When we set out to make Kickflip, our signature daily moisturiser with built-in SPF, we knew it had to hit different. This wasn’t going to be some thick, greasy layer that made your face ghost-white or felt like a science experiment. It had to work with young skin, not just sit on top of it.

That meant waiting. Testing. Starting again. Because for young, active skin that moves, sweats, and skates through life, the standard SPF formulas just didn’t cut it.

What’s the Difference?

Mineral sunscreen uses natural minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to form a barrier on the skin that reflects UV rays away.

Non-mineral (aka chemical) sunscreen absorbs into the skin and uses chemical filters like oxybenzone or avobenzone to absorb UV light and convert it into heat.

Why Mineral Made Sense for Us

We wanted something safe, gentle, and effective. So, we chose mineral sunscreen, specifically non-nano zinc oxide (which means the particles are too big to enter the bloodstream or disrupt the skin barrier). That’s especially important for children and teens as their skin is thinner, more absorbent, and still developing.

Unlike many chemical filters, zinc oxide:

• Won’t sting eyes or trigger irritation
• Offers broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB)
• Starts working immediately on application
• Is reef-safe and gentle on sensitive ecosystems

That last bit matters, because we believe protecting childhood should include protecting the planet too.

So Why Doesn’t Everyone Use Mineral?

Zinc can be thick, feel heavy or chalky, and often leaves a white cast. In a market built around fast fixes and filters, that’s a hard sell. But we weren’t interested in quick, we were interested in dope.

So, it took over two years of R&D to develop a mineral SPF formula that felt like nothing — no stickiness, no chalk, no clogged pores. Just lightweight, breathable protection that sinks in fast and plays nicely with sensitive skin.

We worked closely with our cosmetic chemists to make sure Kickflip worked in real life, at the skatepark, on the beach, or in the school playground. Kickflip is a daily moisturiser that locks in hydration and shields from damage — all without ever slowing them down.

Why Does It Matter?

Because sun damage starts early. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, just one blistering sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of melanoma later in life.

We didn’t want to scare children into using SPF. We wanted to make one they’d actually want to wear, because it feels good, looks good, and makes them feel confident. And, as parents ourselves, we didn’t want families to worry that their child’s moisturiser was full of questionable chemicals or microplastics. So, we cut out the nasties and packed in the good stuff: Kakadu Plum, non-nano zinc, no added fragrance, and a formula that feels like armour — not makeup.

Gentler. Safer. Better for the planet. Kickflip isn’t just a moisturiser, it’s daily defence so children can have the freedom to move all day.