What SPF testing have your products gone through?
Here is the SPF testing performed for this product, as well as Broad Spectrum testing. We also did a voluntary follow-up test on a 18-month-old batch, and preliminary waterproof testing – while we the test results are 40 mins waterproof, we recommend always reapplying any sunscreen after swimming as the mechanical action of swimming and drying can remove sunscreen.
How does SPF actually work?
Think of SPF like a sun-shield rating. SPF 15 blocks about 94% of UV rays, SPF 30 blocks around 97% and SPF 40 blocks 98%. Not a huge jump percentage-wise, but higher SPFs need more active ingredients, which can make them feel thicker on the skin.
SPF 15 will provide protection for 4 hours for someone who would normally burn in 15 minutes. SPF 30 provides protection for 8 hours of sun.
Real talk though? The amount of protection you get comes down to how much and how often you apply it. Please apply generously and reapply if you’re out and about!
What’s the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens?
There are two types of sun protection:
Physical (a.k.a. mineral): Like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, these sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away like tiny mirrors or umbrellas.
Chemical (a.k.a. UV filters): These absorb UV rays into the skin and convert them into heat. They’re always synthetic and not always kind on sensitive skin, so we skip them.
We prefer to use Zinc Oxide, which acts as a gentle, natural shield. It’s also great for sensitive skin.
Isn’t Zinc usually white and chalky?
Yes, Zinc Oxide would normally be white on the skin. We use a special Australian-made Zinc Oxide that’s dispersed in Jojoba Oil to help it spread smoothly and sit clear on the skin.
Do your sunscreens contain nano-particles?
Yes, but let us explain. Any clear Zinc on the market is now classed as ‘nano-particles’ BUT of different sizes.The term nano simply refers to the particle size. These have previously had a bad rap, however, the description of a nano-particle has since changed so they will not cause any harm.
We use clear Zinc Oxide with a median particle size of 0.31 microns (that’s 310 nanometres), with all particles between 0.25 microns and 0.35 microns. This is considered non-penetrating. That means it stays on the surface doing its job, not absorbing into your bloodstream.
How much Zinc Oxide is in it?
All of our SPF 40 products contain 24.96% Zinc Oxide - that’s what gives you broad spectrum UVA + UVB protection. Our SPF 15 formulas contain 19% Zinc.
Do I need to wear sunscreen every day?
We say yes please! Even on cloudy, overcast, rainy days and during winter, you should be wearing sunscreen every day for skin cancer prevention. Not wearing sunscreen every day is one of the leading causes for premature ageing too!
Is it safe for sensitive skin?
We made this formula with sensitive types in mind - no fragrance, alcohol, essential oils or synthetic preservatives. Just hydrating, gentle ingredients your skin will love.
Where can I learn more about sunscreen?
We always recommend doing a little digging for yourself. While we can’t challenge SPF claims legally (they're considered therapeutic goods in Australia), there’s heaps of useful info online. Try the Wikipedia (although not always accurate) sunscreen page! Weirdly specific, we know, but trust us, it’s a goldmine.
Is this a face cream or a body cream?
We like to keep things simple even if marketing can sometimes tell us otherwise and get us to believe we need a different cream for every part of the body. This cream is made for your skin so rub it on whenever you like on your face and body, and hands and feet too, we don’t discriminate.
Is your Natural Sunscreen SPF 40 water-resistant?
It is! Just make sure to reapply after swimming, sweating or towel drying to stay protected. And don’t forget your lips! Pair it with our SPF 15 Lip Balm for the full set.
What is the youngest age sunscreen can be applied to?
All of our sunscreen products are suitable for all ages, including children and newborns.
What does "Dermatologically Tested" mean?
You may have seen the term “Dermatologically Tested” on lots of products before, but did you know there’s not an actual definition or regulation for this term? Because that didn’t sit right with us, and because our aim is to make products for people with really sensitive skin, we decided to send a bunch of them off to be tested in an independent lab on 54 people who reported having sensitive skin. The results were given on a scale of 0 to 5 with 0 being no irritation or redness and 5 being a reaction. We’re happy to report that other than one person who had a reaction to the adhesive on the patch and another who found the patches painful to remove, all subjects reported 0 for redness and irritation for all the products we sent for testing. To check out the full report and summary of the test we did on this product, click here.
My Sunscreen seems to be separating. Does this means is no longer effective?
Making a natural sunscreen with Zinc is a tricky process - Zinc can be a bit of a diva! It’s thick by nature, so it needs a helping hand (in the form of emulsifiers) to spread easily on the skin.
If our Zinc-based sunscreen has been sitting somewhere hot, like in direct sun at the beach or in a toasty car, it may start to separate a little. You might notice a clear liquid come out first. No stress though! Just give the tube a good shake, or mix it straight on your skin as you apply.
The good news? It still works exactly as it should (we’ve tested it to be sure). But to keep it looking and feeling its best, we recommend storing it below 30°C, just as it says on the label.
