Eczema and Sunscreen: What Sunscreen Can I Use If I Have Eczema?

2 Dec 2024

Finding the right sunscreen for eczema-prone skin can be challenging. As someone who grew up with eczema, I remember the painful sting and irritation that sunscreen often caused, leaving me reluctant to wear it and, unfortunately, dealing with sunburns as a result. This experience motivated me to create Smidge Suncare—a sunscreen designed to be gentle, effective, and suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Today, many people in my extended family still deal with eczema, and my goal is to make sun protection a positive, comfortable experience for everyone.

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Why Sunscreen Often Aggravates Eczema

Eczema makes the skin more sensitive and reactive to certain ingredients, including those commonly found in sunscreens. Ingredients such as chemical UV filters, fragrances, and preservatives can trigger flare-ups and cause stinging or itching. For people with eczema, it’s important to choose a sunscreen formulated with minimal, gentle ingredients.

Choosing the Best Sunscreen for Eczema-Prone Skin

For those with eczema, mineral or “physical” sunscreens are often the best choice (Source: Eczema Association of New Zealand). Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide to physically block UV rays, rather than absorbing them into the skin like chemical sunscreens. These mineral filters tend to be less irritating, as they sit on top of the skin and don't usually trigger sensitivities.

Smidge Suncare is a mineral sunscreen made with non-nano zinc oxide, which provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection without any chemical UV filters. You can learn more about our safe sunscreen ingredients here.

“This sunscreen has helped my face heal and has completely healed the eczema on my hand.” - Elaine

“My husband has really sensitive skin, and we struggle to find sunscreen he can wear. This product has been amazing—he hasn't had any reactions, and it actually feels really nice to wear.” - Mikaela

What Sunscreens to Avoid if You Have Eczema

When choosing a sunscreen for eczema-prone skin, it’s essential to avoid certain ingredients commonly found in almost all sunscreens.

1. Chemical UV Filters:

Avoid sunscreens containing ingredients like octinoxate, and oxybenzone (or benzophenone-3), which are often irritating and can worsen eczema symptoms (Source: National Eczema Association, 2023).

Octocrylene is another sunscreen ingredient that has been found to cause photoallergic contact dermatitis (Source: De Groot and Roberts, 2013) and is commonly found in a large number of sunscreens in New Zealand.

2. Fragrances:

Even natural ones, can cause flare-ups for people with eczema.

Why Smidge Suncare Is a Great Choice for Families

Smidge Suncare is designed to be gentle and non-irritating, making it a fantastic option for the whole family—even for those without eczema. Many parents find Smidge a go-to sunscreen because of its family-friendly, gentle formulation:

“My toddler used to run away when I tried to put on sunscreen, but because Smidge looks like face cream, she’ll happily sit still and put it on herself.” - Shaani, mum of 4

Smidge is easy to apply on both the face and body and is available in compact tins, which are great for carrying on the go. Video: how to apply our sunscreen.

Finding Your Best Sunscreen for Eczema

We believe that applying sunscreen should be a comfortable experience for everyone, without the stinging eyes, irritation, or reactions that so many people with sensitive skin experience.

Eczema shouldn’t stop you from getting the protection you need. By choosing a mineral sunscreen with simple, gentle ingredients, you can help protect your skin from sun damage without triggering flare-ups.

Smidge Suncare is proud to offer a safe, effective sunscreen solution for people with eczema and sensitive skin.

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