17 Mar 2025
If you’ve ever had sunscreen sting your eyes, you’ll know how painful it can be. Whether you're out on the water or exercising, finding a sunscreen that won’t run into your eyes when you swim or sweat is key.
In this guide, we’ll explore why sunscreen can cause eye irritation and why a waterless sunscreen like Smidge is the perfect solution.
Why Does Sunscreen Sting Your Eyes?
Many sunscreens contain ingredients that, when mixed with sweat or water, run into your eyes and cause burning. The main culprits include:
Chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and avobenzone, which can be irritating (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2022).
Water-based formulas that break down easily when exposed to sweat or water.
Fragrances and preservatives, which can trigger sensitivity.
What to Look for in a Sting-Free Sunscreen
If you want a sunscreen that won’t sting your eyes, choose one with:
✅ Zinc oxide – a physical or mineral UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection by reflecting and scattering UV radiation. It is photostable and generally recognised as safe, with minimal skin penetration, reducing the risk of irritation (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2022).
✅ Fragrance-free & hypoallergenic – Less chance of eye sensitivity.
✅ Waterless, oil-based formula – Unlike water-based sunscreens, an oil-based formula won’t break down with sweat or water, meaning it stays put and won’t run into your eyes.
Why Smidge Sunscreen Won’t Sting Your Eyes
Here’s why Smidge won’t sting your eyes:
🌿 Made with Non-nano Zinc Oxide – Smidge is a mineral sunscreen providing broad-spectrum protection without harsh UV chemicals.
🚫 No Fragrance or Irritating Additives – We keep it simple to reduce sensitivity, making it the best sunscreen for kids and adults alike. Learn more about our safe sunscreen ingredients.
💧 Waterless & Oil-Based – Unlike traditional sunscreens, Smidge doesn’t contain water, so it won’t break down when you sweat or swim. Instead, it stays put, keeping your skin protected without running into your eyes.
World Champion Cyclist Joanna Sharpe Chooses Smidge
Joanna Sharpe, a world champion cyclist, recently set a new world record, circumnavigating the South Island solo and unsupported. Facing relentless heat and headwinds, she needed a sunscreen that wouldn’t sting her eyes or wear off.
Joanna first discovered Smidge at a summer market, where she met Smidge founder Nat while searching for a sunscreen that wouldn’t cause eye irritation when cycling and getting sweaty. After cycling 2400km over 9 days, she’s become a Smidge fan, saying: “Thanks to Smidge Suncare for preventing sunburn in all the heat – and let’s not forget the relentless headwinds!”
If Smidge can stand up to the extreme conditions of a world-record cycling challenge, you can trust it to protect your eyes and skin every day!
We believe that wearing sunscreen can be a good experience for everyone
Sunscreen shouldn’t be a painful experience! By choosing a waterless, zinc-based, fragrance-free sunscreen like Smidge, you can enjoy all-day protection without worrying about irritation. Are you ready to make the switch?
Learn More:
Sunscreen Buying Guide: Find the Best Sunscreen for You and Your Family
