< 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

We use 100% plastic-free shipping! Your order will be sent in a FSC-certified cardboard mailer. It can be reused and at the end of its life it can be recycled in a kerbside recycle bin. ​ Our Shipping Policy 100% plastic-free shipping Your order will be sent in a FSC-certified cardboard mailer. It can be reused and at the end of its life it can be recycled in a kerbside recycle bin. Shipping times NZ Urban - 1-3 Business Days NZ Rural - 3-5 Business Days Australia Nationwide - 5-7 Business Days Please Note: Weekends do not count in your shipping days, if you order on a Friday afternoon, Saturday or Sunday your order will be with the courier company on Monday. Shipping costs New Zealand NZ Urban (excluding rural) - $7 NZ Rural - $11* Free shipping on orders over $60 Australia Nationwide - $15 Free shipping on orders over $120 *Please select the correct shipping for your address as we are unable to send your rural order if you select standard.

< Back Sunscreen Buying Guide: Find the Best Sunscreen for You and Your Family 19 Jan 2025 The Best Sunscreen for Every Need Sunscreen is your first line of defense against harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the right one for you and your family. To make things easier, we’ve created a handy guide to help you select the best sunscreen for every need. Best Sunscreen for Kids Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin Best Sunscreen for Your Wallet Best Sunscreen for the Planet Best Sunscreen for Kids Kids have delicate skin that requires extra care. Look for sunscreens made with: Gentle, non-irritating ingredients: Fragrance-free formulas are ideal to avoid stinging eyes and skin irritation. Mineral-based protection: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are safe, effective UV filters for children. Ease of application: Busy parents will appreciate a sunscreen that applies quickly and evenly without fuss. Tip: Warm Smidge between your palms first for easier application, then gently swipe it across your kid’s skin in one or two smooth motions—no need for vigorous rubbing like with conventional sunscreens! While aerosol sprays might seem convenient, they’re often wasteful and far less cost-effective (more on this below). Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin Sensitive skin requires special attention. Opt for hypoallergenic sunscreens that are free from common irritants such as fragrances, oxybenzone, and alcohol-based formulas. If you’re new to Smidge, try a 30g tin and check out reviews from customers with sensitive skin—it’s a game-changer for many! Best Sunscreen for Your Wallet Choosing a waterless formula is much better value for money. Unlike water-based sunscreens (which can be up to 70% water), Smidge is highly concentrated. You only need 1 teaspoon per full-body application, compared to 7 teaspoons of conventional sunscreen. Our tins are designed so you can scoop out every last smidge of sunscreen—no waste, just great value! Best Sunscreen for the Planet Protecting your skin shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment. Here’s what to look for: Sustainable packaging: Choose products in recyclable or refillable containers. Smidge tins are plastic-free and lightweight, reducing landfill waste. Ethical certifications: Support brands that are cruelty-free and contribute to environmental initiatives. Every Smidge purchase contributes to ocean conservation —learn more on Our Impact page. Best Sunscreen SPF Dermatologists in New Zealand recommend at least SPF 30 for effective UV protection. New Zealand’s Sunscreen (Product Safety Standard) Act ensures sunscreens meet stringent standards through independent testing. Whilst Consumer New Zealand isn’t testing sunscreen SPF this summer, they have created a Sunscreen Buying Guide that is a valuable tool you can use to evaluate SPF claims, ingredients, and prices. Smidge is proud to be listed, showcasing our commitment to transparency and quality. SPF 40 Daily Face & Body Sunscreen Buy Now Learn More: The Best Sunscreen For Eczema

If you're interested in selling Smidge Suncare in your store, get in touch with us today. Interested in Stocking Smidge? Gentle on Skin. Big on impact. Smidge is proud to partner with like-minded retailers who care about people and the planet. We offer high-performing sunscreen made right here in Aotearoa—crafted with naturally derived ingredients and broad-spectrum protection that works. A lready loved by customers across Aotearoa, Smidge is ready to make a difference on your shelves too. Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch with our wholesale info & pricing. Why Stock Smidge? It Sells Stocked in 50+ locations. Featured in Women’s Weekly, Kia Ora Magazine, and RNZ. Fills a Niche Eco-conscious, sensitive-skin friendly, and trusted by families. Shelf-Ready Compact tins with bold, beautiful branding—perfect for counters, travel sections, and impulse buys. Local & Impact-Led Wāhine Māori-owned. Proudly made in Aotearoa. 2% of revenue goes to ocean conservation. Request a Sample Name* Email* Phone* Store Name or Link to Website* Postal Address for Sample* Why Smidge would be a good fit for your store?* We'll be in touch if we think your store is a good fit! Submit What our retailers are saying "May I say, of all suppliers I have dealt with so far, you are by far the most responsive, organised and thoughtful yet." - Will, Run Pōneke Email us at: natalie@smidge.co.nz for more information

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

< Back A Guide to Vegan Sunscreen 17 Dec 2024 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: Beef tallow: Used in some moisturisers as a fatty base. Beeswax: A common thickener and water-repellent. 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: Shea butter instead of beef tallow Candelilla Wa x instead of beeswax 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 Buy NZ Made: Animal testing is banned for cosmetics made in Aotearoa. Check Ingredients: Look for common animal-derived ingredients and only buy products that align with your values. 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. 💛 Buy Now Learn More: Our 7 Safe Sunscreen Ingredients

Get in touch with the Smidge Suncare team today! We're always happy to help. Stay in touch. natalie@smidge.co.nz Email us directly Name* Email* Write a message* Send

< 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

In the unlikely event of you not being completely stoked with your sunscreen, please let us know! We're passionate about customer satisfaction so email us and we can chat. Not Satisfied? Refunds and Returns If you aren't completely stoked with your sunscreen please let us know! We're passionate about customer satisfaction so email us and we can chat. Returns If you are not 100% happy with your purchase we offer 30-day fuss-free returns (from the time you place your order) on unopened and unused products. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase or the product has been used, unfortunately, we can’t offer you a refund or exchange. We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. Please note that returned items can not be resold so consider the environmental impact when choosing to return a product. Shipping will not be refunded unless the item is deemed to be faulty. To be eligible for our return policy, your sunscreen must have been purchased from smidge.co.nz and you must provide a valid proof of purchase. We monitor return activity for any abuses of the system and have the right to limit or deny returns in all instances. Refunds (if applicable) Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days. You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund. Please contact us at: natalie@smidge.co.nz for return and refund enquiries

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

< Back Sunscreen That Funds Ocean Conservation 14 Apr 2025 Every time you choose Smidge, you're doing more than protecting your skin — you're also helping protect the moana. Because you chose Smidge, we were able to donate $1,243 — 2% of our revenue from the last financial year — to ocean conservation. Your impact is real, and it's already making waves! Shop Now Where Your Support Went With ocean ecosystems under threat from climate change, pollution and habitat loss, restoring biodiversity and building resilience in our oceans is at the forefront of the battle against climate change ( Filbee-Dexter et al. 2022 ). Your purchases helped fund: 💙 Love Rimurimu Love Rimurimu is working to restore underwater forests by regenerating native seaweed in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. With seaweed forests vanishing globally, this mahi is critical. Not only are these forests vital carbon sinks, they’re also home to countless marine species. Our Smidge donation is helping fund seaweed plant-out efforts this year, with an intended 2000 more 'green gravel' heading out into the moana this winter at restoration sites around Te Motu Kairangi. 💙 Blue Cradle Blue Cradle’s Ocean Literacy programme equips rangatahi and communities with the knowledge and tools to understand and care for our marine environment. From schools to science centres, their mahi is making marine conservation more accessible and inspiring the next generation of ocean conservationists. Tell Us What Causes Matter to You At Smidge, we’re all about impact — using simple, naturally derived ingredients, staying plastic-free, and supporting projects that restore our environment. Learn more about Our Impact . We want to hear from you. Join our private Facebook group and tell us what matters to you. Together, we’re building something special — a community creating positive impact for people and the planet. Join The Smidge Collective Learn More: Is Smidge Reef Safe?

< Back What is Octocrylene and why we avoid it in our sunscreen. 23 Aug 2023 Octocrylene is a chemical UV filter: here's why you will never find it in our sunscreens. Conventional sunscreens often contain chemical UV filters like Octocrylene, which some research has demonstrated the potential negative effects on human health and marine ecosystems . A t Seasick Sunscreen Co, our commitment to protecting both you and the ocean has led us to formulate a mineral sunscreen with just 7 naturally-derived ingredients and no chemical UV filters. In this blog post, we will delve into what Octocrylene is and why it will never be used in our sunscreen . Understanding Octocrylene at a Glance: Octocrylene is: a synthetic compound commonly used as an active ingredient in sunscreens protects the skin from UV radiation (primarily UVB). also used in lip balms creams, makeup and plastic packaging. Basically, octocrylene is commonly used in sunscreen as it helps to prevent sunburn . Health Concerns of Octocrylene from Sunscreen While it effectively shields the skin from sunburn, Octocrylene has come under scrutiny due to its potential to interact with other chemical filters and create harmful by-products when exposed to sunlight. Additionally, Octocrylene has been linked to skin irritation and may have adverse effects on the endocrine system . Smidge Suncare was developed by an eczema sufferer - so we understand the painful irritations that most sunscreens can cause and are committed to making sunscreen products that are safe, effective, and gentle on sensitive skin. Research has suggested that Octocrylene can penetrate the skin and may accumulate in the body over time. The gradual accumulation of octocrylene (bioaccumulation) in fish and other seafood may also affect human health by altering your metabolism ( Ko et al. 2022 ). Environmental Impact of Octocrylene from Sunscreen One of the main reasons we steer clear of Octocrylene in our sunscreen is its detrimental impact on marine ecosystems. When people swim in the ocean wearing sunscreens containing Octocrylene, the compound leaches into the water, posing a serious threat to marine ( Schneider & Lim, 2019 ). Due to its extensive use in sunscreen and other cosmetics, a significant level of octocrylene is detected in marine and freshwater environments . 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen is estimated to enter the ocean each year ( Downs 2016 ) Studies have shown that chemical UV filters such as octocrylene have "been found in a range of species worldwide including shrimp, sea urchin, clams, mussels, corals, fish, sea turtles, dolphins and in the eggs of seabirds" ( Lebaron 2022 , pg 24). What Makes Our Sunscreen Different At Seasick Sunscreen Co, we take pride in our dedication to creating high-quality sunscreen products that offer broad-spectrum protection without the use of harmful chemical filters like Octocrylene. Instead, we rely on a mineral UV filter, non-nano zinc oxide which are safer alternatives for both your skin and the environment. These mineral filters work primari ly by absorbing UV rays ( Cole et al. 2016 ), ensuring you stay protected while minimising the risk of any adverse effects. We hope this blog post helps you make an informed choice about the sunscreen that you choose to use on yourself and your family. By opting for sunscreen products that avoid chemical UV filters like Octocrylene, you can protect your skin while doing the things that you love. 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. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/phpp.12214 Downs, C.A., Kramarsky-Winter, E., Segal, R., Fauth, J., Knutson, S., Bronstein, O., Ciner, F.R., Jeger, R., Lichtenfeld, Y., Woodley, C.M. and Pennington, P., 2016. Toxicopathological effects of the sunscreen UV filter, oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), on coral planulae and cultured primary cells and its environmental contamination in Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands. Archives of environmental contamination and toxicology, 70, pp.265-288. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00244-015-0227-7 Ko, H., An, S., Ahn, S., Park, I.G., Gong, J., Hwang, S.Y., Oh, S., Ki, M.W., Jin, S.H., Choi, W.J. and Noh, M., 2022. Sunscreen filter octocrylene is a potential obesogen by acting as a PPARγ partial agonist. Toxicology letters, 355, pp.141-149. Available from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378427421009012 Lebaron, P., 2022. UV filters and their impact on marine life: State of the science, data gaps, and next steps. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 36, pp.22-28. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jdv.18198 Schneider, S.L. and Lim, H.W., 2019. Review of environmental effects of oxybenzone and other sunscreen active ingredients. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 80(1), pp.266-271. Available from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190962218321893