FAQs – Mother SPF

Where is MOTHER SPF made?
MOTHER SPF is made, tested and filled in our homeland, Australia. Australia. Australian founder, Australian owned, Australian made.

Is MOTHER SPF regulated?
The manufacture of sunscreens is strictly regulated by the Australian Government's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA's sunscreen regulations are among the strictest in the world.

MOTHER SPF complies with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2604:2012 and is registered with the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG / TGA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You can find our listing on the ARTG. Just search “MOTHER SPF”

When does it expire?
MOTHER SPF has a shelf life of 3 whole years, for specifics – check the crimp of the tube for expiry information.

Do you provide samples?
We do not currently provide samples. However, please see if there is a stockist near you where you should be able to try a tester.

How should I store my SPF?
MOTHER SPF likes to be kept in cool, dark places and when she’s on vay-cay try not have her in direct sunlight - she prefers to mingle in your handbag.

Is MOTHER SPF Cruelty free?
Hell yeah MOTHER SPF is cruelty free. The only people or things MOTHER SPF has been tested on is willing and able human beings.

Is MOTHER SPF vegan?
MOTHER SPF only uses plant based oils and wax, free of any animal derivatives or ingredients, so yes! No beeswax here folks – we need these guys for the literal survival of the human race. They are responsible for the cross-pollination of plants, AKA helping the food we eat and air we breathe thrive, and their numbers are decreasing fast, meaning beeswax is a no-go zone for MOTHER SPF.

Is MOTHER SPF Reef Safe?
We only use mineral sunscreen filters which are deemed 100% safe and this is why we are free from Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.

Does MOTHER SPF use any nasties?
“Nasties, Non-toxic, Chemical Free” are all unregulated terms and to avoid confusion, we try to stay clear of such marketing jargon. All you need to know is that we formulate for the health of your skin, your body and the environment. This means we leave out any ingredients that are seen to be questionable or the impact of the ingredient in our bloodstream or waterways is still unknown. There are so many great natural alternatives available and we just don’t see the need to play with fire.

We leave out parabens, synthetic preservatives, PEGs, sulfates (SLS/SLES), GMOs, mineral oils, petrolatum, chemical sunscreen actives, silicones, fragrance, EDTA.

We also leave out any ingredients that quite simply piss off our skin too - this can also include natural ingredients.

Are your ingredients natural and organic?
Although there’s little to no regulation on this - MOTHER defines herself as a clean, natural suncare brand. All our ingredients can naturally be found in nature and work in harmony with our skin's inherent functions.

Are your formulations certified?
We use organic ingredients where we can and if organic is not available we will search for sustainably sourced ingredients. Being a suncare product we use the highest possible grade ingredients available on the market.

Does MOTHER SPF use Nano-Particles?
We wanted to know what happens if Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles are absorbed? While there’s no definitive answer for this yet, there's speculation they may be absorbed into the cells and accelerate ageing both inside and out. While more research needs to be done, MOTHER SPF likes to steer clear of Nanoparticles and uses Non-Nano Zinc Oxide instead, to stay in the safe lane.

MOTHER SPF is made with Zinc Oxide, does that mean it will leave a white cast?
Traditionally Zinc Oxide leaves a white cast, however MOTHER SPF has been formulated with high end technology to prevent this from happening, plus the use of non-nano Zinc Oxide keeps application ultra sheer. MOTHER SPF will blend into skin like an invisibility cape of anti-ageing.

Is MOTHER SPF Broad Spectrum?
Yes, MOTHER SPF blocks both spectrums. MOTHER SPF will protect you from UVB Rays - the ones that turn you a flattering shade of notification red, and protect you from UVA rays - the ones that speed up ageing, and liken you to your nannas driving gloves.

Is MOTHER SPF fragrance free?
Our Face and body (MOTHER OG) is free of any added fragrance; we decided to steer clear of using fragrance as it’s a common allergen and can contain up to 300 dangerous ingredients, which is a huge pass for us. You might still find it smells pretty good which is thanks to the coconut oil ingredient.

Our tinted face SPF 50 has a small amount of Rose Geranium Essential Oil added to the formulation for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. It’s just a win that it smells delicious too.

Can I use MOTHER SPF on babies or sensitive skin?
Since MOTHER SPF is all natural, fragrance free, formulated for sensitive skin and is irritant and allergenic free, it is safe to use MOTHER on tiny humans and reactive skin. As with any new product, we recommend patch testing first for super safety.

Is MOTHER SPF safe to use during pregnancy?
MOTHER SPF is free of retinoids and retinol, BHA’s, fragrance, parabens, preservatives, and chemical UV filters, making it totally safe to use whilst growing aforementioned tiny humans. Always check with your doctor first before using new products when pregnant.

Is your packaging sustainable?
Absolutely! Our planet is already in enough trouble, and we’ve chosen to stay in our own lanes re: contributing to this. Which is why, MOTHER uses Post Consumer resin plastics (PCR) to manufacture its tubes. We take the excess plastic out of the environment and reuse it in order to provide an endless closed packaging loop. Side note: our external packaging is also made from PCR or corn starch.

When should I apply MOTHER SPF?
To create a protective barrier, you’ll need to get amongst MOTHER SPF 20 minutes before sun exposure, to clean dry skin, and re-apply after any water sporting activities and exercising or sweating.

Where does MOTHER SPF fit in my routine?
Both formulations are a broad-spectrum physical sun protectant, meaning it’s perfect over skincare and under makeup. Like a protective sandwich filling keeping the good in and the bad out.

What skin type is MOTHER SPF for?
All our products are safe for all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Our use of clean natural ingredients and expert formulation ensures this.

What’s the finish like?
While it’s concentrated, it’s a very sheer formula. i.e don’t expect it to offer any coverage. Instead expect enough shimmer to give you a natural, luminous glow, without being glittery and having just enough colour to look like you have just gotten back from a holiday in the Bahamas!

Can I use it every day?
It’s been designed for everyday use. It protects you from all environmental aggressors that can wreak havoc on your skin, adds hydration + antioxidants to the skin and makes you look like a glowy bronzed goddess. Why wouldn't you?

If I mix it with my MOTHER SPF, will I still be sun safe? We do not recommend mixing with your SPF. We recommend mixing it with your skincare first, apply SPF and allow the bronzed pigments to still shine through.

What skin type?
Suitable for all skin types - from the very oily to the very dry, and everything in between. You choose your SPF, foundation and moisturiser for your skin and we choose your one stop shop Golden Drops.

Who is this product for?
Mineral SPF users, bronzer lovers, and pretty much anyone who likes their skin to look glowing, healthy and gorgeous (so everyone right?).

How do I apply?
For that post vay-cay glow, add a TINY amount to whatever is your last layer of skin care. If you legit have been on a vay-cay and already have some colour in your skin - you might prefer to massage one to two drops directly into your skin to really make everyone jealous you have been jet setting. It’s also designed for the body so add to your body oil or moisturiser for some extra golden glow.

How illuminating is it? And will I look orange?
The best thing about this product - is your daily glow is totally customisable by you! The more drops, the more illumination! And although we use only golden tones (not a hint of orange in sight!) if you add too many drops - well you might belong on Willy Wonka.

Is it Vegan?
This is our only product that is not vegan due to the luminosity from the added Pearl Powder. MOTHER’s founder grew up on a Pearl Farm and always admired Pearl farms as they use every aspect of a Pearl Shell so that nothing goes to waste! Our Pearl shell powder is also sustainably sourced from freshwater pearls.