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 371 reviewsI have purchased back to the wild sunscreen a few times now and i just love it. Its spreads easily and natural ingredients. Thank you so much
Works fantastic for any cuts, bits, chaffing etc. Love the small size for popping in my tramping first aid kit.
I'm really impressed with how easily this sunscreen rubs in, and doesn't leave me looking too white. Haven't been sunburnt yet! Thank you.
All natural ingredients. No strong-smelling chemicals. Easy to carry and use in a lovely tin container.
Great smell and it works. I've slept with bedroom windows open in Auckland for the past two weeks and no bites.
Love all the products. Highly recommend
Great shampoo, love the scent. Ended up getting it as a second on the website. Highly recommend
Love the spray works great. Love that it's all natural too. Was given it as gift and was great to take camping
It works! What more can you ask for really. Very happy with the product.
Felt good to know this sunscreen wasnt full of nasty's when using it on my kids. It is thick, so I didnt need much - think this jar will last me a long time! and it worked. No sunburn - will buy again
Its nice to have an insect repellent that doesnt leave you smellinbg like chemicals. It smells great and I feel soo much better using it on my kids knowing its natural!
These are a great complement to the book. My son is too keen to use the stickers before we have visited.
Brought for my 9 year old for Christmas and he is already planning our next tramp. Telling me what we need to pack and interesting info of the area. He is excited to put stickers on the pages and we have filled our tramp from last Christmas as well. 😊 thank you for this amazing resource!
We have used back to the wild sunscreen for 4 years now and it’s never let us down. When we’ve had to use other brands they’ve caused rashes, dry skin and not given same the protection. We adore this product and are so thankful to have such a good quality option. Smooth, rubs in well, no awful smell, kids love it!
The best insect repellent for my tiny human - it’s our second summer with her and she still have no idea how horrific a mosquito bite is because we’ve always had this on hand - can’t live without
Want to know more?
Check out my personal @urbanselfsufficiencynz blog, or my husband's Drainage business - Drain Guru
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