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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

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< 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

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

Smidge Suncare is better for you and the environment! We have carefully selected a simple list of naturally-derived ingredients that are safe for your body and better for the planet too. Ingredients We have carefully selected a simple list of naturally-derived ingredients that are safe for your body and effective. No harsh chemicals, no fillers. Just what your skin needs. Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Non-nano zinc oxide is a broad spectrum mineral UV filter and is the only active ingredient in Smidge sunscreen. Zinc oxide scores very well in the EWG ratings for low toxicity and is recommended for people with sensitive skin. Smidge does not contain any chemical UV filters (such as oxybenzone or octinoxate). Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil Moisturising, healing and derived from nature. What more do we need to say really.

 Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Shea Butter is obtained from the seeds of the Karite Tree (Butyrospermum Parkii) common in several African countries. This soft, pliant 'butter' is pressed from the seeds. Our shea butter is ethically produced and sustainably refined. Candelilla Cera A plant wax produced from the Candellila tree. This is a vegan alternative to beeswax. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is plant-based and gives our sunscreen its smooth yet non-greasy feel. It's 100% biodegradable and perfectly safe for use. Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate Made from plant oils such as coconut oil and castor oil, this ingredient is soothing on sensitive skin. Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate This is another plant-derived ingredient. It is gentle, moisturising on the skin and this ingredient receives the highest score on the EWG scale. What you won't find in Smidge sunscreen… Petrochemicals Synthetic fragrance Water Parabens Nano-particles Oxybenzone Octinoxate Octisalate Octocrylene Homosalate Avobenzone Titanium Dioxide

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.

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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

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

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.

How to apply our sunscreen? All you need is just a smidge. How to Apply Our Sunscreen Step 1: Just a Smidge Warm a smidge (pea-sized amount) in your palms (this is enough to cover your face). Step 2: Spread Gently Spread gently across your skin - there is no need for vigorous rubbing like you do with liquid sunscreens in plastic squeezy bottles. Our sunscreen spreads easily and doesn’t leave a white cast. Step 3: Repeat Repeat the process using approximately a pea-sized amount for each body part i.e one for each arm, one for each leg and so on, until all areas of exposed skin are covered. Step 4: Re-apply Re-apply at least every 2 hours or as needed. download instructions