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 408 reviewsHappy with product has soothed sons behind knee eczema, doesn’t sting.
Just what we needed for winter! Nice waterproof pants!
Loving the delicious raspberry leaf loose tea we purchased from Back to the Wild. The tea itself has lovely colour and flavour that tells me it's fresh and full of goodness. No comparison to the commercially bought R.L. teabags we were using before :-) We love that we're supporting a small family business too. We'll definitely be returning customers. Thank you.
This is the only thing that works on my kids’ eczema. It doesn’t sting when everything else does.
I haven’t tested all the different uses yet but just as a soap it’s really lovely. I don’t like the million ingredients and perfume of all the other soap so this is perfect and gentle on skin.
Not one that only pretends to mend. This really works, I use it as instructed.
I wouldn’t use anything else now. It works really well and lasts for ages.
I have been buying these deodorant bars for several years and the variety of scents means I can buy one that suits me and a different one for my husband. Doing what I can to protect the environment, these bars at a great price and very economical in how long they last.
This is the purest coconut bar I have found that I add to my homemade laundry powder. I love the mild scent and how adds that scent to my laundry.
Purchased four bottles for whanau living in South Australia with ruthless mosquitos.
The best and only sunscreen that doesn’t make my little ones break out in a rash - highly recommend!
A friend bought me this to try, and I LOVE it so much, I've come here to buy another. The scent is refreshing and smells great, not overpowering. I have thick blonde hair and this leaves my hair super shiny and feeling very clean and nourished. Paired with Rosemary conditioner is the best combo. And i almost forgot to add, it lasts much longer than ordinary bottled shampoo so it works out being great value for money.
Thanks so much Back to the wild.
We are from uk and ordered this to NZ for our trip mainly for the sunscreen. I have tried so many different options for my son this is by far the best. Easily spreads on skin. Also the balm is fab!! We have used it for so many different things!
This is the first sunscreen I have used that isn't greasy and doesn't upset my skin. I work outside all year round and haven't had sunburn with regular use of this product. Highly recommend.
Want to know more?
Check out my personal @urbanselfsufficiencynz blog, or my husband's Drainage business - Drain Guru
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