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Last updated: September 2024

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I use my Solar Buddie?

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

 

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

Do the Solar Buddies come filled with sunscreen?

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

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 Solar Buddies. Refrain from using thin creams or sprays to avoid leakage and waste. Thinner creams do work but just be aware that they can run faster from the roller ball when using.

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

Sometimes thicker creams will need some help to reach the roller ball. Give you Solar Buddie 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 suncreen from one container to another?

Yes, it's safe to decant sunscreen from one container to another as long as you ensure the original and the new bottle are clean from contaminants 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 sunscreen, unless you are certain they are compatible. Mixing can affect the efficacy and stability of the product.

 

Expriation Date: Always check the expiration date of the sunscreen. If it's near expiration, it's best not to decant it as the product might not remain effective for much longer.

 

Store the decanted lotion in a cool, dry place and 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 minimise 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 this timeframe.

 

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

Is my Solar Buddie recyclable?

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

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 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. 

 

We strongly advise that you check the sunscreen that you used to ensure it is appropriate and in date and that you apply your sunscreen at all times in accordance with NHS guidance (https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/).

 

How do I clean my Solar Buddie?

You should hand wash this item using warm (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.

How often do I need to clean my Solar Buddie?

We recommend you clean out your Solar Buddie after you have used all of the sunscreen in the vessel, this will ensure the longevity of your sponge head and maintain its optimal performance.

Can I put my Solar Buddie in the dishwasher?

No, this item is not dishwater safe.

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

Placing an item that is not dishwasher safe in the dishwasher can result in discolouration, 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's not recommended to apply sunscreen with your Solar Buddie on sandy bodies as the sand will lodge in the sponge and roller ball and 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 reapplying.

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

No, it's 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, discolouration, and deterioration of materials as well as thinning your sunscreen, 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.

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.

Where is my order?

We will ship your order as soon as we can once we receive your order. After you receive your email stating your shipping label has been printed, we aim to despatch your order within two working days. Your order will be sent via Royal Mail within the UK. Orders for the rest of the world are sent via Deutsche Post, the same process applies. All tracking numbers will be provided to you via your purchase email confirmation. Royal Mail tracking link here. Rest of the world tracking link here. 

 

In some cases orders can be delivered to a neighbour if you're not home but you should be left a card. If not, please check with your local depot. Your local depot will hold a parcel for 18 days, after this time the parcel gets returned to us. If your parcel is returned to us we will process the refund within 5 days of receipt of items and you will have to process another order if you wish to have the items.


Please note that during busy periods there can sometimes be a delay in processing your order due to high volumes, but we will endeavour to notify you if this happens. Please check your email (also junk) and social media for any updates on anything that is going on with us here at Solar Buddies HQ.

Can I cancel or amend my order once placed?

Unfortunately, once an order has been placed we are unlikely to be able to make any amendments as our warehouse team work super fast. If you still wish to return your items when received, you can do this through our returns portal.

Can I track my items?

Yes. We offer a fully tracked service via Royal Mail for the UK and Deutsche Post for the rest of the world. You will receive tracking links on your email once an order is placed. Check out our shipping page for links to track your items here.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes we do. We ship via Deustche Post to most countries around the world on a fully tracked service.

What is your return policy for a faulty item?

Our return policy for faulty items is simple. If you receive an item that is faulty or not working as intended, you can return it to us within 30 days for a full refund or exchange. You can send a request via our general enquiries page here.

Am I entitled to a refund?

If you have received your order and no longer require it, you can request a refund provided it is within 14 days of receipt. Your item must be unused and sent back in its original packaging. Please visit our help portal here to request the return or visit direct to our link here. If you experience a fault and it is within 30 days of receipt and you do not wish to receive a replacement, you can request a refund by visiting our general enquiries link here.

What qualifies as a faulty item?

A faulty item is one that does not work as intended or is defective due to a manufacturing or design defect. This includes items that arrive damaged, do not function properly, or have missing parts.

How do I return a faulty item?

To return a faulty item, please get in touch with our customer service team to initiate the return process here. If it is under 30 days, we will issue a refund or replacement, but if the items become faulty over 30 days but under 6 months, we will offer a replacement for the faulty part. If you are going to discard the faulty item, please only discard the part that is faulty, not the whole unit, as the rest of the unit can be reused with other replacements we will send out. All replacements will be issued within 7 days of returned item being received. For more information, see our full returns policy here.

Do I have to pay for return shipping on a faulty item?

No, we will provide you with a prepaid return shipping label for all faulty item returns in the UK via the Royal Mail returns portal. You will find that here. 

What if I accidentally damaged the item myself?

If the item was damaged due to user error or mishandling, our return policy does not cover it. However, if you with to repurchase the part that's been damaged, we sell all parts separately on our shop page here.

How long will it take to process my return?

Once we receive the faulty item, it usually takes 3-5 business days to process the return and issue a refund or exchange.

Can I get a refund if I do not want a replacement item?

Yes, you can choose to receive a full refund instead of an exchange for a faulty item if it is within 30 days after receipt. If the item becomes faulty after 30 days, but less than 6 months, we can only offer a replacement or repair, not a refund.

What if I receive a faulty item after the 30-day return policy has expired?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer a refund for any faulty items after the 30-day return policy period has expired, however, we may still be able to help you with repair or replacement option if under 6 months after receipt.

What is your returns policy?

Items must be returned with 14 days of receipt in an unused condition. The Solar Buddie must be returned in the same condition as when delivered unless faulty. If your Solar Buddie is faulty on receipt please return in original packaging including a copy of your original invoice in order to receive a replacement or full refund at our returns portal with Royal Mail here.

 

To return a faulty item, please get in touch with our customer service team to initiate the return process here. If it is under 30 days, we will issue a refund or a replacement, but if the items become faulty over 30 days but under 6 months, we will offer a replacement for the faulty part. If you are going to discard the faulty item, please only discard the part that is faulty, not the whole unit, as the rest of the unit can be reused with other replacements we will send out. All replacements will be issued within 7 days of returned item being received. For more information, see our full returns policy here.

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