Amendment: since this article was written in 2019, Frankie sunscreens have been independently rated SPF 35 - read more here.

We know how hard it can be to keep little ones protected from the sun, especially here in New Zealand where we burn so easily! Baby skin is at least three times as absorbent as adult's, so it's extra important to use natural skincare that is free of nasty chemicals on their precious skin. We are are so excited to now offer the new natural suncreen & bug repellant by our friends at Frankie Apothecary. We chat to their founder, Michele, about the story behind their new product and the wonderful ingredients that it's made from.

BY MICHELE WILSON

I initially created my all natural sunscreen for my daughter Eva,  3 years ago, because of her numerous sensitivities, sunscreens already out there would irritate her skin badly.  They would sting from the synthetic chemicals and preservatives and I wanted to protect her from the sun’s harsh rays whilst also nourishing her skin, not irritating her further. 

Three years on and several sessions reformulating in the family kitchen and I am over the moon to have created a sunscreen that truly feels magical to wear, is 100% natural, infused with our skin healing Kawakawa and has attained a high protection rating SPF 50.

Absolutely every single ingredient is natural and chosen for its benefit to the skin.

Here's a little bit more information on the wonderful and completely natural ingredients inside:

Non Nano Zinc - This is the active ingredient which gives our sunscreen its sun protection factor 50 (SPF). Zinc is a physical blocker. Unlike synthetic chemical sunscreens that penetrate the skin and find their way into the bloodstream and organs, Zinc sits on the surface of the skin and reflects or scatters the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays.

The challenge was to ensure the zinc didn't leave a whitening effect on the skin and clothes like other products do. I have managed to achieve this by using a unique method of dispersing the zinc in lovely, natural oils. 

Antioxidants - I chose to use a high level Vitamin E antioxidant in my sunscreen.  Recent research shows that although sunscreens provide a passive level of protection from the sun, adding an antioxidant may provide a secondary, active level of protection and may help further protect the skin from sun damage.

Kawakawa Oil - this nourishing oil is harvested and extracted using traditional techniques by my father and I on the family farm situated in beautiful Mangawhai. Kawakawa, a plant native to NZ, has incredible benefits to the skin. Used for generations by Maori, it is skin-soothing and a wonderful addition to help repair all skin irritations like eczema, psoriasis, cuts, scraps and burns. It also doubles as a natural bug repellent!

And Jojoba Oil,  Organic Beeswax, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, Kawakawa Oil, Sunflower Oil, Castor wax and Sweet Almond Oil were all chosen as they are wonderful natural oils and butters to leave the skin moisturised and nourished.  

I am so very proud to have created this nourishing, all natural, sunscreen to offer the whole family protection from the sun’s harmful rays, so you can enjoy the beautiful weather with peace of mind this summer!

Thank you so much for sharing with us Michele, we can't wait to use this amazing product this summer! xx Nb