Aussie Deserve Better - Rethink your Sunscreen

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Aussie Deserve Better - Rethink your Sunscreen

Australia has some of the harshest sun conditions in the world — and we rely on sunscreen to protect us. But what if the sunscreen you’re using isn’t doing the job it claims to?
 

A recent CHOICE sunscreen test sent shockwaves through the sun care community. Several well-known sunscreen brands failed to meet their SPF label claims, leaving users unknowingly exposed. Even more concerning? Many of these sunscreens rely on chemical UV filters — ingredients that are known to disrupt hormones and are banned in several countries around the world.
 

These results are disappointing, but unfortunately, they’re not surprising.

You Deserve Safer, Smarter Sun Protection

At Sun Zapper, they believe sunscreen should do more than just tick a regulatory box. It should be safe, reliable, effective, and made for real Aussie conditions. That’s why we’ve always chosen mineral-based formulas, powered by zinc oxide — a naturally occurring mineral that works as a physical barrier to block both UVA and UVB rays.
 

Unlike chemical sunscreens, which absorb into the skin and transform UV rays into heat, mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin and reflect harmful rays away. They start working immediately, are gentler on sensitive skin, and won’t disrupt your hormones or damage marine life.

You Deserve Safer, Smarter Sun Protection

Sun Zapper keep it simple, clean and effective — just how sun protection should be. Our mineral sunscreen range includes:

🟡 Pure Zinc SPF 50+
 

Our cleanest and most gentle formula, made with 25% Zinc Oxide. It’s ideal for sensitive skin, young families, and anyone looking for a no-compromise option that delivers strong, broad-spectrum protection — without the nasties.

🔴 Extreme Zinc Sticks SPF 50+
 

Targeted, portable protection for noses, cheeks, lips and touch-ups. These long-lasting sticks are easy to apply, sweat-proof, and available in a range of bold colours and tints. Loved by athletes, groms, tradies and weekend warriors alike.

🔵 Extreme Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50+
 

Designed for high-performance protection in the harshest conditions. Whether you’re in the surf, on the tools, or spending long hours outdoors, this water-resistant formula has your back — literally.

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FAQ: Sunscreen Safety & Mineral Protection

What's the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens absorb into your skin and work by transforming UV rays into heat, which your body then releases. Mineral sunscreens (like Sun Zapper) use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to sit on top of your skin and physically reflect UV rays away. The key differences: mineral sunscreens start working immediately without a waiting period, are gentler on sensitive skin, won't disrupt your hormones, and are safe for marine life. Chemical sunscreens often contain ingredients that are banned in several countries due to hormone disruption concerns.

Why did some sunscreens fail the recent CHOICE test?

The CHOICE sunscreen test found that several well-known Australian sunscreen brands failed to meet their SPF label claims, meaning users were getting less protection than advertised. Many of these failing products relied on chemical UV filters, which can degrade in harsh sun conditions or don't provide the broad-spectrum protection they claim. This is particularly concerning for Australians who face some of the harshest UV conditions in the world and rely on sunscreen as their primary defence against skin cancer.

Which Sun Zapper sunscreen should I use for surfing in Perth?

For surfing and water sports in Perth's conditions, we recommend the Extreme Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50+. It's specifically designed for high-performance protection in harsh conditions, is water-resistant, and stays put even during long surf sessions at Scarborough, Trigg, or Cottesloe. For extra protection on your nose, cheeks, and lips, add the Extreme Zinc Sticks – they're sweat-proof, easy to apply, and won't wash off when you duck dive. The sticks are also brilliant for quick touch-ups between sessions.

Is mineral sunscreen safe for kids and people with sensitive skin?

Absolutely. Mineral sunscreens like Sun Zapper's Pure Zinc SPF 50+ are actually the preferred choice for children and sensitive skin. Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb into the skin, mineral zinc oxide sits on the surface as a physical barrier, making it much less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. The Pure Zinc formula contains 25% zinc oxide with no harsh chemicals, making it ideal for young families, eczema-prone skin, or anyone who's had reactions to traditional sunscreens. It's also reef-safe, so you can feel good about what's going into our oceans when you rinse off after a swim.

How often should I reapply sunscreen when spending all day at the beach or on the water?

In Australia's intense UV conditions, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours as a minimum – but there are important exceptions. If you're swimming, surfing, or sweating heavily (which happens quickly in Perth's summer heat), reapply more frequently – ideally every 40-80 minutes depending on how water-resistant your sunscreen is. Even "4-hour water-resistant" sunscreens lose effectiveness when you towel off, so always reapply after drying yourself. A good rule of thumb: if you're in and out of the water at Cottesloe or spending the day on your board at Trigg, slip the Sun Zapper Extreme Zinc Stick in your boardshorts and touch up your face every hour. Don't forget often-missed spots like ears, back of the neck, and tops of feet.

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