Coir (coconut fibre string)

What type of sunscreens work in our Solmates?
Let’s be honest,  you don't want to buy a Solmate only to find your favourite sunscreen doesn’t work in it!

The applicator was designed to work with as many sunscreens as possible. However the reality is that there is a vast range of sunscreens on the market and consistency can vary widely so some will work better than others!

Solmates have pulled together a summary of the sunscreens they have tested to date. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive, and they will continue to add to it.  Please note:  they’ve prioritised testing sunscreens that you can buy in larger bottles and have an SPF of at least 30.  

Key Things To Know First

1. Solmates work best with creams and lotion-based sunscreens.

2. This includes mineral (zinc-based) sunscreens although the very thick ones may be more of a challenge. There are some tips below on how to alleviate this.

3. Solmates DO NOT work well with liquid spray and very thin/runny sunscreens - our seals and the gap around the ball is designed for a slightly thicker consistency cream so you may see some leakage with very thin or liquid sunscreens.

4. When sunscreens get hot they can change consistency and become very liquidy and runny.  This may cause some temporary leakage in certain circumstances until the sunscreen returns to its original consistency.  Please note: Sunscreens should be kept as cool as possible as exposure to high temperatures can also affect their efficacy.  

Chemical Sunscreens that love Solmates

Examples of the chemical sunscreens we have tested and know work well are:

Brand & Type

Aldi - Ombra Sunscreen (all types)

Banana Boat - All Lotion types (not spray)

Bondi Sands - Coconut Beach, Sport

Cancer Council - Kids, Active, Sport, Watersport, Everyday

Carroten - Everyday Lotion

Dermaveen - Sensitive Sun

Goat - Sunscreen Dry Touch

Hamilton - Sensitive, Active Family

La Roche Posay - Anthelios Wet Skin

Le Tan - Coconut, Watermelon 

Mecca Cosmetica - To Save Body

Neutrogena - Beach Defence

Standard Procedure - Original
Sun Bum - Original

Ultra Violette - Extreme Screen

We are Feel Good - Signature, Coconut, Kakadu Plum, Sensitive, Wild Rosella

Woolworths - Everyday Lotion

Chemical Sunscreens that may have a tricky Solmates relationship

There are a few runny / thin consistency sunscreens that work well with our Solmates, however as our seals and gap around the ball are built for a slightly thicker consistency sunscreen, you may experience leakage in certain circumstances with the following sunscreens so please take care:  

Brand & Type

Nivea Sun - Protect & Moisture

Ego - Sunsense

Natio sun - Quick Dry

Mineral  Sunscreens

We also know many  of you love mineral (zinc-based) sunscreens. The zinc-based sunscreens we’ve tested that work in our Solmates are:

Brand

Type

Bondi Sands - Mineral Zinc

Ethical Zinc - Natural Clear Zinc

Invisible Zinc - Face and Body

Key Sun - Clear Zinke

Little Urchin- Natural Clear Zinc

Mother - Natural

Sunbum - Mineral Zinc

Wot Not - Natural Sunscreen

Mineral Sunscreens that have a tricky Solmates relationship

Unfortunately some of the very thick mineral sunscreens / sun butters do not work well in our Solmates as the sunscreen tends to stick to the sides of the applicator and not fall well onto the roller ball.  

Examples of the sunscreens that don’t work well are:  

Brand & Type

MooGoo - Clear Zinc 

Sunslayer - Natural

Surf Mud - Natural Zinc 

Tips for Zinc-based or Thicker Sunscreen

1. We suggest keeping the Solmate upside down (or turning upside down before usage) so that the sunscreen falls on the ball.

2. Keep the Solmate quite full so there is always sunscreen on the roller ball end. 

3. Some customers have given feedback that mixing a tiny amount of liquid coconut oil with their zinc sunscreens helps the sunscreen fall better on the roller ball - please take precautions however if you choose to alter the makeup of a sunscreen.

So we hope this helps! Please drop us a line at hello@solmates.com.au if your favourite sunscreen is not on the lists here and we will make sure we test it.

Recycled Ocean Bound Plastic and mineral talc - for the body, base and lid
Teflon - roller ball
Silicone Rubber - tether 

• 100% recycled material
• Printed with plant-based inks
• Fully recyclable or compostable,
  including stickers and labels that are also fully compostable at home or in the kerbside green bin

1. Return to manufacturer, by emailing hello@solmates.com.au and they will arrange for its return to them
   OR
2. Unit to be dismantled
   - Place the lid, body and base in kerbside recycling
   - Silicone tether and roller ball to go to specialist recycler (silicone recyclable but no pathways currently available in Australia) or send back to Solmates for repurposing.

When and how should I clean my Solmate bottle?

Your Solmate should be thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis.  Solmates are designed for the immediate transport and application of sunscreen within a short period of time, not for long-term storage of sunscreen. 

Removing any sunscreen from its original packaging may affect its efficacy over a given period, so please ensure you discard any old sunscreen regularly, then fully clean out all parts of your Solmate as follows:

• Remove the lid and base from the middle part of the applicator (please do not try to remove the roller ball)
• Using detergent and a brush or similar, thoroughly scrub and clean all parts of the applicator (including around the roller ball) to remove all residue
• Rinse off detergent  (repeat these steps until the applicator is thoroughly clean)
• Leave your Solmate to drain and fully dry before using again 

Note:  Please don’t put your Solmate in the dishwasher - whilst the Solmate will survive a washing cycle we’ve found it doesn’t do a thorough cleaning job and sunscreen residue may be left.

How do I care for my Solmate?

• Make sure you discard any old sunscreen regularly.  Solmates are NOT designed for the long term storage of  sunscreen.  Removing any sunscreen from its original packaging may affect its efficacy over a given period, so please ensure you regularly empty the Solmate and discard any old sunscreen.
• You need to clean your Solmate regularly  (see instructions in the ‘When and how should I clean my Solmate’)
• Don’t leave your Solmate in direct sun for extended periods of time - this may cause the colour to fade and the plastic to become brittle. Overheating of any sunscreen inside the Solmate may also affect its efficacy.