Frequently asked questions

We don't use that word because it's unregulated and meaningless for safety or efficacy.

We use zinc oxide, a safe, effective mineral filter. Centella Asiatica and Purslane are soothing anti-inflammatory ingredients. GLOWGUARD is fragrance-free, silicone-free, and made without common irritants.

Read more about our full ingredient list: INCIDecoder.

GLOWGUARD is manufactured in South Korea by one of the world's leading sunscreen manufacturers.

After four years of R&D across labs in the US, Australia and New Zealand, we chose our South Korean lab for their expertise in hybrid mineral formulations and rigorous quality control.

The formula has been independently tested to SPF 50+ standards per ISO 24444:2019 protocols by the Korea Dermatology Research Institute.

We use a micronised, coated hybrid formula in an oil-in-water emulsion that reduces white cast across all skin tones.

Pure zinc oxide by itself can leave white cast, which is why we optimised the formulation. Zinc oxide also performs as a primer: it grips foundation without pilling or flashback. It's trusted in over 100 makeup artists' kits for exactly this reason.

Its oil-in-water serum texture absorbs fast, feels like skincare, and layers well under makeup without pilling.

We tested GLOWGUARD under 300 of the most popular foundations. No pilling. No reaction. Lightweight texture was non-negotiable in development because people with oily and acne-prone skin are less likely to use heavy SPF. We wanted something that actually gets worn consistently.

Zinc oxide is photostable, broad-spectrum, and stable in extreme temperatures.

In hot summers where temperatures hit 38°C+, this matters. Dermatologists often prefer it for sensitive skin. It pairs well with other filters for balanced coverage.

Mineral sunscreens work primarily by absorbing UV and converting it to heat, around 90-95% absorption rather than reflection. Zinc oxide is particularly stable in heat and humid environments, making it ideal for hot climates. It is very safe: nanoparticles do not penetrate intact skin past the dead skin layers.

Pat GLOWGUARD on with a microfibre sponge, which absorbs less product, and stamp it across your face for even coverage. You can also use your fingers without dragging to keep makeup and powders intact.

See it in action: Instagram reel.

This pro makeup artist trick of applying cream over powder is used most popularly by Patrick Ta to increase radiance and that glowy skin finish.

GLOWGUARD was independently tested to perform for 4 hours with water-resistant wear. It outperformed 96% of sunscreens on the market in protection time.

That said, use the UV index as your guide. Reapply more frequently if needed, and immediately after swimming, heavy sweating, or towel-drying.

The main reason for wear-off is friction and moisture, not UV breakdown.

Yes. We are trusted by the most reactive skin types. GLOWGUARD is fragrance-free and lightweight, with Centella Asiatica, which is clinically shown to calm redness and inflammation.

Its mineral-based, irritant-free profile suits rosacea and sensitive skin well, including post-laser or post-peel. We are used in skin clinics for exactly this reason: a non-irritant formulation suited to post-procedure use.

Yes. Zinc oxide is the preferred mineral filter during pregnancy because it has minimal absorption and is classified as GRASE, generally recognised as safe and effective, by the FDA.

Yes, but it is prevention, not treatment.

Daily broad-spectrum SPF is the number one proven way to prevent photoageing and new hyperpigmentation. It stops UV damage but does not reverse existing issues.

We also utilise Glutathione in our formulation, an antioxidant with evidence for skin brightening. Studies show it reduces melanocyte activity, the cells that produce melanin, which helps with overall skin tone brightness. It has also shown potential benefits when applied before UVB exposure, though evidence on topical application is still emerging.

Used daily, consistent SPF is more effective long-term than many actives for prevention.

Yes. The benefits, including skin cancer prevention and anti-ageing, vastly outweigh any theoretical risk. Decades of data support daily use.

The Nambour study showed a 73% reduction in melanoma, 27% fewer precancerous lesions, and 22% less visible ageing with consistent sunscreen use. Not wearing sunscreen is the real danger.

Read more here: PubMed study.

No. GLOWGUARD is non-comedogenic and our ingredients were specifically developed for oily, acne-prone and reactive skin.

Centella Asiatica and Purslane are soothing anti-inflammatory ingredients that help acne-prone skin. Lightweight formulas that absorb well are ideal for this skin type.

SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays. SPF 50 blocks 98%.

That 1% difference sounds small, but with real-world imperfect application, SPF 50 lets through only 3/5 of the UV exposure that SPF 30 does.

For daily wear, SPF 50 broad-spectrum is the standard recommendation.

UVA penetrates windows and clouds year-round, causing ageing and hyperpigmentation.

Sitting by a window, driving, overcast days and incidental exposure all add up. UVA varies with time of day and season, much like UVB. Cloud cover impacts both to similar extents.

WHO evidence-based guidelines recommend sun protective measures on days when UV index is 3 or over. The key is daily use on exposed skin, especially near windows.

Technically yes, but it is optimised for the face, with advanced skincare and primer benefits.

We recommend lotions as primary body sunscreens for even distribution. Sticks are useful for ease of use, but it is important to use four swipes per area. Sprays can often be unevenly applied, but they are helpful for areas with lots of hair coverage.

Yes to both.

Fragrance-free is ideal because it avoids irritation from synthetic fragrance or essential oils. Fragrance-free formulations are beneficial for all users, especially sensitive skin.

We never test on animals and none of our ingredients are derived from animal sources. We are in the process of receiving our Leaping Bunny certification.

Yes. Minimal white cast is crucial because many mineral sunscreens fail here, leading people to skip them entirely. GLOWGUARD includes glutathione, an antioxidant that helps prevent hyperpigmentation.

People of colour are disproportionately affected by melasma and hyperpigmentation, yet this often gets overlooked in dermatology's focus on skin cancer prevention. For existing melasma, visible light, not just UV, penetrates deeper and causes more persistent pigmentation, especially in deeper skin tones.

GLOWGUARD is excellent for daily prevention on all skin tones.

Yes. Zinc oxide plus a stable formulation resists heat separation, greasiness, and sweat breakdown.

Lightweight serums perform better than heavy creams in 38°C+ heat and humidity. We formulated GLOWGUARD knowing it would need to live in hot climates.

Three things: independent testing, skin clinic and makeup artist backing, and real-world traction.

We had GLOWGUARD independently tested by labs trusted by Consumer NZ and Choice. It outperformed 96% of sunscreens in protection time.

We are clinic-adopted for post-treatment protocols, a finalist in Viva's Best SPF of 2025, and trusted in over 100 makeup artists' kits.

In New Zealand, we have one of the highest returning customer rates in personal care. People would not come back if it did not work.

Our products are gentle enough for most children. However, for children under 6 months of age, please consult with a paediatrician before use.

Yes, all skincare products have a shelf life.

GLOWGUARD has a shelf life of 12 months from opening.

Expiration dates are printed on the bottom of each product and are typically 24 months from the date of manufacture. For optimal freshness and efficacy, we recommend using products within 12 months of opening.

Most users notice improved hydration and a more radiant complexion within the first week of consistent use. For more significant improvements in skin tone and texture, we recommend using GLOWGUARD consistently for 4-6 weeks.

Absolutely. GLOWGUARD was designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing skincare routine.

For best results, apply GLOWGUARD as the last step of skincare and the first step before applying makeup, or wear it alone for a dewy base.

There is a lot of information circulating about sunscreen, and not all of it holds up. Here are a few common beliefs worth revisiting.

For more: Wong M. Sunscreen myth directory. Lab Muffin Beauty Science. June 6, 2025. Read the directory.

No. They actually absorb 90 to 95 percent of UV and convert it to heat, much like chemical sunscreens. The idea that minerals are better for conditions like melasma because they reflect rather than absorb is not supported by the science.

Not always. Many "100% mineral" sunscreens without white cast include chemical SPF boosters. These are safe, but worth knowing about if you have sensitivities.

No. They work immediately on the skin's surface. The suggested wait time is simply for drying, not activation. You can apply them over skincare without issue.

Yes. SPF 50 blocks around 98 percent of UV compared to 97 percent for SPF 30. That difference matters, particularly when real-world application is rarely perfect.

Not exactly. It accounts for both UVB and some UVA, based on the erythemal spectrum, which measures skin reddening.

No. UVA varies with time of day, season, and cloud cover, similar to UVB.

UVB is the primary driver of photoageing, including wrinkles and pigmentation. The common mantra has it reversed.

This is based on flawed studies. A 2022 review found that bans were premature, and mineral and chemical sunscreens have similar environmental impacts.

No. Even thick white zinc does not offer meaningful blue light protection.

Many do. Foundations and tinted sunscreens have been shown to be effective, though testing is not yet standardised.

No. Digital screens do not produce enough blue light to be a concern.

Once your order ships, you will receive an email with tracking information.

We process orders quickly to ensure fast delivery, so we cannot guarantee changes can be made after an order is placed.

If you need to make a change, please email melitta@melittaskin.com with your order number and requested changes as soon as possible, and we will do our best to accommodate.

We accept all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, as well as PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Shop Pay.

Your credit card will be charged immediately when your order is placed and processed.

Only one discount code can be applied per order. Discount codes cannot be combined with other promotions unless otherwise specified.

We are so sorry if this happened. Please take photos of the damaged package and/or product within 48 hours of delivery and email them to melitta@melittaskin.com along with your order number. Our team will resolve the issue promptly.

All orders are processed within 1-2 business days. Standard shipping typically takes 4-7 business days, and expedited shipping takes 2-4 business days, depending on your location.

We currently ship throughout New Zealand. International shipping is available to Australia. We cannot ship to PO boxes for international orders.

We want you to love your GLOWGUARD. If you are not satisfied, you may return unused, unopened products in their original packaging within 30 days of receiving your order for a full refund.

Please email melitta@melittaskin.com to initiate a return. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the item arrived damaged or incorrect.

Once we receive your return, please allow 3-5 business days for inspection and processing. Refunds are issued to your original payment method and may take an additional 5-10 business days to appear on your statement, depending on your bank.

We recommend first checking with neighbours, building management, or household members. If you still cannot locate your package after 48 hours, please contact us at melitta@melittaskin.com with your order number, and we will work with the carrier to resolve the issue.