No. And this is the thing we obsessed over most. We use iron oxides alongside the zinc oxide specifically to neutralise the white cast that comes with mineral sunscreens. The result is a sheer, skin-toned finish that works across a range of skin tones. It's not invisible on every single complexion, but the difference compared to standard mineral SPF is significant. Most of our customers with medium-deep skin tones say it's the first mineral sunscreen they've been able to use comfortably.

Swellies was formulated to work across all skin types, with particular attention to the ones that are usually let down by sunscreen. Oily and acne-prone skin benefits from the non-comedogenic, silicone-free formula that won't clog pores or cause breakouts. Dry skin benefits from the Coco Caprylate/Caprate base, which adds a light layer of hydration without heaviness. Sensitive skin benefits from the five-ingredient simplicity with no fragrance, no preservatives, and no chemical filters that can trigger reactions. Combination skin gets a fast-absorbing, non-greasy finish that doesn't shift throughout the day. If you've tried other sunscreens and given up, Swellies is designed to be the one that finally works.

Yes. Swellies was specifically formulated with sensitive and acne-prone skin in mind. It's non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), fragrance-free, and contains no silicones, parabens, or synthetic preservatives. These are the usual culprits behind sunscreen-related breakouts. That said, if you have severe skin conditions, patch-test first as you would with any new product.

It works as a primer. The Coco Caprylate/Caprate in our formula creates a dry, silky base that foundation and concealer grip to rather than sliding over. Most of our customers who wear makeup say their base lasts longer with Swellies underneath, partly because it absorbs fast and creates a smooth, non-slippery surface. Allow 5 minutes after application before applying makeup for best results.

Because we kept it simple. Swellies contains only five ingredients, all naturally derived and biodegradable. There's no oxybenzone, no octinoxate, no octocrylene, and no microplastics. These are the synthetic chemical filters most commonly linked to coral bleaching and reef damage. We also use no silicones. Silicones may be considered inert, but they do not break down in marine environments and bioaccumulate over time in ocean ecosystems. Our active ingredient, non-nano zinc oxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It doesn't break down into harmful byproducts, doesn't bioaccumulate in marine organisms, and doesn't penetrate coral tissue. When something washes off your skin in the ocean, the fewer synthetic compounds it carries, the better. Five ingredients means five things to account for. We're comfortable with all of them.

Every 2 hours during sun exposure, or immediately after 40 minutes of swimming or heavy sweating. This isn't a Swellies rule. It's how SPF works. Any sunscreen, regardless of SPF level, degrades with UV exposure and physical activity. We know reapplication is the part nobody wants to do, which is exactly why we made the formula pleasant enough to reach for every time.

There are two types of UV rays that reach your skin: UVB and UVA. UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn. They hit the surface of the skin and are what the SPF number measures. UVA rays go deeper. They penetrate through clouds and glass, reach the lower layers of your skin, and are responsible for premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and long-term cellular damage. You can't feel UVA rays, which is why most people don't realise they're being exposed all day, every day, even indoors near windows.

"Broad spectrum" means a sunscreen protects against both. The problem is that many chemical sunscreens are optimised primarily for UVB. Some barely touch UVA. Zinc oxide is different. It's one of the only UV filters that blocks the full spectrum effectively, covering both UVB and UVA, without needing a stack of additional ingredients to fill the gaps. It works by absorbing and scattering UV radiation across the entire range. That's why Swellies uses zinc oxide as its only active ingredient. One ingredient, full-spectrum protection.

Yes, and here's why it matters. Blue light, also called high-energy visible light or HEV light, is emitted constantly by screens, LED lighting, and the sun. Unlike UV rays, it isn't blocked by standard sunscreen. Research shows it can penetrate deeper into the skin than UVA rays, contributing to oxidative stress, collagen breakdown, hyperpigmentation, and long-term cellular damage similar to what UV exposure causes.

Most people are now exposed to blue light for 10 to 12 hours a day through phones, laptops, and overhead lighting. This exposure doesn't stop indoors. It's cumulative, often invisible, and genuinely adds up over time. For people prone to melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, blue light has been shown to worsen discolouration more than UV alone.

Iron oxides are what address this. They absorb HEV light across the blue-violet spectrum. In Swellies they serve two roles: they neutralise the white cast from zinc oxide, and they provide real protection against blue light. The result is full-spectrum coverage from UV through visible light, without adding a single extra step to your routine.

You get a full refund. No forms. No photos of the product. No questions about whether you used it "correctly." We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee because we're confident in the formula, and we don't want anyone keeping a product they're not happy with. Just email us at info@swellies.com within 30 days of purchase and we'll sort it immediately.

One 50ml bottle lasts approximately 4–6 weeks with daily face application (using the recommended pea-sized amount per application). If you're applying to your neck, décolletage, or ears daily, closer to 3–4 weeks. For travel or beach trips where you're reapplying every 2 hours, it'll go faster. Most of our customers find the 2-bottle option is their sweet spot. You'll always have backup before you run out.

Yes. Five ingredients, all readable. Zinc oxide is the only active. FDA Category I — it stays on skin and doesn't absorb systemically. No fragrance, no preservatives, no chemical filters. The short ingredient list isn't a marketing angle. It's why the formula works for anyone who uses it.

Yes, water resistant for 40 minutes. That's the FDA's standard rating for sunscreens used in active conditions. Reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or heavy sweating, immediately after towel drying, or at least every 2 hours during prolonged sun exposure.

Yes on both. No animal-derived ingredients. Never tested on animals.

Both. The formula is the same regardless of where you apply it. The 50ml format is sized for face and exposed areas like neck, chest, and hands. For full-body coverage you'd go through it faster, but there's nothing in the formula that limits it to face use.

Yes. Most mineral sunscreens turn facial and body hair white. Zinc oxide particles clump and scatter visible light, leaving a white residue in hair. Swellies uses Polyhydroxystearic Acid to disperse zinc evenly throughout the formula and Iron Oxides to neutralize any residual white tone on skin and in hair. Works on beards, chest hair, arm hair. No white cast.