Our Whānau and the story behind Back to the Wild
As a mum who spends most of her time tramping, skiing, and exploring with her kids, I needed sunscreen and other outdoor skincare that could handle New Zealand’s wild conditions - without the chemical nasties I didn’t want on our skin.
With a science degree and a love of DIY, I started formulating my own natural sunscreen just for our family. I made an extra batch for friends, and listed the leftovers on Facebook Marketplace - they sold out almost instantly!
This was when I realised I wasn’t the only one searching for something better, and Back to the Wild was born that night back in 2017!
Today, Back to the Wild offers a range of small-batch, handcrafted outdoor skincare that’s both effective and gentle on the earth. Every product is made with science-backed ingredients, independently SPF-tested, and packaged sustainably. We’re here to support families who live life outdoors - keeping skin safe, nourished, and ready for adventure.
Plus, we've expanded our range to include exclusive tramping books, getting kids excited to head out overnight tramping, and a range of curated tested by us outdoor gear!
And if you're into tips for living self-sufficiently, especially on a regular urban block, check out my personal @UrbanSelfSufficiencyNZ blog.
We hope you enjoy our products just as much as our family does!
xx Sonia.
Let customers speak for us
from 319 reviewsThe best sunscreen I have found yet. A little goes along way and my kids have never been sunburnt. This is our second year using this product. We each have a small container (each vehicle) and kids have 1 each in there bags which we refill from the big pottle that’s kept in the house. Also nice wearing as I normally struggle wearing sunscreen especially on the face but this I have no issues with
Love using this some on our baby, it's great knowing that it's gentle and natural. Highly recommend
I love using this, great to use as a everyday protector. And last ages too. Highly recommend this product
This is the best Nappy rash cream to use on our baby and love that it's all natural. And it works great to clear up and prevent Nappy rash. Highly recommend this product. Will definitely continue to use this cream
Love this spray to use on the kids, highly recommend getting some. And it's all natural too
My 3 Yo was having reactions to lots of different sunscreens that we tried. I came across back to the wild on instagram and thought I’d try it out - no reactions! It lasts all day on him and he really likes the smell too. Defs recommend!
This is the only sunscreen that my family use. And I love that it's all natural and it last ages. Highly recommend this product
Love this sunscreen for my baby knowing it’s effective and super clean
We have purchased this sunscreen for a few years for our young kids. We spend a lot of time outside and our kids have very pale skin - this sunscreen works really well and unlike other sunscreens we've tried, doesn't wash off easily or hurt their eyes. I use it on myself all the time too!
Great as a blanket! Been searching for wind proof blanket for my LO for a while. We walk along the beach often and sometimes it got windy. This blanket keeps the baby’s hands and feet warm .
We’ve just switched to this for my toddler and absolutely love it. Will definitely only be using this sunscreen from now on.
Recently switched to a natural sunscreen & wont ever go back to chemicals again! Its super thick so warm it up between your hands before applying & your kiddies (& you) will be nice & protected from the sun. Your skin is definitely left feeling hydrated afterwards too which is a bonus.
Absolutely love this bum cream for my little one. We've used it since birth & I find it helps wonders when a sore bottom occurs & a great barrier for each nappy changes
Perfect product, really warm and just what we expected.
Want to know more?
Check out my personal @urbanselfsufficiencynz blog, or my husband's Drainage business - Drain Guru
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