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

Sustainable sunscreen in plastic-free packaging you can trust to protect your skin without harming the environment. Our Story With a background in science, passion for sustainable living and love of nature, in 2019, Natalie created Smidge in her kitchen. 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. Shop Now 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) 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. 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

< Back Zinc sunscreens: how they work and why to use them. 2 May 2025 This blog was updated on May 2, 2025. Everything you need to know about zinc sunscreens. There are so many types of sunscreen available that choosing one can be seriously confusing. Zinc-based sunscreens have gained significant popularity in recent years. In this blog post, we'll explore how zinc sunscreens work, their advantages over other types, and why you should use them in your sun protection regimen. Zinc Oxide in Sunscreen Zinc oxide is a mineral compound derived from zinc, which is a naturally occurring element. Zinc is added to a sunscreen formulation to provide broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. For most people, zinc conjures up images of surfers and cricket players with a white layer of sunscreen smeared thickly across their face. Thankfully, it is possible to make a zinc sunscreen that doesn’t leave the white cast on your skin (which is exactly what we have done). How Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Works Unlike chemical sunscreens that are absorbed into the skin, zinc oxide sits on top, forming a protective layer. When UV rays reach this layer, zinc oxide acts as a filter—protecting the skin primarily by absorbing ultraviolet radiation ( Cole et al. 2016 ). While reflection and scattering do occur, they contribute minimally compared to absorption, which provides the majority of UV protection in mineral sunscreens. No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays. This is one reason the term ‘sunblock’ is falling out of favour—it implies complete blockage, which isn’t accurate - learn more about sunscreen versus sunblock . Our Sunscreen Rubs in Clear Zinc has long been used by hardcore outdoors people for its superior sun protection qualities. Traditionally, it's made into a thick paste which stays on for hours in the water or when sweating and as well as protecting against UV rays, it also creates a physical barrier trapping moisture and protecting against salt and wind. However, having the white ghost look isn’t for everyone. Few people want a thick white paste smeared on their face and body when sunbathing or applied under makeup on a daily basis. That's why we expertly formulated a zinc sunscreen that rubs in well and doesn't leave a white cast . Are nanoparticles safe in sunscreen? Firstly, what on earth are nano-particles? They are ultra-fine particles of zinc or titanium dioxide that are added to sunscreens to provide SPF protection. Nano particles are smaller than non-nano zinc (non-nano zinc is what we use in our sunscreen). Zinc oxide is a common ingredient in 'natural sunscreen' but concerns have been raised about the safety of its nanoparticle (NP) form. Drawing on the best available evidence, sunscreen containing nanoparticles appears to be safe and do not pose a risk. However, we continue to monitor research. “Repeated application of ZnO-NPs to the skin, as used in global sunscreen products, appears to be safe, with no evidence of ZnO-NP penetration into the viable epidermis nor toxicity in the underlying viable epidermis” (Mohammed et al. 2019). While research shows that zinc nanoparticles do not penetrate the skin there is some evidence that titanium dioxide nano-particles may be absorbed systemically Adler and DeLeo (2020). Titanium dioxide is another mineral UV filter commonly used in natural sunscreens. We do not use titanium dioxide in our products. Are nano-particles safe for marine life? Research shows that zinc oxide nano-particles caused coral bleaching under controlled conditions (Adler and DeLeo 2020). However, available data may not adequately account for realistic reef conditions and UV filter concentrations. How Sunscreen Impacts the Ocean In areas where there are lots of swimmers and snorkelers, sunscreen washes off people's bodies and can reach such high concentrations that the sunscreen chemicals are toxic to marine life . Honestly though, sunscreen is just a tiny drop in the sea when it comes to threats to the ocean. Climate change is the predominant driver of coral reef bleaching. Plastic production has a huge carbon footprint and is a significant source of ocean pollution. Here's why our sunscreen is plastic-free : On average, the initial production process produces about 6kg of CO2 per 1kg of plastic. 8 million tonnes of plastic pollution enters the ocean each year. Just under half of plastic comes from product packaging. Instead of using plastic, we package our sunscreen in aluminium tins that are infinitely recyclable. Aluminium is so recyclable that nearly 75 percent of all the aluminium ever produced is still in use today. You can keep your tin in circulation by wiping out your empty tin and popping into your recycling bin. Are chemical sunscreens or mineral sunscreens better? There are many advantages of using a zinc sunscreen. Here are 3 of the main reasons we recommend using a mineral sunscreen instead of chemical - Gentle on the skin: Zinc oxide is considered to be non-irritating and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Unlike some chemical sunscreens, zinc oxide is less likely to cause skin irritation, making it an ideal choice for individuals with delicate or reactive skin. Immediate protection: Zinc sunscreens start working as soon as they are applied to the skin. There's no need to wait for any chemical reactions to take place, unlike some chemical sunscreens that require approximately 20 minutes to become effective. Stability: Zinc sunscreens maintains their effectiveness over time, providing reliable protection throughout sun exposure. Chemical sunscreens tend to degrade which is one of the reasons many sunscreen brands fail to meet their SPF claims. Shop Smidge Suncare SPF40 Sunscreen References Adler, B.L. and DeLeo, V.A., 2020. Sunscreen Safety: a Review of Recent Studies on Humans and the Environment. Curr Derm Rep 9, 1–9. 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. Mohammed, Y. H., Holmes, A., Haridass, I. N., Sanchez, W. Y., Studier, H., Grice, J. E., H., Benson & Roberts, M. S., 2019. Support for the safe use of zinc oxide nanoparticle sunscreens: lack of skin penetration or cellular toxicity after repeated application in volunteers. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 139(2):308-315.

< Back Can you recycle plastic sunscreen bottles? 28 Aug 2022 8 million tonnes of plastic enters the ocean every year and over 40% of plastic comes from product packaging. Technically some plastic sunscreen bottles can be recycled. But is that the best way to deal with plastic waste? We think not, that's why our sunscreen is plastic free . Very few plastic sunscreen bottles can be recycled. Some plastic sunscreen bottles are grade 4 (the grade is indicated inside the recycling symbol (triangle) on the item) which can be recycled if cleaned properly which can be very difficult with sunscreen as it's almost impossible to squeeze the last of the sunscreen out. Plastic sunscreen lids are rarely recycled Most sorting machines don't recognise plastic lids as recyclable items so they get sorted into landfill. From landfill they can make their way into water streams and out into the ocean where they end up as plastic pollution, eventually breaking down into microplastics. Microplastics have been detected in marine organisms from plankton to whales, in commercial seafood, and even in drinking water. “Most contamination is from people who are trying to do the right thing” - Waste Management Institute chief executive Paul Evans. What you can do to avoid contaminating recycling? councils have different recycling rules so it's best to check what you can and can't recycle. See what your council can do to help you . Why our sunscreen is plastic free Our plastic free sunscreen is here to help you ditch plastic products! Our aluminium tins are infinitely recyclable - better yet, you can repurpose them into all kinds of things. Collect your coins, hair ties, or use it to keep your headphones safe. You can even turn the tin into a mini plant pot for a succulent. Watch this cool video on how to repurpose your empty sunscreen tin here. All orders placed from our online store are shipped plastic-free in a FSC certified, recyclable cardboard mailer. What is FSC? Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. FSC is the only trustable guarantee used by Seasick Sunscreen on our products to inform our customers about the sustainable sourcing of our paper/cardboard-based packaging. Shop Smidge Suncare SPF40 Sunscreen

< 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 When should I wear sunscreen in New Zealand? 27 Mar 2023 Avoid skin damage by wearing sunscreen in Autumn and Winter. The short answer is yes, you need to wear sunscreen year-round in Aotearoa New Zealand due to the high intensity of our UV rays. Even in Autumn and Winter. On Thursday March 16th between 11:30-3:30 the UV index was between 6-8 which is categorised as High ( Niwa, Today's UV Index ) . According to Dr Richard McKenzie, a NIWA scientist, " when the UV index is 3 that means, for a fair-skinned person, about an hour before you get skin damage . If the UV index is twice as big – 6, it's going to be half an hour, 12, [it's going to be] quarter of an hour " ( RNZ 2018 ). As a fair-skinned redhead, I know for a fact that I would be beetroot red after 30 mins to one hour outside on an Autumn day like today (March 16th 2023, UV index 6-8). How Much Sunscreen Do You Need? Conventional sunscreens have a LOT of water in them so you need to apply at least 1 tsp per body part to get adequate coverage. Seasick Sunscreen contains no water so a little bit goes a long way. We recommend starting with a good pea-sized blog for your face and going from there. How Often Should Your Reapply Sunscreen? This really depends on your own skin tone and what you are doing - for example are you swimming lots and then towel drying? If so then you should reapply more often. It is recommended to reapply all types of sunscreen every 2 hours however, this is unlikely to actually happen, especially in Autumn and Winter. If you are like me, I apply sunscreen first thing in the morning, sometimes under makeup and then go about my busy day....If I am lucky, I will reapply sunscreen to my face, neck and shoulders when sitting outside at lunch time or in the afternoon on a sunny day. Shop Smidge Suncare SPF40 Sunscreen References Niwa. Today's UV Index. https://niwa.co.nz/our-services/online-services/uv-and-ozone/todays-uv-index Skin cancer science: Sunscreen in winter urged as study reveals flaws in UV advice. RNZ Nine to Noon. 18 September 2018. Available from https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018663002/skin-cancer-science-sunscreen-in-winter-urged-as-study-reveals-flaws-in-uv-advice

Latest News 14 Apr 2025 Sunscreen That Funds Ocean Conservation Every time you choose Smidge, you're doing more than protecting your skin — you're also helping protect the moana. Read more... 31 Mar 2025 Why Are Skin Cancer Rates So High in New Zealand? New Zealand has some of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. Understanding why this is the case can help us make informed choices to protect ourselves and our whānau from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Read more... 17 Mar 2025 Sunscreen That Won’t Sting Your Eyes If you’ve ever had sunscreen sting your eyes, you’ll know how painful it can be. In this guide, we’ll explore why sunscreen can cause eye irritation and why a waterless sunscreen like Smidge is the perfect solution. Read more... 5 Mar 2025 How Zinc Oxide Provides Safe & Effective Sunscreen SPF Protection Our SPF 40 sunscreen is powered by non-nano zinc oxide—giving you safe, effective protection without irritation. Read more... 18 Feb 2025 Zinc Sunscreens are Best for Sensitive Skin Has Smidge made a difference for your skin? Learn why zinc sunscreens are best for sensitive skin. Read more... 3 Feb 2025 Is Smidge Sunscreen Reef Safe? At Smidge, we focus on transparency and emphasise the tangible steps we take to reduce our environmental impact. Read more... 19 Jan 2025 Sunscreen Buying Guide: Find the Best Sunscreen for You and Your Family With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the right sunscreen 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. Read more... 17 Dec 2024 A Guide to Vegan Sunscreen 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. Read more... 2 Dec 2024 Eczema and Sunscreen: What Sunscreen Can I Use If I Have Eczema? Smidge Suncare is designed to be gentle, effective, and suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Read more... 18 Nov 2024 Safe Sunscreen Ingredients: Why we use just 7 ingredients in Smidge Find out about the 7 ingredients we use in Smidge — an ideal choice for anyone looking for a safer alternative to conventional sunscreens. Read more... 6 Nov 2024 Everything You Need to Know About Sunscreen SPF Here’s everything you need to know about SPF, why Smidge is SPF 40, and how to make the most of your sun protection. Read more... 22 Oct 2024 Welcome to Smidge Suncare: Same Great Sunscreen, Fresh New Look We’re excited to introduce just a smidge, of something new, whilst keeping everything you love. Seasick Sunscreen has evolved into Smidge Suncare, with the same trusted sunscreen but a fresh look and name. Read more... 2 May 2025 Zinc sunscreens: how they work and why to use them. There are so many types of sunscreen available that choosing one can be seriously confusing. Zinc-based sunscreens have gained significant popularity in recent years. Read more... 6 Sept 2023 4 reasons why people avoid wearing sunscreen. New Zealand has the highest melanoma rate in the world and sunscreen is an important part of protecting yourself against skin cancer. So why are so many people avoiding wearing sunscreen? Read more... 23 Aug 2023 What is Octocrylene and why we avoid it in our sunscreen. Octocrylene is a chemical UV filter: here's why you will never find it in our sunscreens. Read more... 27 Mar 2023 When should I wear sunscreen in New Zealand? The short answer is yes, you need to wear sunscreen year-round in Aotearoa New Zealand due to the high intensity of our UV rays. Even in Autumn and Winter. Read more... 26 Oct 2022 How to stop getting sunburnt so easily. 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! Read more... 8 Sept 2022 The new Sunscreen NZ regulations explained. Shocking but true - sunscreens being sold in New Zealand have not needed to be independently tested or certified for SPF claims before now. Read more... 28 Aug 2022 Can you recycle plastic sunscreen bottles? 8 million tonnes of plastic enters the ocean every year and over 40% of plastic comes from product packaging. Read more... 17 Aug 2022 Reef safe sunscreen: false claims and certifications explained. Even if a sunscreen is labeled as "reef safe" there's no guarantee that it actually won't harm the corals, fish and other marine life. This is because there is no regulation when it comes to marketing a product as reef safe. Read more...