Answers For Our Lovers

Bondi Sands products are suitable for most ages. The use of sunscreens should be minimised for infants below 6 months of age due to the sensitive nature of newborn and infant skin. If sunscreen must be used on infants under 6 months of age, a healthcare professional should be consulted.

To learn more about the Bondi Sands Money Back Guarantee, please click here.

Bondi Sands is opposed to animal testing and none of our products have been tested on animals. All of our products are vegan friendly, with the exception of our Suncare products, which contain naturally derived beeswax. We are working closely with our suppliers to update these formulations so that our entire product range will meet vegan compliance.

Sustainability is a key value of our brand and community, and we have committed to fully recyclable packaging across all our products by 2025. We have already introduced recyclable packing for some of our products, including our Pure range, which is 100% recyclable and made from recycled materials. Keep an eye out for the recycle symbol and check the back of the pack to learn how to recycle.

Learn more about our sustainability promise.

The term ‘Broad Spectrum’ is used when sunscreen offers both UVA and UVB protection:
●   Ultraviolet A (UVA) is light that is around all day, year-round. Even when it's cloudy, UVA can penetrate the middle layer of the skin (dermis) which plays a major part in skin ageing and wrinkles. It can even penetrate through glass windows!
●   Ultraviolet B (UVB) is light that is more prevalent in sunny climates and conditions, and UVB has been associated with burning of the outer layer of skin (epidermis) that can cause skin to burn and turn red. UVB has been strongly linked to some cancers.

SPF or ‘sun protection factor’ is a rating that refers to a theoretical amount of time you can stay in the sun and be protected without getting burnt, compared to unprotected skin. For example, an SPF 50 allows you to stay in the sun with less risk of sunburn for fifty times longer than you would if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. Direct sun exposure can change the texture and elasticity in your skin, which can cause the appearance of premature ageing like wrinkles.

You sure can! Just step into the sun for a few minutes (sometime in the early morning or late afternoon) when the UV index is no higher than 3. You’ll be good to glow!

To protect our skin against UV rays it’s important to wear sunscreen daily (even during the colder months) as UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and cause damage to our skin.
 
When choosing a sunscreen, always make sure your suncare products offer both UVA and UVB protection. UVA rays can prematurely age your skin and UVB can burn your skin, so make sure the sunscreen you choose protects you from both. This may be labelled as ‘Broad Spectrum’ on your sunscreen packaging. All the products within the Bondi Sands Suncare range have a broad-spectrum formula, meaning they protect you against both harmful UVA and UVB rays.

You’ll need at least 1 teaspoon of sunscreen (approximately 5 ml) to each area (face, arm, leg etc). And don’t forget the tops of your feet if you’re wearing open-toe shoes or thongs (the feet-kind for our non-Aussie mates!).

Sunscreen should be applied liberally and evenly 15 - 20 minutes before sun exposure and should be reapplied every two hours, or more often when sweating and after swimming, exercise or towel drying.
 
As sunscreen does wear off over the day, in addition to reapplying, ensure to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect your face along with something light to cover your skin if the weather is warm. Also try to stay in the shade as much as possible to protect yourself against the effects of sun exposure that can lead to skin cancer and melanoma.

Yes, it’s important to wear sunscreen daily, even during the colder months, as UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and cause damage to our skin.
 
Applying sunscreen to your face should become an essential part of your everyday morning beauty routine. Not only does it block the harmful effects of UVA and UVB, but sunscreen for your face also helps to keep your skin looking happy and healthy. Our face sunscreens are fast absorbing and have an invisible finish, making them perfect to layer under your makeup.

In short, no. Remember that sunscreen is a "screen", not a "block" and will never block 100% UV radiation.

A sunscreen with an SPF 50+ theoretically allows you to stay in the sun with less risk of sunburn for fifty times longer than you would if you weren’t wearing sunscreen, whereas an SPF 30 only allows you to stay in the sun thirty times longer. While SPF 30 is certainly better than no SPF at all, the higher the SPF you wear, the longer you’ll be protected.

SPF or ‘sun protection factor’ is a rating that refers to a theoretical amount of time you can stay in the sun and be protected without getting burnt, compared to unprotected skin. For example, an SPF 50 allows you to stay in the sun with less risk of sunburn for fifty times longer than you would if you weren’t wearing sunscreen.

All of our products undergo rigorous testing processes to ensure they meet and exceed industry standards and regulations. We work closely with our manufacturer and testing partners on the pre-market compliance process to ensure all product claims are substantiated with robust testing and evidence, including validated SPF, broad spectrum, and water-resistant testing.

Due to the sunny Australian environment, sunscreen is classified as a therapeutic product and is heavily regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which has much higher standards and regulations than anywhere else in the world. The TGA is responsible for ensuring the quality of all therapeutic products and all products must undergo regular product quality reviews including validated SPF, broad spectrum and water-resistant testing to support all product claims.
 
All Bondi Sands SPF products are manufactured in Australia and cannot be sold in Australia or anywhere else without meeting TGA requirements. They also meet regulations in each of the countries in which they are sold.

Chemical sunscreen works by sinking into the pores of the skin. It absorbs UVA and UVB and converts them to a small amount of heat. They are generally much lighter in texture, absorb easier and leave no white cast. The Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen is an example of a chemical sunscreen.
 
Physical (or mineral) sunscreen sits on top of the skin and creates a physical barrier, reflecting and scattering UVA and UVB rays. Physical sunscreens are formulated with ingredients like Zinc, which is why they can also be called mineral sunscreens. While some physical sunscreens can be thicker in texture and leave a white cast, Bondi Sands Sunny Daze has been formulated to be lightweight in texture with a tint to ensure it blends into the skin. It’s important to note that the tint is not a universal tint and may not be suitable for some skin tones. In this instance, the Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen might be a better alternative.  

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The use of sunscreen should be minimised for infants below 6 months of age due to the sensitive nature of newborn skin. If sunscreen must be used on infants under 6 months of age, a healthcare professional should be consulted.  

Not all of our sunscreens are water resistant. Those that are, are clearly marked as water resistant on the pack, including:  
● SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Body Sunscreen Lotion
● Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Body Lotion
● SPF 50+ Body Sunscreen Lotion Coconut Beach Scent

Fragrance Free: For sensitive skin, those who don’t like a heavily scented sunscreen
Hydra: For those who love a little skincare blended into their suncare routine
Sunny Daze: Available in both chemical and mineral, these sunscreens are formulated with skin loving ingredients to leave you feeling nice and glowy.  
Mineral: Quick, simple and to the point. Does what it says it’s going to do – protect your skin – with no frills and no nonsense.
Coconut beach: With a fresh coconut scent, you’ll feel like you're on vacation every day!

Depends on the range you go for! Fragrance Free is non-scented, others may have a light coconut scent.

DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is the active ingredient in self tanning products, which causes your skin tone to adjust. It is a sugar molecule that reacts to the amino acids on the surface of the skin, and the level of DHA controls how deep and natural the colour looks. Bondi Sands uses a high level of DHA that is carefully formulated to create a natural looking tan, balanced with moisturisers to guarantee a smooth, streak-free finish.

Our self tans do not offer any sun protection, so we always recommended wearing Bondi Sands Suncare when exposed to the sun. Our self tan products allow you to experience a beautifully natural glow without the need for sun beds or UV exposure, but keep in mind: they won’t protect you from UV rays.

The best way to choose your perfect shade is to take our Self Tan Quiz.
 
If you’re unsure, we recommend starting with the Light/Medium. The actual difference in colour between the Dark and Light/Medium has a lot to do with your skin and how it develops the tan.
 
Once applied, you can wash skin after just 1 hour, but for a deeper, longer lasting tan, leave on for up to 8 hours. As it really is a personal choice, you may need to test it out a few times before knowing what suits you best. After washing off, you can always re-apply if you’re after a deeper tan. You can also check out our online store’s product section or Instagram page @bondisands to see our customer before and after shots.

We recommend avoiding swimming for 6 - 8 hours after applying your tan to allow it to develop fully on your skin. Once your tan has developed you can swim, however seawater and chlorinated pools may result in your tan fading faster.

Your tan should stay even and streak-free while exercising, however heavy sweating on a regular basis can result in fading.

Our Self Tan ranges can be washed off after just 1 hour, but for a deeper tan, we advise avoiding showering, swimming, and perspiring for 6 - 8 hours to allow your tan to develop fully on the skin.

For more tanning tips and tricks, read our Guide To Self Tanning For Beginners.

Our Self Tanning Foams, Oils, Lotionsand Mistsdry in seconds to reveal a rich, natural looking glow which lasts between 5-7 days.
 
Our Everyday Gradual Tanning Products build a golden bronze colour gradually over time. Once you’ve achieved the golden glow you’re after, you can apply every 2 - 3 days as needed. It’s a great starting point if you're new to self-tan. Otherwise, it’s the perfect top-up to your Bondi Sands tan!

It really does come down to personal preference. We recommend checking out the Bondi Sands Chatbot to help decide which product is for you. You can also visit our Bondi Sands YouTube channel for various tutorials, application tips and tricks.
 
Take our Self Tan Quiz to find your perfect self tan match.

All Bondi Sands tanning products are derived from salon quality formulas. This means that it is a formula defined by a premium dye resulting in a natural looking tan. Many other tanning brands’ formulas are based on a dye that uses lower quality ingredients, which can result in an unwanted orange skin tone.

Your Bondi Sands tan should last between 5 - 7 days, and with good skin preparation and consistent moisturising, it can last even longer. However, everyone's skin naturally exfoliates at a different rate. Our Gradual Tanning Products are the perfect solution to help prolong your tan.
 
Other tips to keep your tan looking fabulous include:
- limiting time in water
- avoiding scrubbing / rubbing your skin
- avoiding shaving, waxing
- avoiding hot saunas / steam rooms
- avoiding any other form of skin exfoliation.

● Step 1: Make sure you are freshly showered. Get rid of that old layer of skin by exfoliating from head to toe 24 hours prior to applying your tan.
● Step 2: Once you get out of the shower the next day, make sure you are completely dry and do not put on any moisturiser or deodorant. You want your skin to be like a blank canvas, completely bare and ready to be painted! If you wish, you can put a little bit of moisturiser on your hands, feet, elbows and knees. As the tanning agent in our products, DHA, tends to cling to the ‘drier’ areas of skin, moisturising these areas prior to applying your tan can help to ensure an even, patch-free finish. Read more tanning tips for dry skin here.
● Step 3: Now that your body is prepped, find somewhere with good lighting, in front of a mirror. Being able to see where you are applying will ensure you have covered all areas and blended it all in for a flawless finish. For an even, streak-free application, try the Bondi Sands Application Mitt.
 
For more useful tanning tips and tricks, visit the Bondi Sands YouTube channel.

We highly recommend keeping your skin hydrated after self tanning to prolong your tan. Skin dryness speeds up the skin’s natural exfoliation process and you don't want your tan to fade too soon!
 
Exfoliation, prolonged water submersion, or heavy sweating can also shorten the life of your glow, as these all contribute to rapid skin cell exfoliation, so we recommend avoiding these activities where possible.
 
Our Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk is a great moisturising option for extending the life of your glow as it is hydrating and enriched with antioxidants, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. We recommend using it daily after applying self tan.

All Bondi Sands products can be used on the face, however, being a generally sensitive area, it’s important to patch test first. Some people like to mix a small amount of self tan with their daily moisturiser. If you do have sensitive skin, we recommend our Gradual Tan Face Lotion or Technocolor Self Tanning Face Serums, which are specially formulated with skin loving ingredients like Chamomile and Vitamin C.
 
To build the glow on your face, use the leftover residue on your application mitt to blend gently onto your face. Learn more about how to tan your face here.

Discover our Self Tan Face Range, including Self Tan Drops in Light/Medium or Dark, or our Technocolor Face Serums.

We generally recommend sticking to one self tanning product per application. If you do not find the colour to be as deep as you would like, you can always apply a second coat 30-60 minutes after initial application, or the following day. To maintain your tan, we recommend using one of our Everyday Gradual Tanning products.

We recommend using an Application Mittfor all self tan products for an even, streak-free, flawless finish every time.

You can leave your self tan on for as long as you like, with each product having a different recommended timeframe. Some people prefer to sleep with it overnight to get a deeper glow.

Once applied, you can wash the tan off after just 1 hour, but for a deeper long-lasting tan leave on your skin for up 8 hours. It really is personal choice. You might have to test it out a few times to work out what suits you the best! For a deeper glow, we recommend letting your tan develop for 6-8 hours.

Ensure you’re applying your preferred product to clean, dry skin after showering and 24 hours post-shaving. Keep your application light and you’ll be good to go.

Learn more about preparing for your self tan here.

It is down to personal preference! If it has faded considerably or your skin looks dry, you may prefer to remove the tan completely and start with a fresh blank canvas. If you choose this option, the best way to remove your tan is with our Self Tan Eraser. Apply and leave on the skin for at least five minutes before rinsing, and your tan should fade evenly. You can also remove any pesky patches with our Exfoliation Mitt.
 
When you decide to re-tan you will get your best results by removing your previous tan completely and starting with a fresh blank canvas.

Applying self tan during pregnancy is generally safe because the top layer of the skin is the only area affected by DHA, but if you’re unsure, it’s always best to double-check with your doctor. To be extra cautious, try not to inhale the product while applying. Additionally, do not apply to the breast area if breastfeeding.
 
It can also be helpful to do a skin test before self-tanning, as hormone levels can fluctuate throughout pregnancy.
 
Read more pregancy tanning tips here.

Bondi Sands products are formulated with a green base which results in a natural, warm glow that doesn't appear orange. This being said, colour development is very dependent on the skin’s pH levels.
 
Unfortunately, everyone’s skin is different and can react differently to self tanning products. An orange result may also occur naturally depending on the makeup of your skin. Not all skin types react the same when exposed to DHA (the active ingredient that changes the colour of the skin). Applying too much DHA or tanning product may also result in an orange tan, and this is accentuated when applied to lighter skin types.
 
A patch test will determine how your skin will react to the product.

All Bondi Sands self tanning products have a fresh coconut scent.

Unfortunately, due to regulations beyond our control we are unable to send any of our aerosol products internationally as aerosol cans are considered 'dangerous goods'.