Whether you're embarking on a Mediterranean cruise or simply spending the summer at the neighborhood pool to help beat the heat, it is important to keep your skin protected with SPF. However, finding the perfect sunscreen can be a daunting task as many formulas contain ingredients that can get into your eyes and cause an unpleasant burning sensation.
We spoke to board-certified dermatologists and had our Shop TODAY team test out sunscreens to find options that are easy to apply and won't cause stinging or irritation.
Why do certain sunscreens burn your eyes? | It's all in the ingredients | How to find a sunscreen that won’t burn your eyes | Does physical sunscreen work as well as traditional chemical sunscreen? | Expert-recommended and editor-tested sunscreens | How we chose | Meet the experts
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, 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.
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.
Does physical sunscreen work as well as traditional chemical sunscreen?
Physical sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin and act as a shield from the sun, whereas chemical sunscreens absorb directly into the skin.
"Physical sunscreens do work as well as traditional chemical ones, although it of course depends on various factors, including the specific active ingredients, the concentration of those ingredients, and how well the product is applied and reapplied," says Penzi.
"Given they have the same SPF level, broad spectrum (UVA+UVB) coverage, and are applied and reapplied the same, then they should be equally effective in protecting your skin from the sun," she explains.
Expert-recommended and editor-tested sunscreens
Tropical vibes: Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Clear Lotion
- Affordable
- Smell can be strong
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Zinc, vitamin E
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.
Lightweight stick: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
- Lightweight
- Easy application
- May leave white cast
Size: 1.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide
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. This lightweight sunscreen stick offers protection against UVA & UVB rays and has over 1,500 verified five-star ratings on Amazon.
Great for oily skin: Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
- Easy application
- Not greasy
- Contains 3% avobenzone
Size: 3.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Jojoba, cacao, avocado
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.
Great for the beach: Oars and Alps Face + Scalp Mist with SPF 35
- Doesn't sting your eyes
- Easy application
- Smells nice
- Bottle is small
Size: 1.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Homosalate, octocrylene
"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.
Sheer and scented: Dune Suncare The Mineral Melt
- No white cast
- Doesn't make skin greasy
- Goes on smooth
- May pill
Size: 1.7 fl oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin E, sunflower extract, carrot root & carrot seed extract, rock rose extract
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.
Smooth operator: Sol Labs All Natural Mineral Sunscreen
- Doesn't burn your eyes
- Lightweight
- May be sticky
"I love how lightweight this SPF is and how it goes on so smoothly without leaving a white cast," explains commerce editor Vivien Moon. "I especially 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.
Skin protectant: Kiehl's Since 1851 Better Screen™ UV Serum SPF 50+
- Absorbs quickly
- No white cast
- Doesn't burn around eyes
- Consistency is slightly sticky
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Collagen peptide, homosalate
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.
Hydrating and lightweight: Supergoop! Triple Prep Moisturizer
- Hydrates skin
- Can feel oily
- 3% avobenzone in it
Size: 1.7 fl oz. | Key ingredients: Ectoin, hyaluronic acid, glycerin
Shop TODAY production coordinator Camryn Privette recommends this Supergoop! sunscreen for multiple skin types. "This is perfect for those who forget to wear sunscreen everyday (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.
