Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I use my Solar Buddie

Using your Solar Buddie could not be easier.  Simply unscrew the yellow vessel and fill with a sunscreen of choice (follow sunscreen advice in our FAQs)

Screw the head back on and shake contents towards the roller ball to start to use.  See video here

What sunscreens should I use in my Solar Buddie?

We recommend using an SPF30 or higher for maximum protection. Using creams which have a medium to thick consistency will work best with the solarbuddies. Refrain from using thin creams or sprays to avoid leakage and waste. Thinner creams do work but just be awarethat they can run faster from the rollerball when using.

My sunscreen doesn’t seem to reach the roller ball , can you give any advice?

Sometimes thicker creams will need some help to reach the roller ball.  Give your Solar Buddies a good shake (like Ketchup) for the cream to work its way down. You can also undo the container and tap against the head, to help push contents down.

Is it safe to decant sunscreen from one container to another?

Yes its safe to decant sunscreen from one container to another as long as you ensure the original and the new bottle are clean from contaminents however, there are some precautions to consider 

Cleanliness: Ensure both bottles are clean. If using a previously used bottle, wash it thoroughly and let it dry completely before transferring the lotion.

Avoid Mixing: Do not mix different types of suntan lotions unless you are certain they are compatible. Mixing can affect the efficacy and stability of the product.

Expiration Date: Always check the expiration date of the suntan lotion. If it’s near its expiration, it’s best not to decant it as the product might not remain effective for long

Store the decanted lotion in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent air exposure

There’s always a slight risk of contamination when transferring products from one container to another. To minimize this risk, always use clean tools and bottles, and avoid touching the lotion directly with your hands

We recommend only leaving your sunscreen in the Solar Buddie for a maximum of 2 weeks. The bottle holds 100ml so if used correctly the container will be empty within that timeframe. 

Remember, the primary goal when decanting any product is to maintain its integrity and effectiveness. Always prioritize cleanliness and proper storage after each use.

Is my Solar Buddie Recyclable?

Yes, our Solar Buddies are recyclable.
You will need to detach the sponge from the head and recycle the remaining plastic

How do I clean my Solar Buddie?

You should hand wash this item using warm water (NOT boiled water), carefully avoiding any harsh scrubbing or soaking. The sponge will need to airdry completely before lid is placed back on.  See video here

Can I put my Solar Buddie in the dishwasher?

No, this item is not dishwasher safe.

What are the consequences of putting this item in the dishwasher?

By placing an item that is not dishwasher safe in the dishwasher, can result in discoloration, warping, cracking, or may even render the item unusable.

How long do the Solar Buddies heads last?

If all directions are followed the Solar Buddie head can last a whole summer if used everyday. Do not leave the Solar Buddie in direct sunlight or temperatures that exceed 30C. If in extreme heat keep your Solar Buddies in a shaded place. 

Can I apply sunscreen with my Solar Buddie on a sandy body?

No, it is not recommended to apply suntan lotion with your Solar Buddie on sandy bodies as the sand will lodge in the sponge and rollerball and can cause the device to malfunction.Sand particles or water can also dilute the effectiveness of the lotion or cause skin irritation.To ensure your Solar Buddie works to its full potential, dry and brush sand particles from the skin before re-applying.

Can I apply sunscreen with my Solar Buddie on a wet body?

No, it is not recommended to apply sunscreen with your Solar Buddie on wet bodies as the lotion may not adhere to the skin properly due to the sponge becoming too wet or it may not blend well or be as effective.

Should I keep my Solar Buddie out of direct sunlight?

Yes. Direct sunlight can cause damage to your Solar Buddie, including fading, discoloration, and deterioration of materials as well as thinning your suncream, which may cause your sunscreen to run faster from the Solar Buddie. You should also keep your sunscreen out of excessive heat and direct sunlight as this may lead to loss of effectiveness of your sunscreen so you will need to keep your Solar Buddie and sunscreen in a cool shaded area to avoid this.

Will the Solar Buddie give full coverage?

The Solar Buddie applicator is just a tool that can help apply your sunscreen, but you will always need to make sure that you check that all areas on the body are covered with enough sunscreen protection to ensure that you do not get any sunburn. Whilst there is a guide on how much sunscreen should be applied to your body, you can keep applying your sunscreen until you are happy with your coverage. Reapplication is always essential and the timings of this can vary due to the activities you participate in like swimming as this can remove any protection you had.It is important to take responsibility for applying sunscreen correctly to ensure maximum protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

Do the Solar Buddies come filled with sunscreen?

No. The Solar Buddies are an empty vessel that allows you to fill with a sunscreen of your choice

Is the Solar Buddie a hygienic device?

Yes, the Solar Buddie is designed with an antibacterial coating to reduce the growth of microbes on the sponge. We do recommend you clean your Solar Buddie with warm water after all the contents have been used and let the sponge airdry fully until you pop the cap back on.