Sunscreen is an essential part of our daily routine, especially during the summer months when the sun’s rays are intense. However, many people avoid using sunscreen because it can burn their eyes. This is a common problem, and it can be very uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are sunscreens that don’t burn eyes, and they are becoming increasingly popular.
The main reason sunscreens can burn eyes is due to the ingredients used in the formula. Chemical sunscreens, which contain ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone, are more likely to cause eye irritation. On the other hand, physical sunscreens, which contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are less likely to cause eye irritation.
When looking for a sunscreen that doesn’t burn eyes, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients. Look for sunscreens that contain physical blockers like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Avoid sunscreens that contain chemical blockers like oxybenzone and avobenzone. Additionally, it’s important to choose a sunscreen that is labeled “non-comedogenic” and “hypoallergenic” to reduce the risk of irritation.
We spent several hours researching and testing ten sunscreens that don’t burn eyes to identify the best ones on the market. In the following sections, we will share our findings and provide you with all the information you need to choose the right sunscreen for your needs.
5 Best Sunscreens That Don’t Burn Eyes
We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful UV rays. However, finding a sunscreen that doesn’t burn our eyes can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best sunscreens that won’t irritate your eyes, so you can enjoy the sun without any discomfort. Our team has tested and researched various products to bring you the top choices that are gentle on your skin and eyes. Check out our roundup below to find your perfect sunscreen.
BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
We highly recommend the BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Bottle Technology – Fragrance Free, 5 oz SPF 50+ 5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) for anyone looking for a sunscreen that doesn’t burn eyes.
Pros
- It contains mineral sunscreen, with no chemical active ingredients, that protects your skin by reflecting UV rays away before they enter your body.
- It has a broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with an SPF 50+ that provides protection against harmful sun rays.
- The product is sweat and water-resistant for 80 minutes, which is twice as long as Blue Lizard Original sensitive formula.
Cons
- The sunscreen is thick, so it needs to be applied in dots to make it easier to spread out.
- It has a white cast that absorbs into the skin, which may not be suitable for people with dark skin.
- The sunscreen is a bit expensive compared to other sunscreens in the market.
We have been using BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen for a while now, and it has been a game-changer. The sunscreen is easy to apply and doesn’t burn our eyes, which is a huge plus. We love the fact that it contains no oxybenzone or Octinoxate, making it safe for the reef.
The mineral formula uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect our skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays without the use of potentially irritating chemical active ingredients. The product is paraben-free and fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
The Smart Bottle Technology is a great feature that reminds us when harmful UV rays are present. The bottle turns blue in sunlight, reminding us that it’s time for sunscreen. This feature is helpful for people who tend to forget to reapply sunscreen.
Overall, if you’re looking for a sunscreen that doesn’t burn eyes, BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is an excellent choice. It provides broad-spectrum protection and is safe for the reef.
Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+
If you’re looking for a reliable sunscreen that won’t burn your eyes during outdoor activities, we recommend trying Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+.
Pros
- Provides superior broad-spectrum sun protection against aging UVA and burning UVB rays
- Resists wear off from water, rubbing, sweating or wiping, and is designed to be sweat-resistant and water-resistant
- Features an electrolyte complex to help nourish and restore skin balance
Cons
- May cause some stinging if it gets into the eyes
- May leave a slight white cast on the skin
- The formula is a bit thick and can take some time to absorb completely
We’ve tested this sunscreen during various outdoor activities, and we’re impressed with its performance. The Helioplex technology provides superior broad-spectrum protection, and the sunscreen resists wear off from water, rubbing, sweating, or wiping. We appreciate that it’s sweat-resistant and water-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor sports.
The electrolyte complex in the formula helps nourish and restore skin balance, which is especially important during long outdoor activities. However, we did experience some stinging if the sunscreen got into our eyes, so it’s important to be careful when applying it around the eye area.
The sunscreen may leave a slight white cast on the skin, but it’s not too noticeable and can be easily blended in. The formula is a bit thick, so it can take some time to absorb completely, but once it does, it doesn’t feel greasy or heavy on the skin.
Overall, we highly recommend Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+ for anyone looking for a reliable sunscreen that won’t burn their eyes during outdoor activities.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that won’t burn your eyes, Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a great option.
Pros
- Provides superior protection against burning UVB and aging UVA rays
- Layers invisibly under makeup for easy wear
- Free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, dyes, and irritating chemicals
Cons
- Leaves a white cast
- Thick consistency can be difficult to spread
- Needs a lot of rubbing in to minimize whitecast
We’ve used this sunscreen and found that it offers excellent protection against harmful UV rays. It’s specifically formulated for facial skin and contains antioxidants to help protect against skin-damaging free radicals caused by the sun. The Dry-Touch technology ensures that the sheer sunscreen dries with a non-greasy, lightweight finish that layers invisibly under makeup.
However, one downside is that it does leave a white cast, which can be noticeable if not rubbed in properly. The thick consistency can also make it difficult to spread evenly, so it may take some extra effort to minimize the whitecast. But overall, this gentle water-resistant face sunscreen is hypoallergenic and won’t sting eyes, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a sunscreen that provides superior protection and won’t irritate your eyes, Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a great option to consider.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen
We highly recommend the Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen for anyone who wants a daily sunscreen that won’t burn their eyes.
Pros
- Lightweight formula won’t clog pores, perfect for daily wear
- Antioxidant-rich with hydrating hyaluronic acid, green tea, and caffeine for dual benefits of protecting skin from UV rays and nourishing it
- Mineral sunscreen with no chemical active ingredients, providing true broad spectrum protection by reflecting UV rays away
Cons
- May leave a white cast, especially for those with medium or darker skin tones
- Can cause minor breakouts for some users
- The amount of air in the bottle can be frustrating, making it difficult to gauge how much product is left
We love the Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen because it’s perfect for daily wear and won’t clog pores. The hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidants help nourish skin while protecting it from UV rays. The mineral sunscreen provides true broad spectrum protection without any irritating chemical active ingredients.
However, some users may find that it leaves a white cast, especially for those with medium or darker skin tones. Additionally, it can cause minor breakouts for some users. The amount of air in the bottle can also be frustrating, making it difficult to gauge how much product is left.
Overall, we highly recommend the Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen for anyone looking for a daily sunscreen that won’t burn their eyes.
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
If you want a sunscreen that won’t burn your eyes and is perfect for acne-prone skin, then Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen is the one for you.
Pros
- The water-light texture makes it easy to apply and leaves a weightless, matte finish.
- Provides superior UVA/UVB protection with a stabilized Helioplex technology and an oxybenzone-free formula.
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
Cons
- May leave a white cast if not applied evenly.
- May not be suitable for people with very sensitive skin.
- Some users may find it a bit greasy.
We recently used Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen during a beach trip, and we were impressed with how it protected our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The water-light texture made it easy to apply, and it didn’t leave any residue or make our skin feel oily. We also appreciated that it didn’t sting our eyes, which is a common problem with many sunscreens.
One of the standout features of this sunscreen is its superior UVA/UVB protection. The stabilized Helioplex technology and oxybenzone-free formula ensure that your skin is protected from the sun’s harmful rays. We also liked that it was fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it didn’t clog our pores or cause any breakouts.
However, we did notice that if we didn’t apply it evenly, it could leave a white cast on our skin. Also, some users with very sensitive skin may find it a bit irritating. Finally, some users may find it a bit greasy, especially if they have oily skin.
Overall, we would highly recommend Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen to anyone looking for a sunscreen that won’t burn their eyes and is perfect for acne-prone skin. With its superior UVA/UVB protection, water-light texture, and non-comedogenic formula, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to keep their skin healthy and protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
Buying Guide
When looking for a sunscreen that doesn’t burn the eyes, there are a few features to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs.
SPF
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how effective a sunscreen is at protecting the skin from UVB rays. It is recommended to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. However, a higher SPF does not necessarily mean better protection. Look for a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Water Resistance
If you plan on swimming or sweating, it’s important to choose a water-resistant sunscreen. Water-resistant sunscreens can provide protection for up to 80 minutes in the water, while very water-resistant sunscreens can provide protection for up to 120 minutes.
Non-Comedogenic
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to acne, it’s important to choose a sunscreen that is non-comedogenic. This means that it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
Fragrance-Free
Sunscreens that are fragrance-free are less likely to irritate the skin or eyes. Look for products that are labeled as fragrance-free or hypoallergenic.
Application
Consider the application method of the sunscreen. Sprays can be easier to apply, but they can also be more difficult to control and may not provide as much coverage. Lotions and creams can be more effective, but they can also be more difficult to apply evenly.
By considering these factors, you can find a sunscreen that will protect your skin without irritating your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some tear-free sunscreens for adults?
If you’re looking for a tear-free sunscreen for adults, you can consider Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen, and Badger Balm Unscented Sunscreen. These sunscreens are designed to be gentle on the eyes and provide broad-spectrum protection.
2. What are the best sunscreens for the face?
For the face, you can opt for sunscreens that are specifically formulated for this area. Some of the best sunscreens for the face include EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen, Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, and La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Fluid Face Sunscreen. These sunscreens are lightweight, non-greasy, and won’t clog pores.
3. Are there any avobenzone-free sunscreens?
Yes, there are avobenzone-free sunscreens available in the market. Some of the popular options include Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen, and Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50 Sunscreen. These sunscreens use alternative ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide sun protection.
4. Which Korean sunscreens do not sting the eyes?
If you’re looking for Korean sunscreens that don’t sting the eyes, you can try Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sunscreen, Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk, and Missha All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel. These sunscreens are lightweight, non-greasy, and gentle on the eyes.
5. Is there a mineral sunscreen that doesn’t burn the eyes?
Yes, there are mineral sunscreens that don’t burn the eyes. Some of the popular options include Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, and Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. These sunscreens use mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide sun protection.
6. Does Blue Lizard sunscreen cause eye irritation?
Blue Lizard sunscreen is designed to be gentle on the skin and eyes. However, some people may experience eye irritation if the sunscreen gets into their eyes. If you experience eye irritation, rinse your eyes with water and avoid using the sunscreen around the eye area.
