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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Payment, Orders, and Shipping

What payment options do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, PayPal and Apple Pay

How can I check on my order status?

Once you have placed an order you will receive an email with tracking details.

Where do you ship?

Currently we ship to USA, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Please note: All orders outside the US will take a minimum of 2-3 weeks to arrive and the requisite import tariffs will be added to the shipping cost.

When will my order be shipped?

We attempt to ship all orders within one business day. Shipping time will depend on your selected shipping method. Standard shipping usually takes between 3-5 days and 1-3 for express/expedited. 2-3 weeks minimum for all international orders.

Can I change or cancel my order?

If you wish to cancel or change your Utu purchase, please contact us asap at orders@utu-sun.com and we will do our best to process your request although we cannot guarantee we will be able to do so, it depends on whether it has been processed and/or shipped.

Returns and Exchanges

What is your return policy?

Utu Outdoor Skincare does not offer refunds or exchanges on any products. All sales are final. We encourage you to reach out to us at info@utu-sun.com before buying should you have any questions about a specific product. 

If your order arrives damaged please send a photo of the damaged items to us within 24 hours upon receipt of your package and we will gladly replace it for you. We may ask you to send us the damaged item.

How long do returns take to process?

While we make every effort to promptly process refunds for damaged items, please allow up to 10 days for any approved refund to be issued after we receive returned items.

I received the wrong product. What do I do?

Please email us at orders@utu-sun.com with your order number and we will take care of it.

Where can I purchase Utu products other than the website?

Please check our specialist retail partners here. If you are a retailer that would like to stock Utu products, please fill out the form here and we will promptly get back to you

Ingredient Philosophy

Is Utu sunscreen reef-safe?

Yes. Our sunscreens are reef-safe and ocean-friendly, made without oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemical UV filters known to harm coral reefs.

Are your products vegan?

Our SPF30 moisturizing sunscreen is vegan. Our SPF50 Sunscreen-Stiq contains beeswax, which is a non-vegan ingredient, and therefore we cannot classify it as vegan. Nonetheless both products are certified cruelty free.

Are your products cruelty free?

Yes, all Utu products are cruelty free, and Leaping Bunny certified.

Is Utu safe for babies, infants, and sensitive skin?

Our formulas are mineral-based, using non-nano zinc oxide, which is widely recognized as a safe and effective UV filter.

That said, our products are developed for active, outdoor lifestyles and include a range of supporting ingredients and botanicals designed for more resilient, fully developed skin.

For babies and children under the age of two, most pediatricians recommend simple, mineral-only sunscreens with minimal ingredients, alongside protective clothing and shade. While some of our formulas may be suitable in certain situations, they were not specifically developed as infant sunscreens.

At what age can children use Utu SPF products more broadly?

We generally recommend our formulas for ages 2 and up, when the skin barrier is more developed and better able to tolerate more complex formulations.

Is the SPF 50 Stick suitable for children?

Our SPF 50 Stick is a high-performance formula designed for active outdoor use and targeted application.

Due to the inclusion of additional functional ingredients that enhance performance and wear, we recommend this product for ages 2 and up, and more typically for older children and adults.

Is the SPF 30 Face Moisturizer suitable for children?

Our SPF 30 Moisturizer is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and a blend of active botanicals and skin-supporting ingredients.

Because of this broader formulation, we recommend it for ages 2 and up. For younger children, simpler formulas are typically preferred.

Is the SPF 30 Body Moisturizer suitable for children?

Our SPF 30 Moisturizer is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and a blend of active botanicals and skin-supporting ingredients.

Because of this broader formulation, we recommend it for ages 2 and up. For younger children, simpler formulas are typically preferred.

What is the best way to protect children’s skin in the sun?

Sunscreen is just one part of a broader approach.
For babies and young children, we recommend:

  • Seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours
  • Wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
  • Limiting direct sun exposure
  • Using mineral sunscreens with simple formulations when needed
Are Utu products safe to use whilst pregnant/nursing?

We adhere to all mandatory guidelines to ensure the safety of our products for all. However, if you have concerns regarding your health, we strongly recommend consulting your primary care doctor.

Can I use Utu on post-procedure skin (lasers, peels, or tattoos)?

Yes. Dermatologists often recommend mineral SPF for post-procedure care because Zinc Oxide is a natural anti-inflammatory. Utu provides a physical barrier to protect healing skin and tattoos from hyperpigmentation without the sting of chemical filters.

Are there any allergy warnings I should know about?

Soy/Dairy: Our products do not contain soy, dairy, or dairy-derived ingredients.

Gluten: Formulated without gluten-containing ingredients.

Nuts: We do not intentionally use common tree nuts, though some formulas contain plant/seed oils like jojoba, coconut, and sesame.

What type of sunscreen filter does Utu use?

Utu uses non-nano zinc oxide, a mineral filter that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while being gentle on skin and safe for marine environments.

Do your products expire?

All our formulations have a 24 month life from date of manufacture. Expiry dates are printed on product.

What skin types are suitable for Utu products?

Utu products are formulated to be safe and appropriate for all skin types, regardless of gender or race. We recommend that you seek guidance from your dermatologist if you have questions or concerns about using specific products with your unique skin type.

What ingredients does Utu not formulate with?

We never formulate our clean, outdoor skincare products using chemical UV filters, parabens, PEGS, phthalates, silicone, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, sulfates, phosphates or formaldehyde.

All our products are reef-safe and aquatic-friendly, free from all chemical SPF filters and in particular oxybenzone and octinoxate as banned in suncare products in Hawaii as per Hawaii Act 104).

What is USDA Biobased?

USDA Biobased is a program developed by the USDA that measures the renewable resources used in products. The higher the percentage the higher the volume of renewable ingredients in a product. Utu’s Sunscreen Stiq has a Biobased rate of 89%. We continue to develop our formulations to be as close to 100% as we can get them.

How do I recycle Utu products?

You simply place the outer box and finished tubes, caps and refills into your paper/aluminum recycling. Our products are 100% recyclable. Simple as that.

Products and Formulations

Why doesn’t Utu’s mineral sunscreen leave a white cast?

We balance non-nano zinc oxide with hydrating, skin-smoothing ingredients to help the formula blend seamlessly without chalkiness.

Does Utu protect against Blue Light (HEV) and "Digital Pollution"?

Yes. Our Zinc Oxide filter combined with antioxidant-rich bio-actives provides a physical shield against Blue Light from screens and environmental pollutants.

Why doesn’t Utu use tallow?

We choose plant-based, high-performance botanicals and skin-identical lipids to remain ethical, inclusive, and cruelty-free.

Why use Hyaluronic Acid & Snow Mushroom?

Both help attract and retain deep moisture, keeping skin hydrated during sun and wind exposure.

Why use Squalane?

Mimics skin’s natural oils to strengthen the barrier without feeling greasy.

Why use Sea Buckthorn Oil?

It's rich in fatty acids to calm and nourish skin exposed to the elements.

Why use Antioxidants (Vitamin C, E, Astaxanthin)?

It protects skin from free radicals caused by sun, pollution, and environmental stress.

Product Usage

Are Utu's products fragrance-free?

Yes. They contain no synthetic fragrances; any subtle scent is from natural botanicals.

How long are Utu products water and sweat resistant?
  • SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick: 80 minutes.
  • SPF 30 Daily Face Moisturizer: 40 minutes.
  • SPF 30 Daily Body Moisturizer: 40 minutes.
  • SPF 50 Hydrating Sun Balm: Sweat-resistant (not for water activity).
Where does Utu's Face moisturizers fit in my skincare routine?

We recommend our SPF30 Face Moisturizer to be the last step of your morning facial skin routine, before applying makeup.

Can I use Utu with Retinol or Vitamin C?

Yes. Apply Retinol only at night. In the morning, cleanse your skin before applying Utu to protect the results of your actives and prevent UV-induced irritation.

What’s the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50?

SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%, offering slightly higher protection. Remember all Utu SPF formulations are broad spectrum.

Subscribe and save

How does subscribe and save work?

Subscribe and save allows you to subscribe to regular deliveries of one of our products at a reduced price. To use this service simply select the product you wish to purchase, select the frequency, such as every month or every three months.

Once subscribed you will receive an email or SMS notification before each delivery is scheduled, giving you the opportunity to change the delivery date, address or cancel the subscription.

It’s a great way to ensure you never run out of your favorite products and save money at the same time.

When will I receive my next subscription product?

Between 1-4 months, dependent on the requested frequency you selected.

How can I cancel or change my subscription?

You can change or cancel your subscription at any time by visiting the manage my subscription page in your Utu account.

When will I be charged for my subscription?

You will be billed for your subscription on the day the order replenishment is generated and processed at our warehouse.

Packaging

Why Aluminum packaging?

Aluminum is "infinitely recyclable." Unlike plastic, 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today. Our packaging is designed to be durable, lightweight, and leave no trace.

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