Sunscreen is an effective way to help protect yourself from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage your skin and eyes. But if sunscreen gets in your eyes when you apply it to your face or sweat in the sun later, your eyes may sting or burn, especially if you have sensitive eyes.
Why? There are two main types of sunscreen: those that use chemicals (chemical sunscreens) and those that use minerals (physical sunscreens) to help protect you from the sun.
What ingredients to look for when choosing sunscreen
If sunscreen burns your eyes or your eyes tend to be sensitive to sunscreen, knowing what to look for when purchasing this product can help. Certain ingredients and formulations may be more or less likely to cause burning or irritation.
Consider the active ingredients
Due to the irritant nature of their ingredients, chemical sunscreens are more likely to burn your eyes. To reduce the risk of this type of eye discomfort, you might consider using a sunscreen that only contains minerals — such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide — in its active ingredients.
Avoid potential irritants
If your eyes tend to be sensitive in general, it might be helpful to look for sunscreens labeled as:
Fragrance-free
Free of parabens
Free of chemical sunscreen ingredients
Products with these formulations may be less likely to cause burning or irritation in or around the eyes.
Choose products more likely to stay in place where applied
Certain sunscreen formulations may be less likely to run into your eyes, especially when swimming or sweating. These can include:
Water- and sweat-resistant options
Thicker creams and lotion consistencies
Stick sunscreens or solid formulas for targeted application
Be aware of other sunscreen ingredients
Aside from the active ingredients protecting the skin against the sun’s UV rays, many products also contain ingredients intended to soothe or hydrate the skin. These ingredients may also affect how likely the product is to cause burning if it gets into your eyes.
Sunscreen and burning eyes: FAQ
Want to know more? Here are answers to some common questions about sunscreen and your eyes:
Why does traditional sunscreen burn your eyes?
Traditional (chemical) sunscreens can burn your eyes because they use eye-irritating chemicals to block the sun’s rays. These chemicals may include:
Avobenzone
Homosalate
Octinoxate
Octisalate
Octocrylene
Oxybenzone
In contrast, physical sunscreens use titanium oxide and/or zinc oxide as active ingredients. These mineral compounds sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays. These compounds make the sunscreen less likely to run into your eyes and also less likely to irritate your eyes.
Keep in mind that physical sunscreens may still contain irritating inactive ingredients, so you may need to try a few brands before finding the right one for you.
Does sunscreen that doesn’t sting the eyes work as well as traditional sunscreen?
If you choose the right product and apply it correctly, sunscreen that doesn’t tend to sting your eyes (physical sunscreen) can work as well as traditional (chemical) sunscreen. Both chemical and physical sunscreens can be effective when used correctly. Many experts recommend choosing any sunscreen that is:
Broad-spectrum
SPF 30 or higher
Water-resistant
Some also state that if you have sensitive skin, it may be best to opt for a physical sunscreen. The downsides of physical sunscreens: they may be harder to rub in and can give your skin a whitish tinge.
What happens if you get sunscreen in your eyes? Is it dangerous?
If you get sunscreen in your eyes, you may experience burning, redness and watery eyes.
To help keep sunscreen out of your eyes, you could:
Avoid chemical and spray-on sunscreens
Consider using mineral sunscreens that are less runny and less irritating to your eyes and skin
Use hats and oversized sunglasses with 100% UV protection to help protect the skin around your eyes from the sun
How do I stop my eyes from burning due to sunscreen?
Got sunscreen in your eyes? Rinsing your eyes with cool, clean water can help wash away the irritation. Preservative-free lubricating eye drops, available over the counter, may also provide relief. A cool compress can help soothe any lingering discomfort. Contact lens wearers may want to switch to glasses until the irritation clears. If symptoms persist, consider reaching out to your eye doctor.
When should you see an eye doctor?
In many cases, it may not be necessary to go to your doctor’s office for sunscreen-irritated eyes. If your symptoms haven’t resolved, though, after flushing your eyes clear, contact your eye doctor.
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