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Answer all your questions such as: How does Smidge Sunscreen work? What is the SPF rating? How to use it? FAQs Frequently asked questions General What is Smidge sunscreen? Smidge is a mineral SPF 40 sunscreen. It's very different to the greasy, liquid sunscreens most people are familiar with. Our waterless formula applies like a balm and you use far less than you do a water-based sunscreen. How does Smidge sunscreen work? Smidge contains 22% non-nano zinc oxide — a mineral UV filter that sits on top of your skin where it provides broad spectrum protection (UVA and UVB rays). Is Smidge a reef-safe sunscreen? At Smidge, we do not use oxybenzone or octinoxate—the two key ingredients banned under Hawaii’s Reef-Safe Sunscreen Bill. While this means Smidge meets the criteria associated with the term "reef safe", we avoid using it. Why? Because the term ‘reef safe’ is unregulated and frequently misused to greenwash. For instance, does simply removing harmful ingredients while packaging products in plastic truly make a sunscreen reef safe? We don’t think so. How do you use Smidge? Less than you think — and that's the point. Smidge is concentrated without fillers or water, so just a smidge is genuinely all you need. A pea-sized amount covers your face; a small dollop covers your arms and shoulders. The tin goes further than it looks. That said, don't forget re-applying is key. Dermatologists in New Zealand recommend reapplying all sunscreen every 2 hours, regardless of what the product claims. Is Smidge good for sensitive skin and babies? Yes. Smidge is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, which is widely regarded as one of the safest UV filters for sensitive skin — including babies and young children. There are no harsh chemical UV filters, no fragrances, and no parabens. Will Smidge leave a white cast on my skin? Most zinc sunscreens are very thick making them difficult to rub in. Smidge melts with the heat of your skin making it easier to rub and blends to a natural finish on most skin tones. Warm the product between your fingers first, then apply in small amounts and blend as you go.

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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

< 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

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