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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 Shipping rates change frequently so it's best to check the price from your cart. Below is an indication of shipping costs however actual price may differ. New Zealand NZ Urban (excluding rural) - $5 NZ Rural - $11* Free shipping on orders over $80 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 Eczema and Sunscreen: What Sunscreen Can I Use If I Have Eczema? 3 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

< Back Everything You Need to Know About Sunscreen SPF 7 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

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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 Sunscreen Buying Guide: Find the Best Sunscreen for You and Your Family 20 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

< Back How to stop getting sunburnt so easily. 27 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 What is the best sunscreen in NZ? 5 Jul 2022 6 reasons Smidge is the best sunscreen in NZ. I guess that depends on what you mean by ‘best’ so we have broken this down into six categories: the best SPF protection best value for money best feel best look best environmental values/practices best sunscreen for sensitive skin. 1. Best sunscreen - SPF protection The Cancer Council states that SPF50+ filters out 98% of UVB radiation, while SPF30 blocks out 96.7% of UVB - this is only 1.3% more protection . SPF 50 sunscreens can therefore mislead people into thinking they are more protected than they actually are; however, an SPF50 Sunscreen still needs to be reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming and exercise, and applied correctly. SPF 50 requires the use of a large amount of UV filters and is most often achieved by using chemical UV filters and/or nano-particles. In summary, the Cancer Council recommends using a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or above. 2. Best sunscreen - value for money Conventional sunscreens are up to 70% water meaning you need to use a lot to protect your skin. That’s why they are usually sold in 200ml+ bottles. Our formula has no water in it meaning it goes 2-3 times further. Ethique prices their waterless shampoo bars to reflect the fact that they equate to 3 bottles of conventional shampoo. 3x bottles regular shampoo = approx. $33 1x Ethique bar = $22 Our formula has no water in it meaning a little goes a really long way! 3x chemical sunscreen bottles = approx. $45 2x conventional mineral sunscreen containing water = $60 1x Seasick Sunscreen = $33 But don’t take our word for it. Here is what Eco-blogger , Juliet had to say about our sunscreen: “Did you notice that there was no water in that ingredient list? What that means is that a little goes a very long way. I couldn’t believe that tiny amount required to cover my face.” In summary, yes our sunscreen costs a bit more upfront but when applied correctly, it's going to go a lot further than your typical liquid sunscreen that is poured out of a plastic bottle. 3. Best sunscreen - application feel “This sunscreen is awesome! Such a beautiful texture, has no chemical smell and just feels like putting moisturiser on. Amazing product, 100% recommend.” - Amelia, happy customer. The number one thing we hear from people is how much they hate greasy sunscreen! To be perfectly honest, a feature I focused on when I developed my formula but by a stroke of luck we have created a non-greasy sunscreen that sinks right into the skin and feels great! How do we know this? Because each summer we have hundreds of people try our sunscreen at our market days and that is the number one feedback that we hear. 4. Best sunscreen - look Many mineral sunscreens are made with powdered zinc oxide which can leave a white caste on the skin. To avoid this, lots of sunscreens and personal care products are made using nano-sized particles (particle size <100 nanometers) to formulate lotions that rub in more easily and leave less of a tint. I use sunscreen daily (at work, while exercising, outdoor events etc.) so creating a formula that doesn’t leave me looking white like a ghost was a high priority for me. That’s why I searched the world for a zinc dispersion which glides onto the skin and doesn’t leave a white tint! We were able to achieve this without using nano zinc (particle size <100 nanometers). Although good science is still lacking in this area, scientists think that non-nano particles have less of an impact on marine life which is why we only use non-nano zinc. 5. Best sunscreen - for the environment Firstly, let me start by saying, no sunscreen is good for the environment. However, many chemical UV filters and of course plastic pollution have been shown to cause significant damage to the environment. So, when we do need to wear sunscreen, it is important to avoid ingredients that have been shown to cause damage to marine life and avoid plastic and other single-use sunscreen containers where possible! Kaitiakitanga (environmental “stewardship”) is our core value and the health of our oceans is at the heart of every decision we make. We aren’t perfect, but we take sustainability seriously which is why our product is: plastic free (both the sunscreen and shipping materials) made with non-nano zinc and a handful of careful selected ingredients that produced sustainably and are safe for the environment 2% revenue is donated to ocean conservation Our sustainability goals for the future are: to become Aotearoa New Zealand’s first and only reef-safe certified brand. Click here to learn more about the Land and Sea Certification we are working towards. offer tin refills so you can keep using your same tin over and over again. I think it's important to recognise that although we try to minimise our impact on the environment, ultimately we are still using resources and putting stress on the environment when large amounts of tourists/beach goers wearing sunscreen enter the water. So we can minimise our impact even further by covering our skin by wearing long clothing and staying out of the sun during the hottest time of day which helps to reduce the chance of melanoma too! 6. Best for sensitive skin Every summer, I get to meet hundreds of my awesome customers at the summer markets. This is how I learnt how many people out there suffer from painful skin irritations from conventional sunscreen chemicals. Here is what they say: “I have very sensitive dry skin and most of the commercialised sunscreen irritates my skin. I like Seasick Sunscreen because its like a cream and is made of all natural and chemical free ingredients that doesn't irritate my skin.” - Glenda Seasick Sunscreen voted "Staff Pick" at the Sustainability Trust Eco Store! "Seasick Sunscreen is AMAZING! I looked for ages for a good plastic free sunscreen and this one works magic! Made it through the entire summer without a single sunburn! Very economical too!" - Jade, Customer Service Okay, okay we are a bit biased and truly think we do have the best face and body sunscreen in Aotearoa New Zealand. BUT there are some other inspiring brands out there making the best sunscreen in other countries and they deserve recognition too. We are inspired by Badger Zinc Tin from the USA and Mama Kuleana from Hawaii. Shop Smidge Suncare SPF40 Sunscreen

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Sustainable sunscreen in plastic-free packaging you can trust to protect your skin without harming the environment. Our Story With a background in science, interest in sustainable living and love of nature, in 2019, Natalie created Smidge in her kitchen. MEET THE FOUNDER Kia ora, I'm Nat! As a redheaded sun worshipper who loves travelling, hiking, and diving, sunscreen is a daily essential for me. But I wanted more than just protection. I wanted something I could trust to be kind on sensitive skin, simple to use, and with minimal impact on our planet. As a scientist and passionate conservationist, I rolled up my sleeves and turned my kitchen into a sunscreen lab. I kept it simple: just a handful of naturally-derived ingredients, packaged in plastic-free tins, and made right here in Aotearoa. We’re here to protect people and the places we love, one smidge at a time. - Nat, Founder and CEO (Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa) Join Us Smidge is more than a sunscreen – we’re building a community that cares for people and our planet. If that sounds like you, we’d love to stay connected. Get 15% off Mission Smidge is a social enterprise that makes skin and sun care simple, gentle on skin, and big on impact — so you can live life to the fullest with minimal impact on the environment. Vision Wearing sun protection can be a good experience for everyone. We imagine a future where caring for your skin also means caring for our planet and future generations. Sustainability The health of the planet is key to the health of all people. As children of Papatūānuku (Mother Earth), we have a responsibility to protect our planet, and Smidge contributes by giving back to local environmental programmes and championing low-impact living. Learn more. Thanks for being on this journey with us.... Nat launches in 2019 at Newtown Market, Wellington. Family and friends helping tin sunscreen. Expo Stand Upscaling production after crowdfunding campaign. Smidge on a billboard in Tauranga. Nat launches in 2019 at Newtown Market, Wellington. Family and friends helping tin sunscreen. Expo Stand Upscaling production after crowdfunding campaign. Smidge on a billboard in Tauranga. Nat launches in 2019 at Newtown Market, Wellington. Family and friends helping tin sunscreen. Expo Stand Upscaling production after crowdfunding campaign. Smidge on a billboard in Tauranga. Nat launches in 2019 at Newtown Market, Wellington. Family and friends helping tin sunscreen. Expo Stand Upscaling production after crowdfunding campaign. Smidge on a billboard in Tauranga. Nat launches in 2019 at Newtown Market, Wellington. Family and friends helping tin sunscreen. Expo Stand Upscaling production after crowdfunding campaign. Smidge on a billboard in Tauranga. Nat launches in 2019 at Newtown Market, Wellington. Family and friends helping tin sunscreen. Expo Stand Upscaling production after crowdfunding campaign. Smidge on a billboard in Tauranga.