Sunscreens exist to help protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays, but sometimes, they can cause irritation around the eyes. If you wear sunscreen on your face often (which you should be), it's crucial to select those with safe, gentle ingredients that won't sting.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman, some chemical sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone can irritate the sensitive mucous membranes around the eyes, but they're important to absorb the UV radiation.
With so many sunscreens in the market, we dove deep to find those that'll help keep your vision safe while adding protection around the area.
In order to do so, we spoke to other board-certified dermatologists and had our Shop TODAY team review their favorite and non-burning sunscreens that are easy to apply and won’t cause stinging, burning, watering or redness.
Expert pick$14.88$21.32
Why do certain sunscreens burn your eyes?
Have you ever been sitting out by the pool applying sunscreen on your face, only to have to run inside because your eyes are burning? According to Dr. Lauren Penzi, MD, FAAD, an experienced dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology, “The skin around the eyes is very thin, delicate and sensitive compared to the remainder of the facial skin, so getting sunscreen on/near the eyes can sometimes cause an irritation and/or burning sensation.”
“The burning is likely from a number of ingredients that make up sunscreens, including the chemical filters themselves, as well as the additives including preservatives, alcohols, fragrances, other botanical ingredients, etc.,” shares Penzi.
Board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare, Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, MD, reiterates how delicate the eyes and eyelid skin are, making them more sensitive to chemicals. “Many of the chemical UV filters (avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone) used in sunscreens need to be stabilized with preservatives that cause irritation and allergic reactions,” Shirazi explains. “When you sweat or rub your eyes it makes it even more likely for it to run into your eyes,” she says.
It’s all in the ingredients
When it comes to finding a solid sunscreen that won’t irritate your eyes, it’s no secret that the ingredients play a pivotal role in deciding which to choose.
Shirazi recommends avoiding sunscreens with chemical UV filters such as avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. “Look for a fragrance-free product designed for sensitive skin. I recommend mineral-based SPF products formulated with zinc or titanium,” Shirazi says.
Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, also suggests using sunscreens with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide to avoid a burning sensation. “Look for mineral formulations, these are the least likely to irritate the skin and inflame the eyes,” she recommends.
"Mineral sunscreens are also called physical blockers and contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide," Spearman says.
How to find a sunscreen that won’t burn your eyes
“When trying to find a sunscreen that doesn’t burn your eyes, look for a physical blocker that contains pure minerals like zinc and/or titanium oxide. The physical blockers sit on top of the skin, making it less likely to migrate into the eyes and cause irritation,” Penzi says.
“In general, look for labels that say hypoallergenic, fragrance free, and water resistant,” continues Penzi.
“I also favor SPF products specifically formulated for the delicate eye area with minimal ingredients that are fragrance-free,” says Shirazi.” “Many lip sunscreens may also be a good option for eyelids. Look for ones without fragrance or dyes,” she recommends.
Expert-recommended sunscreens
Gohara is a big fan of this Neutrogena option as she says sticks are a great alternative to traditional sunscreens to help avoid eye irritation. Editor Vivien Moon has also mentioned that she loves this pick, especially for re-application during the summer months outside. This lightweight sunscreen stick offers protection against UVA and UVB rays and has over 1,500 verified five-star ratings on Amazon.
According to Spearman, this sunscreen is specifically designed for the delicate eye area and is also water-resistant. Many shoppers agree and say this formula protects their eyes and doesn't leave a sticky residue. It contains vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to help enhance the hydration value, and it protects from blue light and free radical damage caused by heat.
Spearman says this formula "contains a transparent zinc oxide formulation and is lightweight and oil-free." She continues, "It also contains niacinamide, which it's ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin."
I [Espinal] agree with Spearman, as I've been using EltaMD's formula for over two years now. It feels creamy, hydrating and smooth, adding a light glow to the skin.
Editor-tested sunscreens
Associate editor Sierra Hoeger can’t get enough of this water-resistant lotion that doesn’t hurt your eyes. “I’ve been using Sun Bum products for as long as I can remember, from their hair lightening products to their shampoos and sunscreens. Their face lotion with SPF 50 provides the perfect amount of protection without leaving a white cast or burning my eyes,” Hoeger says.
This Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner for best sunscreen protects the skin against harmful effects of UV rays, while also keeping your eyes free from irritation. This sunscreen doubles as a moisturizing lotion and has a sheer formula that is designed to leave no residue behind.
Shop TODAY associate editor Kamari Stewart swears by this sunscreen. “I live and die by BGS. I’ve been using it for two years and have used other sunscreens but this one never, ever fails me,” she says. “I have naturally oily skin and it doesn’t leave me feeling greasy at all. I love how moisturized it makes my skin feel as well. And the bottle lasts so long,” Stewart explains.
Stewart raves that this sunscreen also blew her away, saying it easily blends into the skin, doesn't leave behind any white cast, doesn't feel heavy or greasy and leaves your skin looking hydrated, moisturized and glowy. "The amount of compliments I've gotten on my skin while just wearing this sunscreen is insane," she raves. "I'm still fighting with my fiancé to wear sunscreen daily, and this is one he won't fight me about because it actually feels good to put on."
Production associate Audrey Ekman says she loves how easy this sunscreen is to apply. She always has a zero-mess experience, no matter if she's applying under or over makeup. "There is no tint or white cast that you can sometimes get with other sunscreens, and it feels surprisingly lightweight on," she says. "So smart to add to your beach bag or throw in your purse for on-the-go touch-ups!"
“I’ve been using this face and scalp mist for a few weeks, and I’ve been loving it!” says social media video producer Anita Chomenko. ‘The mist application is perfect for adding on your face right before you head out the door. It smells nice, refreshing and is small enough to throw in your beach bag or tote!” she explains.
"This is one of the only face sunscreens that I've fully emptied — and I miss the formula," says commerce writer Danielle Murphy. "It feels great on the skin and doesn't leave a white cast. It's also one I would recommend for wearing under makeup because it doesn't interact with any of the products I use," she adds.
Senior social media editor Kate McCarthy says she's worn this sunscreen on plenty of sunny afternoon runs and has never gotten a sunburn. She also adds that it never feels sticky, but it had a slightly oily texture when she first put it on. However, the formula won her over with its no-scent factor, making it a definite re-purchase for her!
Social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo speaks very highly of this sunscreen from Dune Suncare: “It goes on so smooth like moisturizer, and it has such a nice sea scent that isn’t overpowering. It’s really sheer so it doesn’t irritate your eyes or skin.”
This lightweight mineral sunscreen contains vitamin E and is enriched with youth-promoting peptides, according to the brand.
I [Espinal] love this sunscreen so much — it's easy to blend and apply, and it doesn't leave a white cast. While it can feel a bit greasy after applying, the formula works well on my dry skin and dries well after a few minutes. I recommend keeping it in your purse for easy re-application. The stick is clear and the package makes it travel-friendly — a quick grab-and-go formula to apply wherever you are without having to get your fingers dirty.
Stewart also likes this sunscreen because it doesn't leave white residue and blends easily. "I'm a big fan of most Tower 28 products because they're all National Eczema Association approved. This sunscreen doesn't disappoint. It goes on clear and doesn't leave behind any white casts, which I appreciate because that's hard to find in a mineral sunscreen. It does feel a little heavy at first, but after a few minutes, it's not noticeable," she says.
Editorial assistant Madison San Miguel admits that she's not great at re-applying her sunscreen, but this stick from Shiseido makes it a little easier. "It is pretty compact, so it's travel-friendly enough to pop into your tote bag," she says. "It's also clear (so there's no white cast!), non-comedogenic, mess-free and hydrating. Plus, you can apply over and underneath makeup!"
“I love how lightweight this SPF is and how it goes on so smoothly without leaving a white cast,” explains Moon. “I really appreciate that it doesn’t make me feel greasy, especially in the summer and no matter how often I wear it, I haven’t had any issues with it burning my eyes, which is a problem I regularly have with other SPF products,” she says.
I [Espinal] have been using this sunscreen for the past month and love its smoothness and texture. Though the formula looks white, the lotion feels lightweight and blends easily into the skin. I prefer to wear this if I plan to reapply constantly throughout the day, as it doesn't leave a white cast. While some experience a greasy feel after use, I appreciate the extra moisture for my dry skin.
Shop TODAY senior editor Jess Bender has several face sunscreens in her daily routine but calls this Kiehl’s pick her go-to option. “It’s as close to the perfect SPF as you can get — it absorbs quickly, evens out splotchy red areas (thanks to the collagen peptide in the formulation) and leaves my makeup pillage-free,” explains Bender.
Bender also says this UV serum does a heck of a job protecting her skin. “I’ve been working outside more regularly over the last two months for two to three hours at a time and I’ve not once had to deal with a sunburn afterwards,” she raves.
Bender is also a fan of this sunscreen stick, which she likes to use while on the move and in need of touch-ups. "What's nice is that this is small enough to reapply around problem areas that are harder to navigate with a liquid sunscreen that may leave a white cast (behind the ears, around the hair line and nostrils, and in between fingers and toes)," she says.
"This is a wonderful and lightweight everyday sunscreen that blends in easily and doesn't leave a heavy white cast, despite being a mineral sunscreen. It is my go-to sunscreen, even for runs," says deals editor Rebecca Brown. The formula is designed to protect the skin while offering hydration.
Shop TODAY production coordinator Camryn Privette recommends this Supergoop! sunscreen for multiple skin types. “This is perfect for those who forget to wear sunscreen every day (aka me). It’s a moisturizer and SPF all in one that’s super hydrating for those with normal to oily skin types. I really love the formula for winter skin and I can’t recommend it enough,” Privette says.
How we chose the best non-irritating sunscreens
We selected the best sunscreens that contain pure minerals like zinc or titanium. We followed expert advice from board-certified dermatologists, conducted market research and chose some editor-approved picks.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Lauren Penzi, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
- Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare.
- Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine.
- Dr. Michelle Henry, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York.
- Dr. Dara Spearman is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates.
