What’s Not in Your Sunscreen Matters Just as Much as What Is

In recent months, Australian families have been reminded just how important it is to know what’s on your skin. With sunscreen controversies hitting the headlines, from SPF ratings to questionable “reef-safe” claims… it’s no longer enough to trust what’s on the front of the label. More and more parents are reading the back. And that’s exactly where we shine.

At Little Urchin, we don’t just avoid the usual suspects - we hero ingredients that are better by nature. We’ve built every product to be effective and kind to your skin and the planet. No shortcuts. No greenwashing. Just clean, conscious sun protection that actually does what it promises.

Here’s what makes our formulas different.

1. A Naturally Powerful UV Filter You Can Trust

We use a non-nano zinc oxide.  A naturally sourced mineral filter that physically blocks UVA and UVB rays by sitting on the surface of your skin. Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV radiation (and often bring a raft of irritants and environmental concerns), zinc oxide is a gentle, broad-spectrum shield that starts working from the moment it’s applied.

Non-nano means our particles are too large to be absorbed into your body or the marine food chain, keeping your family and our reefs protected.

No homosalate, no oxybenzone, no hidden nasties.

2. Nature’s Nourishers: Ingredients with Purpose

Every ingredient we use plays a specific, skin-loving role. Here are a few standouts from our sunscreen formulas:

• Medium Chain Triglycerides: Derived from coconuts, these lightweight lipids provide silky nourishment without greasiness. They help deliver active ingredients evenly while keeping your skin soft and moisturised.
• Coconut Oil: Naturally antibacterial, hydrating and protective - coconut oil helps soothe dry or sun-exposed skin and reinforces the skin’s barrier.
• Castor Oil: A centuries-old remedy, castor oil calms and hydrates, while also helping to stabilise our formulations so they stay effective over time.
• Candelilla Wax: This vegan alternative to beeswax forms a breathable, moisture-locking barrier that helps prevent water loss - essential for long days outdoors.
• Coco-Caprylate: A coconut-based emollient that mimics the feel of silicone, without any of the synthetic baggage. It delivers a smooth, luxurious texture that glides on easily and disappears into the skin.

3. Functional Ingredients that Don’t Compromise

We also use naturally derived functional ingredients that enhance performance, without the usual chemical suspects:

• Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate: A mouthful, yes,  but this castor bean derived emulsifier helps our oil and water ingredients blend smoothly, without requiring harsh synthetics or PEGs.
• Isostearic Acid: A plant-derived texture enhancer that improves spreadability, so your sunscreen goes on easily, evenly, and without a chalky finish.
• Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that supports skin repair, combats UV damage and helps preserve the stability of our natural oils.

Why We Leave the Rest Out

We don’t use:

• Homosalate
• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Synthetic fragrance
• Parabens
• Sulphates
• Silicones
• Petrochemicals

Why? Because we've always believed that there was a better way, the answer has always been in nature… we just needed to look for it and lean into it!

Chemical UV filters like homosalate and octocrylene are under increasing scrutiny for potential hormonal disruption and marine toxicity. Even when they’re technically permitted, we believe they don’t belong in products designed for daily, whole-family use. It’s not just about regulation, it’s about responsibility. If you could use another ingredient that didn't have any of those potential risks attached, why wouldn't you use them instead? That's always been our thesis.

Better Protection. Better Ingredients. Better by Nature.

When you choose Little Urchin, you’re choosing transparency, and performance, all wrapped up in a naturally effective, eco-friendly formula. We don’t believe you should have to compromise between doing what’s right and getting the protection you need.

Because your skin deserves better. And so does the planet.

Protect what you love the natural way.

 

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