One year ago, we launched Defence SPF 50 — but the journey began years prior and with a very clear goal: to make a sunscreen that does more.
In Australia and New Zealand, daily sunscreen isn’t optional — it’s essential. Yet many people felt let down by what was available: sunscreens that were heavy, left a cast, or only focused on preventing sunburn.
That challenge became the starting point for Defence SPF 50. Developed by doctors and pharmacists, it wasn’t designed to be just another sunscreen. We wanted something people would actually want to wear every day: lightweight, invisible on the skin, and powerful enough to support those already dealing with sun damage.
Cracking the Formula
The key was niacinamide (Vitamin B3). This ingredient is widely researched for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, and reduce the visible signs of sun damage. But formulating a clinical 5% dose of niacinamide into sunscreen is extremely difficult.
Our team spent years refining the formula to stabilise niacinamide alongside broad-spectrum SPF 50 filters. The result was Defence SPF 50: high protection, a hydrating base, and a texture that feels nothing like the thick sunscreens many people are used to.
What Makes a Good Sunscreen?
When people ask “what makes a good sunscreen?” the answer usually comes down to five essentials:
- Broad-spectrum protection – covering both UVA and UVB rays at SPF 50 strength.
- Lightweight feel – comfortable enough to use every day.
- No white cast – so it works on all skin tones.
- Added skin benefits – like hydration or ingredients that help with sun-damaged skin.
- Simplicity – replacing multiple steps in a routine with one product.
Defence SPF 50 was designed with each of these in mind.
Why SPF and Sun Damage Care Belong Together
There’s another reason we took a different approach. The parts of your skin that have been overexposed in the past are usually the same places most at risk today. Think of your nose, cheeks, forehead, and shoulders — areas that burn easily and also show the earliest signs of sun damage.
That’s why combining SPF 50 protection with 5% niacinamide makes so much sense. Defence not only shields those vulnerable spots from more UV harm, it also helps support the skin that’s already been affected. Protection and repair in the same step — exactly where it’s needed most.
Why Defence SPF 50 Stands Out
By bringing SPF and niacinamide together in one formula, Defence bridges the gap between sunscreen and skincare. It doesn’t just prevent future sunburn — it supports skin health in the long term.
That combination has helped Defence quickly become a go-to option across Australia and New Zealand, trusted by health professionals and chosen by people who want more from their daily SPF.
One Year On
In just twelve months, Defence SPF 50 has grown into our hero product. It’s stocked in pharmacies and clinics, relied on by everyday users, and has helped shift the way people think about sunscreen.
As Defence turns one, we’re proud of what it represents: a sunscreen that feels good, fits into busy lives, and does more for your skin than you thought possible.