Frequently Asked Questions

General

Why SONNI? 

Protection and recovery from the sun works best when you wear it every day. We’ve built a full suncare system that feels like skincare with lightweight, mineral-based protection and barrier-supporting recovery. It’s designed for real life: easy to use and something you’ll look forward to every day.

What makes SONNI different from other brands?

SONNI is a full suncare system with SPF and recovery because healthy skin needs both. Our SPF formulas are mineral-based (gentle on skin, better for reefs, ready to protect on contact) and seamlessly blend into your routine and your skin. We’re here to make suncare feel like skincare: something you actually look forward to, not something you skip.

Why does SONNI focus on SPF and recovery?

SPF defends against UV damage, but the sun still drains hydration and leaves your barrier stressed. Recovery steps in to reset, soothe, and strengthen. SONNI is built as a full system—protection and recovery—so your skin stays supported all day, every day.

How can I contact the SONNI team? 

Send us an email! 

Product

Which SONNI product is right for me? 

Each SONNI formula is designed for different needs. You can start with one or stack the full system for all day, every day suncare. Make sure to check the product pages for details on texture and lifestyle fit to pick the best match for you. 

How does SONNI formulate?

For SPF, we start with proven mineral filters, then build around them with ingredients that support skin’s barrier, hydration, and recovery. Every formula is designed to work as part of a bigger system—protection by day, restoration by night—always dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and guided by the latest research. And if the science shifts, so do we.

Where is SONNI made? 

Our SPFs are crafted in U.S. labs that specialize in mineral suncare, while our recovery masks are made in South Korea, a global leader in skincare innovation. Wherever it’s made, every SONNI formula meets the highest standards for safety, quality, and real-world performance.

Are SONNI products clean? 

Yes, we only use ingredients that are safe, effective, and actually service your skin. No oxybenzone, avobenzone, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, or anything else we wouldn’t feel good using ourselves.

Does SONNI contain fragrance?

All SONNI products are fragrance-free. We skip added scents to keep things gentle especially for sensitive skin. What you might notice is just the subtle, clean smell of the ingredients themselves doing what they’re meant to do.

Are SONNI products vegan/cruelty-free/nut-free/gluten-free?

Yes, every SONNI formula is vegan, cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny certified), and nut-free. 

Do SONNI products expire? How should I store my product so it lasts as long as possible? 

Like all skincare products, SONNI formulas have an expiration date—usually 2 - 3 years from when they’re made—printed right on the packaging. Keep your SONNI in a cool, dry spot away from direct sun and heat. Skip leaving it in hot cars or outside for too long. The better you store it, the better it works.

Is SONNI SPF dermatologist-recommended/good for sensitive skin/non-comedogenic?

Every SONNI SPF formula is dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and made with non-comedogenic ingredients making it a great choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Is SONNI SPF waterproof?

Our SunDay Mineral Serum SPF 50+ is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for swims, workouts, and days on the go. Our SunDay Invisible Defense SPF 40+ and SunDay Body Balm SPF 40+ should be reapplied every two hours (and right after swimming or towel-drying) to keep your skin fully protected.

Is SONNI SPF safe for children?

Our formulas are made with gentle, non-irritating ingredients that are considered safe for children. They’re fragrance-free, nut-free, and designed with sensitive skin in mind, so they work well for the whole family. If you’re using SPF on a child under six months, we recommend checking with your pediatrician first.

Does SONNI SPF contain Benzene, avobenzone, or oxybenzone?

No, SONNI SPF is mineral-based (zinc oxide + titanium dioxide only) without chemical filters or benzene.

Can I use SONNI SPF if I’m pregnant or nursing?

Yes, SONNI’s mineral filters make it a safe choice during pregnancy and nursing. As always, if you have specific concerns, check with your doctor.

What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They sit on the surface of your skin and act like a shield, reflecting and absorbing UV rays before they do damage. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, use ingredients like avobenzone or oxybenzone which absorb into your skin and convert UV rays into heat, which your body then releases. We’re proudly mineral-based because it’s gentle on sensitive skin, starts working immediately, and is considered a better pick for reefs, pregnancy, and just-treated skin.

How often should I reapply?

Every two hours or right after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Even if sunscreen is water-resistant (our Mineral Serum is!), no formula lasts all day. If you’re spending time outside, reapplying keeps your skin fully protected. But we get that it’s easy to forget, which is why our SPF layers seamlessly and feels just as good the second (or third) time around.

What is broad spectrum?

Broad spectrum means your sunscreen has you covered on all fronts, protecting against UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays burn; UVA rays go deeper and mess with collagen, elasticity, and other things you want to keep. Both increase risk of skin cancer. Every SONNI formula is broad spectrum because protection should be complete, even if the application is seamless.

What is the difference between SPF 30, 40, and 50?

SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, SPF 40 about 97.5%, and SPF 50 closer to 98%. The numbers look different, but the gap is small. Good habits make a difference. SPF is only as good as its reapplication, which is why we focus on making formulas you’ll look forward to putting on again and again and again.

Shipping & Returns

Where do you ship?

Right now, we only ship within the US, but we’re working on it! If you’re outside the US, hang tight. More about our shipping policy here.

How much does shipping cost?

Standard shipping is $7 or free if your order’s over $50. If you need it sooner, expedited shipping is $12 and usually arrives 2 - 3 business days after processing.

When will my order ship? How can I check its progress?

We ship Monday - Friday. Processing takes 1 - 2 business days, then your order’s on the move: 5 - 7 days with standard shipping, 2 - 3 with expedited. You’ll get a tracking number by email as soon as your order ships. If you didn’t receive it, check your spam or promotions folder—or email us at hello@sonniskin.com and we’ll help out.

What is your return/exchange policy? 

We accept returns on unopened, unused products within 30 days of purchase. Email us at hello@sonniskin.com with your order number. Once your return is received and inspected, we’ll process your refund within 5 - 10 business days. Learn more about our return policy here.

We’re happy to replace damaged products within 7 days of delivery. Send us a photo and your order number at hello@sonniskin.com and we’ll take care of it.

Can I change my shipping address?

If your order hasn’t shipped yet, we’ll do our best to update the address in time. Email us ASAP at hello@sonniskin.com with your order number and the new address. We’ll take it from there.

Can I edit or cancel my SONNI order?

We move fast. If your order hasn’t been packed yet, we can try to edit or cancel it. Send us a note at hello@sonniskin.com with your order number and request. We’ll let you know what’s possible.

Can I buy/return my products in person?

Not just yet. SONNI is exclusively online for now and all returns need to go through our website. But never say never!

We only sell through sonniskin.com, so anywhere else isn’t the real deal. We’ll update you if that changes, but for now, stick with the source.

Sustainability

How are you minimizing your environmental impact?

We’re building SONNI with sustainability in mind at every step. We only choose actives and suppliers that meet high environmental and ethical standards and every SONNI product is cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny certified) and reef-safe (Hawaii Act 104 compliant). We use FSC-certified materials and our packaging is currently 50% PCR plastic to help cut down on waste and reduce our environmental impact. Our goal is 100% recyclable packaging by 2027.