limited to these Terms of Service. Any new features or tools which are added to the current store shall also be subject to the Terms of Service. You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time on this page. We reserve the right to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Service by posting updates and/or changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check this page periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to the website following the posting of any changes constitutes acceptance of those changes. Our store is hosted on Wix. They provide us with the online e-commerce platform that allows us to sell our products and services to you. SECTION 1 - ONLINE STORE TERMS By agreeing to these Terms of Service, you represent that you are at least the age of majority in your state or province of residence, or that you are the age of majority in your state or province of residence and you have given us your consent to allow any of your minor dependents to use this site. You may not use our products for any illegal or unauthorized purpose nor may you, in the use of the Service, violate any laws in your jurisdiction (including but not limited to copyright laws). You must not transmit any worms or viruses or any code of a destructive nature. A breach or violation of any of the Terms will result in an immediate termination of your Services. SECTION 2 - GENERAL CONDITIONS We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time. You understand that your content (not including credit card information), may be transferred unencrypted and involve (a) transmissions over various networks; and (b) changes to conform and adapt to technical requirements of connecting networks or devices. Credit card information is always encrypted during transfer over networks. You agree not to reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell or exploit any portion of the Service, use of the Service, or access to the Service or any contact on the website through which the service is provided, without express written permission by us. The headings used in this agreement are included for convenience only and will not limit or otherwise affect these Terms. SECTION 3 - ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS AND TIMELINESS OF INFORMATION We are not responsible if information made available on this site is not accurate, complete or current. The material on this site is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon or used as the sole basis for making decisions without consulting primary, more accurate, more complete or more timely sources of information. Any reliance on the material on this site is at your own risk. This site may contain certain historical information. Historical information, necessarily, is not current and is provided for your reference only. We reserve the right to modify the contents of this site at any time, but we have no obligation to update any information on our site. You agree that it is your responsibility to monitor changes to our site. SECTION 4 - MODIFICATIONS TO THE SERVICE AND PRICES Prices for our products are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right at any time to modify or discontinue the Service (or any part or content thereof) without notice at any time. We shall not be liable to you or to any third-party for any modification, price change, suspension or discontinuance of the Service. SECTION 5 - PRODUCTS OR SERVICES (if applicable) Certain products or services may be available exclusively online through the website. These products or services may have limited quantities and are subject to return or exchange only according to our Return Policy. We have made every effort to display as accurately as possible the colors and images of our products that appear at the store. We cannot guarantee that your computer monitor's display of any color will be accurate. We reserve the right, but are not obligated, to limit the sales of our products or Services to any person, geographic region or jurisdiction. We may exercise this right on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to limit the quantities of any products or services that we offer. All descriptions of products or product pricing are subject to change at anytime without notice, at the sole discretion of us. We reserve the right to discontinue any product at any time. Any offer for any product or service made on this site is void where prohibited. We do not warrant that the quality of any products, services, information, or other material purchased or obtained by you will meet your expectations, or that any errors in the Service will be corrected. SECTION 6 - ACCURACY OF BILLING AND ACCOUNT INFORMATION We reserve the right to refuse any order you place with us. We may, in our sole discretion, limit or cancel quantities purchased per person, per household or per order. These restrictions may include orders placed by or under the same customer account, the same credit card, and/or orders that use the same billing and/or shipping address. In the event that we make a change to or cancel an order, we may attempt to notify you by contacting the e‑mail and/or billing address/phone number provided at the time the order was made. We reserve the right to limit or prohibit orders that, in our sole judgment, appear to be placed by dealers, resellers or distributors. You agree to provide current, complete and accurate purchase and account information for all purchases made at our store. You agree to promptly update your account and other information, including your email address and credit card numbers and expiration dates, so that we can complete your transactions and contact you as needed. For more detail, please review our Returns Policy. SECTION 7 - OPTIONAL TOOLS We may provide you with access to third-party tools over which we neither monitor nor have any control nor input. You acknowledge and agree that we provide access to such tools ”as is” and “as available” without any warranties, representations or conditions of any kind and without any endorsement. We shall have no liability whatsoever arising from or relating to your use of optional third-party tools. Any use by you of optional tools offered through the site is entirely at your own risk and discretion and you should ensure that you are familiar with and approve of the terms on which tools are provided by the relevant third-party provider(s). We may also, in the future, offer new services and/or features through the website (including, the release of new tools and resources). Such new features and/or services shall also be subject to these Terms of Service. SECTION 8 - THIRD-PARTY LINKS Certain content, products and services available via our Service may include materials from third-parties. Third-party links on this site may direct you to third-party websites that are not affiliated with us. We are not responsible for examining or evaluating the content or accuracy and we do not warrant and will not have any liability or responsibility for any third-party materials or websites, or for any other materials, products, or services of third-parties. We are not liable for any harm or damages related to the purchase or use of goods, services, resources, content, or any other transactions made in connection with any third-party websites. Please review carefully the third-party's policies and practices and make sure you understand them before you engage in any transaction. Complaints, claims, concerns, or questions regarding third-party products should be directed to the third-party. SECTION 9 - USER COMMENTS, FEEDBACK AND OTHER SUBMISSIONS If, at our request, you send certain specific submissions (for example contest entries) or without a request from us you send creative ideas, suggestions, proposals, plans, or other materials, whether online, by email, by postal mail, or otherwise (collectively, 'comments'), you agree that we may, at any time, without restriction, edit, copy, publish, distribute, translate and otherwise use in any medium any comments that you forward to us. We are and shall be under no obligation (1) to maintain any comments in confidence; (2) to pay compensation for any comments; or (3) to respond to any comments. We may, but have no obligation to, monitor, edit or remove content that we determine in our sole discretion are unlawful, offensive, threatening, libelous, defamatory, pornographic, obscene or otherwise objectionable or violates any party’s intellectual property or these Terms of Service. You agree that your comments will not violate any right of any third-party, including copyright, trademark, privacy, personality or other personal or proprietary right. You further agree that your comments will not contain libelous or otherwise unlawful, abusive or obscene material, or contain any computer virus or other malware that could in any way affect the operation of the Service or any related website. You may not use a false e‑mail address, pretend to be someone other than yourself, or otherwise mislead us or third-parties as to the origin of any comments. You are solely responsible for any comments you make and their accuracy. We take no responsibility and assume no liability for any comments posted by you or any third-party. SECTION 10 - PERSONAL INFORMATION Your submission of personal information through the store is governed by our Privacy Policy. SECTION 11 - ERRORS, INACCURACIES AND OMISSIONS Occasionally there may be information on our site or in the Service that contains typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to product descriptions, pricing, promotions, offers, product shipping charges, transit times and availability. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, and to change or update information or cancel orders if any information in the Service or on any related website is inaccurate at any time without prior notice (including after you have submitted your order). We undertake no obligation to update, amend or clarify information in the Service or on any related website, including without limitation, pricing information, except as required by law. No specified update or refresh date applied in the Service or on any related website, should be taken to indicate that all information in the Service or on any related website has been modified or updated. SECTION 12 - PROHIBITED USES In addition to other prohibitions as set forth in the Terms of Service, you are prohibited from using the site or its content: (a) for any unlawful purpose; (b) to solicit others to perform or participate in any unlawful acts; (c) to violate any international, federal, provincial or state regulations, rules, laws, or local ordinances; (d) to infringe upon or violate our intellectual property rights or the intellectual property rights of others; (e) to harass, abuse, insult, harm, defame, slander, disparage, intimidate, or discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, race, age, national origin, or disability; (f) to submit false or misleading information; (g) to upload or transmit viruses or any other type of malicious code that will or may be used in any way that will affect the functionality or operation of the Service or of any related website, other websites, or the Internet; (h) to collect or track the personal information of others; (i) to spam, phish, pharm, pretext, spider, crawl, or scrape; (j) for any obscene or immoral purpose; or (k) to interfere with or circumvent the security features of the Service or any related website, other websites, or the Internet. We reserve the right to terminate your use of the Service or any related website for violating any of the prohibited uses. SECTION 13 - DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY We do not guarantee, represent or warrant that your use of our service will be uninterrupted, timely, secure or error-free. We do not warrant that the results that may be obtained from the use of the service will be accurate or reliable. You agree that from time to time we may remove the service for indefinite periods of time or cancel the service at any time, without notice to you. You expressly agree that your use of, or inability to use, the service is at your sole risk. The service and all products and services delivered to you through the service are (except as expressly stated by us) provided 'as is' and 'as available' for your use, without any representation, warranties or conditions of any kind, either express or implied, including all implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, merchantable quality, fitness for a particular purpose, durability, title, and non-infringement. In no case shall Smidge Suncare, our directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents, contractors, interns, suppliers, service providers or licensors be liable for any injury, loss, claim, or any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, special, or consequential damages of any kind, including, without limitation lost profits, lost revenue, lost savings, loss of data, replacement costs, or any similar damages, whether based in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, arising from your use of any of the service or any products procured using the service, or for any other claim related in any way to your use of the service or any product, including, but not limited to, any errors or omissions in any content, or any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the service or any content (or product) posted, transmitted, or otherwise made available via the service, even if advised of their possibility. Because some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or the limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, in such states or jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. SECTION 14 - INDEMNIFICATION You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Smidge Suncare and our parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, officers, directors, agents, contractors, licensors, service providers, subcontractors, suppliers, interns and employees, harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, made by any third-party due to or arising out of your breach of these Terms of Service or the documents they incorporate by reference, or your violation of any law or the rights of a third-party. SECTION 15 - SEVERABILITY In the event that any provision of these Terms of Service is determined to be unlawful, void or unenforceable, such provision shall nonetheless be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, and the unenforceable portion shall be deemed to be severed from these Terms of Service, such determination shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any other remaining provisions. SECTION 16 - TERMINATION The obligations and liabilities of the parties incurred prior to the termination date shall survive the termination of this agreement for all purposes. These Terms of Service are effective unless and until terminated by either you or us. You may terminate these Terms of Service at any time by notifying us that you no longer wish to use our Services, or when you cease using our site. If in our sole judgment you fail, or we suspect that you have failed, to comply with any term or provision of these Terms of Service, we also may terminate this agreement at any time without notice and you will remain liable for all amounts due up to and including the date of termination; and/or accordingly may deny you access to our Services (or any part thereof). SECTION 17 - ENTIRE AGREEMENT The failure of us to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms of Service shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. These Terms of Service and any policies or operating rules posted by us on this site or in respect to The Service constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between you and us and govern your use of the Service, superseding any prior or contemporaneous agreements, communications and proposals, whether oral or written, between you and us (including, but not limited to, any prior versions of the Terms of Service). Any ambiguities in the interpretation of these Terms of Service shall not be construed against the drafting party. SECTION 18 - GOVERNING LAW These Terms of Service and any separate agreements whereby we provide you Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand. SECTION 19 - CHANGES TO TERMS OF SERVICE You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time at this page. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Service by posting updates and changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check our website periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to our website or the Service following the posting of any changes to these Terms of Service constitutes acceptance of those changes. SECTION 20 - CONTACT INFORMATION Questions about the Terms of Service should be sent to us at natalie@smidge.co.nz

We have a new look! Seasick Sunscreen is now Smidge Suncare. While our name has changed, you’ll still enjoy the same results with the same products you trust. We've got a new look! Seasick Sunscreen Co. is now Smidge Suncare. Shop Now Made with just seven naturally-derived ingredients. Smidge Suncare feels great and truly works. It's non-greasy, won't sting your eyes, and is gentle enough for kids and sensitive skin— developed by a redhead for the harsh New Zealand conditions! Shop Smidge. Quick View Daily Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 40 - for sensitive skin and travel From $24.90Sale Price Add a cleanser — 50% off with any SPF Quick View 2 handy sizes On-the-Go SPF Bundle I Travel Sunscreen Regular Price $64.90 Sale Price $49.90 Quick View $104.70 value save $24.90 Protect & Cleanse Bundle + Free Travel-size SPF Regular Price $104.70 Sale Price $79.80 Quick View 45g = up to 65 uses Powder Based Cleanser & Mask Price $39.90 Add a cleanser — 50% off with any SPF “As someone with fair, sensitive skin, sunscreen is a daily must for me," - Nat, Smidge Founder and CEO our story What our customers are saying "Finally, a sunscreen that ticks all the boxes! Comes in a tin so you can get every last bit of it and 100% recyclable. A tiny amount goes a very long way. Most importantly, my face doesn't break out in allergies when I put it on (unlike almost every other product)" - Saba, Verified Customer As seen in...

View information around the Smidge Suncare Privacy Policy. Privacy Policy This Privacy Policy describes how your personal information is collected, used, and shared when you visit or make a purchase from smidgesuncare.co.nz (the “Site”). Personal information we collect When you visit the Site, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including information about your web browser, IP address, time zone, and some of the cookies that are installed on your device. Additionally, as you browse the Site, we collect information about the individual web pages or products that you view, what websites or search terms referred you to the Site, and information about how you interact with the Site. We refer to this automatically-collected information as “Device Information”. We collect Device Information using the following technologies: - “Cookies” are data files that are placed on your device or computer and often include an anonymous unique identifier. For more information about cookies, and how to disable cookies, visit http://www.allaboutcookies.org - “Log files” track actions occurring on the Site, and collect data including your IP address, browser type, Internet service provider, referring/exit pages, and date/time stamps. - “Web beacons”, “tags”, and “pixels” are electronic files used to record information about how you browse the Site. Additionally when you make a purchase or attempt to make a purchase through the Site, we collect certain information from you, including your name, billing address, shipping address, payment information (including credit card numbers), email address, and phone number. We refer to this information as “Order Information”. When we talk about “Personal Information” in this Privacy Policy, we are talking both about Device Information and Order Information. How do we use your personal information? We use the Order Information that we collect generally to fulfill any orders placed through the Site (including processing your payment information, arranging for shipping, and providing you with invoices and/or order confirmations). Additionally, we use this Order Information to: - Communicate with you; - Screen our orders for potential risk or fraud; and - When in line with the preferences you have shared with us, provide you with information or advertising relating to our products or services. We use the Device Information that we collect to help us screen for potential risk and fraud (in particular, your IP address), and more generally to improve and optimize our Site (for example, by generating analytics about how our customers browse and interact with the Site, and to assess the success of our marketing and advertising campaigns). Sharing you personal Information We share your Personal Information with third parties to help us use your Personal Information, as described above. For example, we use Shopify to power our online store--you can read more about how Shopify uses your Personal Information here: https://www.shopify.com/legal/privacy We also use Google Analytics to help us understand how our customers use the Site. You can read more about how Google uses your Personal Information here: https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/ You can also opt-out of Google Analytics here: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout Finally, we may also share your Personal Information to comply with applicable laws and regulations, to respond to a subpoena, search warrant or other lawful request for information we receive, or to otherwise protect our rights. Behavioural advertising As described above, we use your Personal Information to provide you with targeted advertisements or marketing communications we believe may be of interest to you. For more information about how targeted advertising works, you can visit the Network Advertising Initiative’s (“NAI”) educational page at http://www.networkadvertising.org/understanding-online-advertising/how-does-it-work. You can opt out of targeted advertising by using the links below: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/settings/?tab=ads - Google: https://www.google.com/settings/ads/anonymous - Bing: https://advertise.bingads.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/policies/personalized-ads Additionally, you can opt out of some of these services by visiting the Digital Advertising Alliance’s opt-out portal at: http://optout.aboutads.info/ Do not track Please note that we do not alter our Site’s data collection and use practices when we see a Do Not Track signal from your browser. Data retention When you place an order through the Site, we will maintain your Order Information for our records unless and until you ask us to delete this information. Changes We may update this privacy policy from time to time in order to reflect, for example, changes to our practices or for other operational, legal or regulatory reasons. Contact Us: For more information about our privacy practices, if you have questions, or if you would like to make a complaint, please contact us by e‑mail at natalie@smidgesuncare.co.nz

Plastic-free Sunscreen + Sustainable Practices. Protecting the environment is at the heart of what we do — that's why we take a holistic approach to sustainability. Our Impact Protecting the environment is at the heart of what we do — that's why we take a holistic approach to sustainability. every smidge adds up… 2% of our annual revenue — not just profits — is donated to ocean conservation and education. We're proud to support Blue Cradle's mission to grow ocean literacy, and the Love Rimurimu marine habitat restoration project. Conventional sunscreens can contain up to 70% water. Counter-intuitive? Yes - by formulating without water, we save thousands of litres every year. It also means less packaging, lighter parcels, and a smaller footprint from shelf to sand. Less waste. More impact — just a smidge. Our aluminum tins are infintely recyclable and we ship online orders in FSC recycled certified cardboard. We are reducing our carbon footprint and minimising waste by saying no to plastic. Smidge is a wāhine-led, NZ-owned and operated social enterprise protecting both people and the planet. Thanks for supporting a NZ made sunscreen business!

< Back The new Sunscreen NZ regulations explained. 8 Sept 2022 Everything You Need to Know About Sunscreen Regulations Shocking but true - sunscreens being sold in New Zealand have not needed to be independently tested or certified for SPF claims before now. A law change that came into effect on the 8th September 2022 means any company whose sunscreen product fails to meet its advertised SPF could be fined up to $600,000 with the commencement of the Sunscreen Act . With the highest rate of melanoma in the world ( Melanoma New Zealand ), it is pretty crazy that sunscreen brands haven't needed to back up their SPF claims until now. Just yesterday, an Australian skincare company pleaded guilty to false claims as it failed to meet its SPF claims. Why? Because the lab they used to do their SPF testing (AMA Laboratories in the US) falsified results. So, how do you know if your sunscreen meets the new standards? Does Seasick Sunscreen as a "natural" sunscreen need to meet the new regulations? There's no need for you to get burnt, physically or metaphorically...just read on and find our all you need to know about the new sunscreen regulations in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our Sunscreen Meets the New Sunscreen SPF Regulations Full 10-person SPF testing report completed in September 2022 First things first, all of our sunscreens are independently tested to the New Zealand Sunscreen Standard (AS/NZS 2604:2021) by Eurofins Dermatest in Australia (the same lab that does the Consumer NZ testing). Eurofins Dermatest is a trusted provider of sunscreen and skin care product evaluation services to international and local clients in accordance with recognised global protocols. A photo of our most recent SPF test re port for the Daily Face and Body Sunscreen is shown above. Phew, don't sweat it - we've got you covered! How Sunscreen is Tested Dermatest conducts SPF testing using a solar simulator, which imitates the UV light emitted by the sun. The testing is conducted on humans. The sunscreen is applied to small areas of the back, then exposed to UV light for varying periods of time. The patches are then evaluated after 16 to 24 hours to identify the first area showing slight sunburn. This is used to calculate the SPF. To meet the new regulations you must complete the full 10 person SPF study - something we have been doing since we started way back in 2019! “Until now the sunscreen standard has only been voluntary in New Zealand and it was possible to sell a sunscreen that hadn’t undergone any efficacy testing.” - Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy What do the new regulations mean for natural sunscreens? All sunscreens must meet the new requirements whether they claim to be "natural" or not. Natural sunscreens usually refer to sunscreens made with mineral UV filters such as zinc, as opposed to chemical UV filters. It can be a misleading term - find out whether your sunscreen is really "100% natural" and "chemical free". What to Look For Check your sunscreen for this label: AS/NZS 2604:2012 (or it might say 2021 if it has been tested more recently). If in doubt, ask a sunscreen brand to provide its SPF report and stay clear of sunscreens doing their testing at dodgy labs that are known to falsify claims. We are happy to provide a full copy of our results for the 10 person study, just email us and we will send you a copy. Shop Smidge Suncare SPF40 Sunscreen References Melanoma New Zealand. Melanoma Facts & Risk Factors. Retrieved on 7 September 2022 from https://www.melanoma.org.nz/facts-risk-factors New Zealand Legislation. Sunscreen (Product Safety Standard) Act 2022. Retrieved on 7 September 2022 from https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2022/0004/latest/whole.html

< Back Natural sunscreen: Is it really 100% natural and chemical free? 11 Jul 2022 The truth about '100% natural' and 'chemical-free' sunscreen claims. With the rising demand for sunscreen made without 'chemical' UV filters, many sunscreen brands are claiming to be 100% natural and chemical free. Unfortunately, it is just marketing bullsh*t. There is no such thing as 100% chemical free sunscreen and “natural” sunscreen isn’t necessarily healthier for us or better for the planet. Why? Because everything around us is made of chemicals. I get it! When I see the word “natural” on a product I think ooh yes I like nature and natural things! But then my science brain (and people like the Sustainable Scientist , whom this blog post was inspired by) makes me search for a more scientifically accurate answer. And here it is. Chemistry 101 A chemical is defined as “any substance consisting of matter”. Water is a chemical!. Chemicals can however be natural or synthetic (created in a lab).“Natural chemicals” are also not necessarily better than synthetic. Example: mercury, arsenic and cyanide are all natural chemicals, but are extremely toxic. Some natural substances, like unsustainably harvested palm oil, are having a devastating effect on our environment. Imagine if we could make palm oil in a lab, without destroying rainforests in the process. We often see the words “toxic chemicals” thrown about, especially on social media. But the truth is that the dose makes the poison. Everything is toxic in certain amounts , including water! (Yes, even water is harmful when you have too much of it). Science of Sunscreens Active ingredients in sunscreens come in two forms, mineral and chemical filters . While minerals are ultimately made up of chemical elements, they are distinguishable from chemical UV filters as they are physical particles that sit on top of the skin (as opposed to being absorbed). Sunscreens that are made with mineral UV filters are more likely to be branded as “natural” and “chemical-free”. You won’t find any of the following ingredients in our sunscreens: Petrochemicals FD&C dyes Synthetic fragrance Parabens Nano-particles oxybenzone octinoxate octisalate octocrylene homosalate avobenzone titanium dioxide Read the ingredient list Ultimately, the most important thing to keep in mind is to read the ingredient list and buy products with simple ingredients that you recognise and trust. We believe less is more which is why our sunscreen is made with as few ingredients as possible and we have detailed information available on our website about all of our ingredients. All of our ingredients are “non-toxic” when used in the expected concentration in a cosmetic product. Learn more about our safe sunscreen ingredients. This blog post was inspired by Alysha, 50% Scientist, 50% Hippy A.K.A the Sustainable Scientist . Alysha is a microbiologist and climate activist. She educates, inspires and connects people with science through her awesome instagram profile. We highly recommend following her! Shop Smidge Suncare SPF40 Sunscreen

< Back Eczema and Sunscreen: What Sunscreen Can I Use If I Have Eczema? 2 Dec 2024 Finding the right sunscreen for eczema-prone skin can be challenging. As someone who grew up with eczema, I remember the painful sting and irritation that sunscreen often caused, leaving me reluctant to wear it and, unfortunately, dealing with sunburns as a result. This experience motivated me to create Smidge Suncare—a sunscreen designed to be gentle, effective, and suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Today, many people in my extended family still deal with eczema, and my goal is to make sun protection a positive, comfortable experience for everyone. Shop Smidge Sunscreen Why Sunscreen Often Aggravates Eczema Eczema makes the skin more sensitive and reactive to certain ingredients, including those commonly found in sunscreens. Ingredients such as chemical UV filters, fragrances, and preservatives can trigger flare-ups and cause stinging or itching. For people with eczema, it’s important to choose a sunscreen formulated with minimal, gentle ingredients. Choosing the Best Sunscreen for Eczema-Prone Skin For those with eczema, mineral or “physical” sunscreens are often the best choice (Source: Eczema Association of New Zealand ). Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide to physically block UV rays, rather than absorbing them into the skin like chemical sunscreens. These mineral filters tend to be less irritating, as they sit on top of the skin and don't usually trigger sensitivities. Smidge Suncare is a mineral sunscreen made with non-nano zinc oxide, which provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection without any chemical UV filters. You can learn more about our safe sunscreen ingredients here. “This sunscreen has helped my face heal and has completely healed the eczema on my hand.” - Elaine “My husband has really sensitive skin, and we struggle to find sunscreen he can wear. This product has been amazing—he hasn't had any reactions, and it actually feels really nice to wear.” - Mikaela What Sunscreens to Avoid if You Have Eczema When choosing a sunscreen for eczema-prone skin, it’s essential to avoid certain ingredients commonly found in almost all sunscreens. 1. Chemical UV Filters: Avoid sunscreens containing ingredients like octinoxate, and oxybenzone (or benzophenone-3), which are often irritating and can worsen eczema symptoms (Source: National Eczema Association, 2023 ). Octocrylene is another sunscreen ingredient that has been found to cause photoallergic contact dermatitis (Source: De Groot and Roberts, 2013) and is commonly found in a large number of sunscreens in New Zealand. 2. Fragrances: Even natural ones, can cause flare-ups for people with eczema. Why Smidge Suncare Is a Great Choice for Families Smidge Suncare is designed to be gentle and non-irritating, making it a fantastic option for the whole family—even for those without eczema. Many parents find Smidge a go-to sunscreen because of its family-friendly, gentle formulation: “My toddler used to run away when I tried to put on sunscreen, but because Smidge looks like face cream, she’ll happily sit still and put it on herself.” - Shaani, mum of 4 Smidge is easy to apply on both the face and body and is available in compact tins, which are great for carrying on the go. Video: how to apply our sunscreen. Finding Your Best Sunscreen for Eczema We believe that applying sunscreen should be a comfortable experience for everyone, without the stinging eyes, irritation, or reactions that so many people with sensitive skin experience. Eczema shouldn’t stop you from getting the protection you need. By choosing a mineral sunscreen with simple, gentle ingredients, you can help protect your skin from sun damage without triggering flare-ups. Smidge Suncare is proud to offer a safe, effective sunscreen solution for people with eczema and sensitive skin. Shop Now Learn More: Our 7 Safe Sunscreen Ingredients References: De Groot AC, Roberts DW. Contact and photocontact allergy to octocrylene: A review. Contact Dermatitis. 2014;70(4):193-204.doi: 10.1111/cod.122