< Back Welcome to Smidge Suncare: Same Great Sunscreen, Fresh New Look 22 Oct 2024 Kia ora! We’re excited to introduce just a smidge, of something new, whilst keeping everything you love. Seasick Sunscreen has evolved into Smidge Suncare, with the same trusted sunscreen but a fresh look and name. SPF 40 Daily Face Sunscreen Buy Now What’s Changed? We’ve refreshed our look to better reflect our brand’s values—simple, effective protection that’s easy on the earth. While you might notice a few updates to our name and packaging, rest assured, it’s the same high-quality sunscreen, designed with love and care, that’s been keeping your skin protected. Smidge Suncare is now on sale in over 50 retailers across Aotearoa New Zealand including some of your favourite health stores, eco shops and more recently, pharmacies! Find your nearest stockist of Smidge Suncare. Seasick Sunscreen has become Smidge Suncare You might be wondering, why Smidge? The name captures the heart of what we do—it’s all about doing more with less. Just a smidge of our sunscreen is all you need for powerful protection, thanks to our compact, easy-to-carry tins and effective formulations. We also believe in doing all that we can to reduce our impact on the planet. From our sustainably-sourced ingredients to our commitment to plastic-free packaging, everything we do is aimed at reducing waste and minimising our environmental footprint. Every smidge makes a difference, and that’s why we’re proud to continue donating 2% of revenue to ocean conservation. Learn more about the regeneration of seaweed forests supported through purchase! https://www.loverimurimu.org/ Smidge Suncare Product Range If you loved Seasick Sunscreen’s SPF 40 Daily Face and Body Sunscreen, you’ll be happy to know that the formula you trust hasn’t changed. It’s still the same broad-spectrum protection, gentle on sensitive skin, and packed with naturally derived ingredients—perfect for everyday wear. The only change? The name and packaging! It’s now called Daily Face Sunscreen as we prepare to launch a new product that will make it even easier to protect your body, too. Who’s Behind Smidge Suncare? As we step into this exciting new phase, I’d like to reintroduce myself. Kia ora, I’m Nat, the founder of Smidge Suncare (previously Seasick Sunscreen Co.). I began creating my own sunscreen after struggling to find a product that was both effective and gentle on my sensitive skin—without harsh chemicals or unnecessary plastic waste. Smidge Suncare is proudly wāhine-led, and all of our products are still made right here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our packaging remains plastic-free, and our shipping materials are FSC Certified , keeping our commitment to sustainability at the heart of everything we do. Thank you for being part of the journey! Save 15% on Our Old Branding As we make way for our fresh new Smidge packaging, we’re offering you a chance to stock up on our Seasick Sunscreen branded products at a great discount. From now until November 7th, you can get 15% off your purchase using the code 15OFF at checkout. Same great sunscreen, just the old branding! SPF 40 Daily Face Sunscreen Buy Now Travel Bundle (30g and 70g tins) Buy Now

< Back Safe Sunscreen Ingredients: Why we use just 7 ingredients in Smidge 18 Nov 2024 When choosing a sunscreen, understanding what the ingredient list is can make all the difference in finding a product that’s safe, effective, gentle on sensitive skin and better for the planet. Here, we break down the 7 ingredients we use in Smidge — an ideal choice for anyone looking for a safer alternative to conventional sunscreens. Chemical Vs “Natural” Sunscreen Firstly, it’s important to know there are 2 types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral (or “natural”). Most sunscreens rely on chemical UV filters, such as oxybenzone and homosalate, which can irritate sensitive skin. Mineral or “natural” sunscreens on the other hand, are those made with physical UV filters such as zinc oxide. Mineral-Based Sunscreens Safer for Kids and Sensitive Skin Mineral sunscreens, particularly those with zinc oxide, offer physical protection by reflecting harmful rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV rays and convert them into heat within the skin, mineral sunscreens are less likely to cause irritation or disrupt the skin’s natural balance. Smidge’s 7 safe ingredients: 1: Zinc Oxide Zinc oxide is a mineral filter that sits on top of the skin, where it protects against UVA and UVB rays. It is non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin, including eczema-prone or children’s skin. Its effectiveness without harmful chemicals makes it the primary ingredient in safe sunscreens like Smidge, providing SPF 40 broad-spectrum protection. 2: CocoNut Oil Moisturising, healing and non-greasy, coconut oil helps moisturise and soothe the skin without synthetic fragrances or preservatives, which can often trigger allergies or irritation. 3. Shea Butter Shea butter is nourishing and can offer a natural boost to the skin barrier, helping maintain moisture even in the sun. Shea creates a creamy, easily spreadable texture, making Smidge application smooth and enjoyable. Our shea butter is fully traceable to the AAK Kolo Nafaso direct sourcing program in West Africa , positively contributing to social, economic and environmental well-being. 4. Candelilla Wax Candelilla wax is a vegan alternative to beeswax, commonly used to enhance sunscreen's texture and water resistance. 5. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride* Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is plant-based and gives our sunscreen its smooth yet non-greasy feel. It's 100% biodegradable and perfectly safe for use. 6. Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate* Made from plant oils such as coconut oil and castor oil, this ingredient is soothing on sensitive skin. 7. Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate* This is another plant-derived ingredient. It is gentle, moisturising on the skin and this ingredient receives the highest score on the EWG scale. *We use these three ingredients as natural emulsifiers, ensuring Smidge maintains a smooth, creamy texture that doesn’t separate over time, unlike many other "natural" sunscreens. What’s Not In Smidge Sunscreen Water: our concentrated formula goes 2-3x further than water-based sunscreens Chemical UV filters: Avoid sunscreens with synthetic chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone if you have sensitive skin Fragrances: choosing sunscreens without artificial fragrances, parabens, and other potential allergens can help reduce the risk of irritation. Common Questions About Sunscreen Ingredients 1. Is mineral sunscreen as effective as chemical sunscreen? Yes! Mineral sunscreens offer reliable broad-spectrum protection and are often a healthier choice for sensitive skin types. 2. Will mineral sunscreen leave a white cast? While some mineral sunscreens can leave a white cast, Smidge is designed to rub in well without a white cast, thanks to our carefully selected ingredients and texture! 3. How often should I reapply? Dermatologists in New Zealand recommend that all sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours , or after swimming, sweating, or towel drying, for best protection. Watch our video on how to apply Smidge A Smidge Different: Sunscreen that actually feels good At Smidge, our goal is to provide sun protection that works harmoniously with your skin and the environment. Our Daily Face and Body Sunscreen with SPF 40 includes zinc oxide as the active ingredient, complemented by soothing and moisturising natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter. This formulation not only meets the Australia-New Zealand standard for SPF protection (AS/NZS 2604:2021) but also aligns with the needs of those with sensitive skin and a desire for a plastic-free and NZ-made product. For more information on Smidge Suncare’s ingredients and our commitment to safe, effective sun protection, visit our Safe Sunscreen Ingredients page. Shop Now

< 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 to stop getting sunburnt so easily. 26 Oct 2022 7 tips on how to avoid sunburn this summer. As the founder of a sunscreen company, I probably shouldn't admit to getting burnt...but even I make bad judgements when it comes to adequately protecting my fair skin from the harsh New Zealand sun - especially at the start of every summer! So please learn from my mistakes and use this guide to avoid getting a nasty sunburn this summer . You can still burn on cloudy days Apply sunscreen before your skin is red Be vigilant at the start of summer Protect your nose You need more than just sunscreen Apply sunscreen correctly Check your sunscreen is SPF certified Did you know? Over 90% of all skin cancer is due to excess sun exposure ( Health Navigator NZ ) and the highest reported rates of melanoma in the world are in Australia and New Zealand ( DermNet ). 1. Even when it's cloudy, you can still get burnt Probably one of the worst sunburns I have ever had was on a cloudy day. It was nice and warm so I was in and out of the water a lot - not even really drying off enough between swims to apply sunscreen to my body...or at least that's how I justified it at the time. I had terribly painful and red burn on my chest, so badly that it blistered. Even on cloudy days, 80% of the sun's rays can reach your skin causing sunburn and skin damage. 2. Don't wait until your skin is showing signs of redness to apply sunscreen When I was younger, I thought as long as my skin wasn't pink or red that I was doing just fine. What I didn't know is that by the time the red appearance of sunburn starts to show, the damage has well and truly been done . So don't wait until you see visible signs of sun damage before applying sunscreen. In fact, you should apply sunscreen before you leave the house, giving it time to sink in. 3. Be extra vigilant at the start of summer You are more likely to get burnt at the beginning of summer for several reasons: Your skin is likely to be more fair and soft after winter and therefore will burn easily Cooler temperatures means you are less likely to think of applying sunscreen. Don't be fooled - the sun in New Zealand especially is very strong and can cause skin damage year-round. You are likely to be more complacent about sunscreen application because chances are, you haven't worn sunscreen since last summer. Our top tip: check the expiration date on your sunscreen. If it is passed the date then it may not provide you with the level of SPF labelled! Our plastic free sunscreen tins are great because you can see exactly how much sunscreen you have left so you are less likely to waste it and you know exactly when it is time to top up. 4. Protect your shnoz! Your nose, face, scalp and other commonly sun-exposed areas are the most likely parts of the body to be sun damaged and get melanoma. So wear a hat and reapply sunscreen to these areas more often. 5. You need more than just sunscreen Sunscreen isn't the only thing you need to protect yourself from sunburn. Wear long shirts, a sarong or a beach poncho to keep your skin covered when possible. Seek shade in the middle of the day when the UV rays are the strongest and wear a hat and sunglasses. 6. How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly Applying sunscreen incorrectly is one of the easiest ways to get a sunburn - this is because you think you are protected when you're not. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply before you go outside, and re-apply every two hours, especially if you are swimming or sweating. 7. New Sunscreen Regulations New Zealand In September 2022, a new sunscreen safety bill became law in New Zealand. All sunscreens sold in New Zealand must meet the AS/NZ 2604:2012 sunscreen standard meaning they must be independently tested for SPF levels. It is very important to choose a sunscreen that meets these regulations otherwise you may not be getting the level of SPF protection that you think. Learn more about the new sunscreen NZ regulations here. Shop Smidge Suncare SPF40 Sunscreen References DermNet. Melanoma. Retrieved on 11 September 2022 from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/melanoma Health Navigator New Zealand. Skin Cancer. Retrieved on 11 September 2022 from https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/s/skin-cancer/

< Back Sunscreen That Won’t Sting Your Eyes 17 Mar 2025 If you’ve ever had sunscreen sting your eyes, you’ll know how painful it can be. Whether you're out on the water or exercising, finding a sunscreen that won’t run into your eyes when you swim or sweat is key. In this guide, we’ll explore why sunscreen can cause eye irritation and why a waterless sunscreen like Smidge is the perfect solution. Shop Now Why Does Sunscreen Sting Your Eyes? Many sunscreens contain ingredients that, when mixed with sweat or water, run into your eyes and cause burning. The main culprits include: Chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and avobenzone, which can be irritating ( National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2022 ). Water-based formulas that break down easily when exposed to sweat or water. Fragrances and preservatives , which can trigger sensitivity. What to Look for in a Sting-Free Sunscreen If you want a sunscreen that won’t sting your eyes, choose one with: ✅ Zinc oxide – a physical or mineral UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection by reflecting and scattering UV radiation. It is photostable and generally recognised as safe, with minimal skin penetration, reducing the risk of irritation ( National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2022 ). ✅ Fragrance-free & hypoallergenic – Less chance of eye sensitivity. ✅ Waterless, oil-based formula – Unlike water-based sunscreens, an oil-based formula won’t break down with sweat or water, meaning it stays put and won’t run into your eyes. Why Smidge Sunscreen Won’t Sting Your Eyes Here’s why Smidge won’t sting your eyes: 🌿 Made with Non-nano Zinc Oxide – Smidge is a mineral sunscreen providing broad-spectrum protection without harsh UV chemicals. 🚫 No Fragrance or Irritating Additives – We keep it simple to reduce sensitivity, making it the best sunscreen for kids and adults alike. Learn more about our safe sunscreen ingredients . 💧 Waterless & Oil-Based – Unlike traditional sunscreens, Smidge doesn’t contain water, so it won’t break down when you sweat or swim. Instead, it stays put, keeping your skin protected without running into your eyes. World Champion Cyclist Joanna Sharpe Chooses Smidge Joanna Sharpe, a world champion cyclist , recently set a new world record , circumnavigating the South Island solo and unsupported. Facing relentless heat and headwinds , she needed a sunscreen that wouldn’t sting her eyes or wear off. Joanna first discovered Smidge at a summer market, where she met Smidge founder Nat while searching for a sunscreen that wouldn’t cause eye irritation when cycling and getting sweaty. After cycling 2400km over 9 days, she’s become a Smidge fan, saying: “Thanks to Smidge Suncare for preventing sunburn in all the heat – and let’s not forget the relentless headwinds!” If Smidge can stand up to the extreme conditions of a world-record cycling challenge, you can trust it to protect your eyes and skin every day! We believe that wearing sunscreen can be a good experience for everyone Sunscreen shouldn’t be a painful experience! By choosing a waterless, zinc-based, fragrance-free sunscreen like Smidge, you can enjoy all-day protection without worrying about irritation. Are you ready to make the switch? SPF 40 Daily Face & Body Sunscreen Buy Now Learn More: Sunscreen Buying Guide: Find the Best Sunscreen for You and Your Family

Answer all your questions such as: How does Smidge Sunscreen work? What is the SPF rating? How to use it? Frequently Asked Questions The only thing burning should be questions. Don't sweat it, we've got you covered. How does Smidge Sunscreen work? Smidge contains non-nano zinc oxide particles that sit on top of your skin where they absorb and scatter UVA and UVB rays. Non-nano zinc oxide is a safe UV filter for babies, children and people with sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Learn more about how zinc sunscreen works . Has Smidge Been SPF Tested? Yes. Smidge has been tested at Dermatest Lab , Australia's leading sunscreen and skin care evaluation laboratory and complies to the Australian and New Zealand Sunscreen Standard AS/NZS 2604:2021. How do I store Smidge Sunscreen? Store below 25 degrees and out of direct sunlight. If it melts, it will go very runny but it is still entirely safe to use. Smidge Sunscreen has a shelf life of two years and has the date it was made, printed on the tin. What do I do with my empty tin once I've used it all? Our aluminium tins are reusable and/or recyclable. Please wipe your tin clean with a paper towel first. Some of our stockists have Smidge refill stations. I have allergies/sensitivities; is Smidge safe for sensitive skin? Smidge has the full ingredient list printed on the label and on the product page. We also have an ingredients page where you can learn more. Where can I purchase Smidge? You can order online and orders will be shipped plastic-free to your door (NZ-wide and Australia). We also sell in over 50 retailers across Aotearoa New Zealand. Find your local retailers here .

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 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. By choosing smidge you are… We donate 2% of our annual revenue — not just profits — to ocean conservation and education. This means your purchase makes a real impact. We're proud to support Blue Cradle with 1% of our revenue to grow ocean literacy, and Love Rimurimu with another 1% to help restore Aotearoa’s seaweed forests. Conventional sunscreens are up to 70% water. Counter-intuitive? Yes, water is a precious resource and that's why Smidge doesn't contain any! This also means our products go 2-3x further than conventional sunscreen. While you won't find palm oil listed on our ingredients , we are required to declare that some of our products MAY contain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certified ingredients. RSPO certification is an assurance that IF there are any traces of palm oil in our ingredients, it is produced sustainably. Our aluminum tins are infintely recyclable, our labels are made of paper and we ship online orders in bags made from FSC recycled certified paper. The sustainability journey is a work-in-progress for us all but we continue to strive for the most sustainable option in all areas of our business. We’ve teamed up with CarbonClick , a New Zealand company making it easy for people and businesses to help fight climate change. CarbonClick looks like a green button at checkout. When you click it, a small contribution is added to your basket which purchases carbon offsets. These offsets reduce the environmental impact of the carbon emissions related to the purchase. CarbonClick’s offsets fund forest restoration, tree planting, and renewable energy projects around the world. 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!

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< Back 4 reasons why people avoid wearing sunscreen. 6 Sept 2023 Research shows why people aren't wearing sunscreen. Something I hear a lot from people is "I don't wear sunscreen" and "I don't like wearing sunscreen". New Zealand has the highest melanoma rate in the world and sunscreen is an important part of protecting yourself against skin cancer. So why are so many people avoiding wearing sunscreen? In one study done in New Zealand, participants were asked what would get them to wear sunscreen more often (Douglas et al 1997). The top four reasons given were: If I thought I was at higher risk Lower cost More proof that it works Sunscreen being less greasy Whilst this study is a bit outdated, I still hear these same reasons being given to me at the market days. In this article, I will shed some light on each of these reasons and explain why you should never avoid wearing sunscreen again. Conventional Sunscreens Are Greasy The main reason why people don't like wearing sunscreen that I hear is because they don't like how it feels. Conventional sunscreens are often very greasy due to the high quantities of chemical UV filters (used to provide SPF), silicone and acrylate polymers in the formulation. It is the chemical UV filters that can also cause breakouts and skin irritations . Did you know? Seasick Sunscreen is formulated without any chemical UV filters! Sunscreen Is Expensive in New Zealand There is no doubt about it, sunscreen is expensive in New Zealand and cost is definitely a barrier to people applying sunscreen on a daily basis. To cut down on cost, people often look to buy sunscreen in bulk. However, more isn't necessarily more! Take a solid shampoo bar for example - one shampoo bar is the equivalent of 3 plastic bottles of shampoo. So whilst the upfront cost of a shampoo bar may seem more expensive, it actually works out to be the same cost as you get far more uses out of it. This is exactly the same with Seasick Sunscreen which I like to describe as a concentrated sun balm more than a typical sunscreen. Because our formula contains no water, a little goes a long way and a 70g tin is the equivalent of approximately 200ml of liquid sunscreen! People Want More Proof that Sunscreen Actually Works With so many major sunscreen brands failing to meet their SPF claims, there is no wonder that people don't have a high level of trust that sunscreen actually works. I often hear people say that they applied sunscreen but got burnt anyway. So why aren't sunscreens providing the protection that they should? Some brands completed their SPF testing at labs that were found to have falsified results Chemical UV filters degrade overtime so may not be providing the same level of SPF that is labelled on the bottle People often don't re-apply often enough or are applying sunscreen incorrectly Lots of people I talk to are suspicious that a "natural sunscreen" such as Seasick Sunscreen won't work. Interestingly, zinc is actually the original form of sun protection but they zinc sunblock went out of fashion and were largely replaced by chemical-based sunscreens because they often leave a white cast on the skin. We worked hard over several years to create a formula that rubs in really well and leaves no white cast, even on darker skin tones. Sunscreen Helps to Protect Against Skin Damage and Melanoma Whilst you may have some reservations about wearing sunscreen, it's well demonstrated that sunscreen does help to protect you from skin damage and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. It's unfortunate that so many people (myself included) have had so many bad experiences with sunscreen that they being to avoid wearing it at all. Before creating Seasick Sunscreen, I was that person! I want everyone to have the opportunity to try our formula and to change the way people think about and experience sun protection. Shop Smidge Suncare SPF40 Sunscreen References Douglass, H.M., McGee, R. and Williams, S., 1997. Sun behaviour and perceptions of risk for melanoma among 21–year–old New Zealanders. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 21(3), pp.329-334. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1467-842X.1997.tb01708.x

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 30g, 70g, 140g available Daily Face & Body SPF 40 Sunscreen Price From $22.99 Quick View New Product! Powder Based Cleanser & Mask Price $39.99 Quick View Save 10% Travel Sunscreen Bundle - 30g & 70g Price $55.78 Quick View $101.97 value for just $78.98 Skincare Ritual Bundle + Free Gift Price $78.98 “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...

< Back Zinc Sunscreens are Best for Sensitive Skin 18 Feb 2025 Zinc sunscreens are best for Sensitive Skin Is Smidge the best sunscreen for your sensitive skin? We’d love to hear from you! If you’ve tried Smidge, leave a review and help others discover a sunscreen that truly works for sensitive skin. Tell Us What You Think Why Zinc Oxide Sunscreen is Best for Sensitive Skin Zinc oxide is a natural mineral filter that sits on top of the skin, providing broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, zinc forms a protective barrier without absorbing into the skin, making it a gentler option for those prone to irritation or allergies. Top Tip: Choosing a sunscreen free from artificial fragrances, parabens, and harsh preservatives can help reduce the risk of irritation. Zinc vs. Chemical Sunscreens Most conventional sunscreens contain chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and octocrylene, often paired with artificial fragrances and preservatives—common triggers for skin irritation (Keyes et al. 2019) . For babies under six months and those with sensitive skin, dermatologists recommend avoiding chemical sunscreens altogether ( The Australasian College of Dermatologists 2022 ) . Smidge is formulated without harsh chemicals, making it safe for sensitive, eczema-prone, and children's skin. With SPF 40 broad-spectrum protection, it shields your skin without causing irritation. ⭐️ So great for my skin! – Michael, Verified Buyer "For years, I battled rosacea and struggled to find a sunscreen that didn’t cause irritation. Chemical sunscreens always made it worse. Smidge is the ONLY product that doesn’t wreak havoc on my skin. In fact, I use it to calm my skin when it flares up. Such an amazing product!" The Smidge Sunscreen Story “I suffered from painful eczema as a child and remember how sunscreen would sting and burn my skin.” Coming from a family of eczema sufferers, Natalie (Founder of Smidge) made sure her first test subjects were her sister and cousins, whose young children also had sensitive skin. Smidge passed the test, and six years later, it’s now available in pharmacies and health stores, earning a reputation as the best sunscreen for sensitive skin. SPF 40 Daily Face & Body Sunscreen Buy Now Learn More: What Sunscreen Can I Use If I Have Eczema?

< Back Is Smidge Sunscreen Reef Safe? 3 Feb 2025 Is Smidge Sunscreen Reef Safe? Is Smidge sunscreen reef safe? Great question! The term reef safe can be a bit misleading—it’s not a regulated label and is often used for greenwashing. At Smidge, we focus on transparency and emphasise the tangible steps we take to reduce our environmental impact. Read on to learn more. Shop Now What Does Reef Safe Sunscreen Mean? In 2021, Hawaii passed a law ( bill SB2571 ) banning the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemical UV filters shown to harm coral reefs. For sunscreen to be considered reef safe or reef friendly, brands should exclude ingredients known for their toxicity to marine life. At Smidge, we do not use oxybenzone or octinoxate—the two key ingredients banned under Hawaii’s Safe Sunscreen Bill. While this means we meet the criteria often associated with the term reef safe, we avoid using it loosely. Why? Because the term ‘reef safe’ is frequently misused in greenwashing. For instance, does simply removing harmful ingredients while packaging products in plastic truly make a sunscreen reef safe? We don’t think so. “Of course, the best chance coral reefs have of survival is to slow the progress of climate change”- Smithsonian, 2022 More importantly, the leading threat to coral reefs isn’t sunscreen toxicity—it’s climate change. That’s why Smidge focuses on broader, meaningful sustainability efforts. Smidge Approach to Sustainability Protecting the environment is at the heart of Smidge. Here’s what we do to make a difference: ✅ Support ocean conservation: 2% of your purchase is donated to ocean conservation. ✅ Say no to plastic: We use plastic-free, recyclable packaging and FSC-certified shipping materials. ✅ Reduce our carbon footprint: Smidge sunscreen is made locally in New Zealand, reducing transport emissions. ✅ Save water: Smidge doesn't contain any of this precious resource! Make every Smidge count! Our waterless formulas last 2–3x longer than conventional sunscreens, proving that less is more—better for you and better for the planet. Want to learn more? Check out our Our Impact page. SPF 40 Daily Face & Body Sunscreen Buy Now Learn More: Our 7 Safe Sunscreen Ingredients