The skin around the eyes is 10 times thinner than the rest of the face, and much like any part of the body, it must be protected from harmful rays of the sun. If you have sensitive skin, chances are high that the skin around the eyes is equally sensitive. There are some really good sunscreens that doesn’t Burn my Eyes, but looking for the one can require some homework. The choice for sunscreen for sensitive eyes has to be more than just looking at the SPF because everything from the brand to the ingredients does matter.
In this post, we are discussing more on how you can select the face sunscreen that doesn’t burn eyes when your skin is more sensitive than the average Joe, along with products that we absolutely love and would recommend.
Reviewing the Top 8 Sunscreen for Sensitive Eyes in 2023
Supergoop PLAY- Everyday Lotion With Sunflower Extract
Supergoop Play is a highly skin-friendly everyday lotion suitable for the body and face. The lightweight water & sweat-resistant lotion has been designed for sensitive skin types. It has clean ingredients that protect and nourish your skin.
The natural sunflower & rosemary leaf extracts feel good on the skin and protect from harmful UVA, UVB, and IRA rays. All you need to do is apply this lotion 15 minutes before sun exposure, and your skin will get maximum protection.
PROS
• Broad Spectrum SPF50 Lotion
• Sunflower & rosemary leaf extracts
• Protect from harmful UVA, UVB, and IRA rays
• East-to-apply
CONS
• Has a greasy texture
Neutrogena Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
This broad-spectrum UVB/ UVA sunscreen has active ingredients in it derived from 100% natural sources. If you are sick and tired of sunscreens clogging your pores, then you will find this product extremely helpful as it is noncomedogenic. Meaning, it doesn’t clog skin pores.
Hence, non-comedogenic sunscreens do not cause breakouts. Also, if you sweat a lot, this product could bring great relief to you as it is water and sweat resistant, effective for 80 minutes. Further, a lot of people can’t tolerate strong fragrances. If you are one among them, just buy this product as it is absolutely fragrance-free.
Pros-
• This is a hypoallergenic sunscreen that doesn’t sting eyes.
• It has an oil-free composition. Hence, ideal for oily skin types.
• PABA-free.
Cons-
• Might sting your eyes.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk Body & Face Sunscreen Lotion
This is a broad-spectrum sunscreen having an SPF of 60. The product remains water-resistant for 80 minutes. Another amazing quality of this product is that it is fast-absorbing and leaves no greasiness on your skin.
The product also offers high UVA protection of PFA 26 because of which your skin remains shielded from harmful UV radiation. It is a fragrance-free product, best suited for people who are allergic to strong smells.
Pros-
Photostable
• Noncomedogenic product. Never blocks the pores on your skin.
• It is PABA free
Cons-
• It contains traces of toxic oxybenzone.
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
This is one of the best spf sunscreens out there for sensitive skin. It is recommended by dermatologists and has a mineral-based formula, containing 9.0% transparent zinc oxide. The product is also ideal for people who have acne-prone skin, and unlike other sunscreens, it doesn’t leave behind any residue. SPF of 46 is fine for long day use. 
Pros
• No fragrance, oil, or parabens
• SPF of 46
• Zinc-oxide –a mineral-based formula
• Antioxidant protection
• Broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
• Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation
Cons
• Slightly expensive than others
Cerave 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
If you are looking for a slightly better sunscreen for sensitive skin around the eyes, this product from Cerave is a great pick. It contains a mineral-based formula with both Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide with SPF protection of 50. The product offers complete protection against UVA/UVB rays and can be used under the eyes. 
Pros
• 100% Mineral-based sunscreen
• Contains Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide
• Special formulation for moisture lock-in
• Hawaii Compliant Sunscreen – contains no oxybenzone
• Doesn’t contain oil, paraben, fragrance-free, chemical filters
• Suited for adults and kids.
• Winner of many awards
Cons
• The pricing could have been cheaper
• Not mentioned water resistance
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
Blue Lizard brings this sunscreen for sensitive skin that has been produced with the highest standards, to avoid any damage to the coral reef. The product with SPF 30+ is ideal for day to day use and doesn’t contain Oxybenzone or chemicals that may harm the skin. This is a mineral-based formula. 
Pros
• Does not contain any chemical active ingredients
• Mineral-based sunscreen
• Dermatologist Recommended
• Contains Zinc Oxide for broad-spectrum protection
• No parabens and fragrance
• Water resistance up to 40 minutes
Cons
• SPF could have been better
• Not ideal for long-day use
Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion
Eucerin brings this daily sunscreen that’s ideal for both sensitive and dry skin, with SPF protection of 30. The brand is recommended by dermatologists for people with extremely sensitive skin, and this particular product offers broad-spectrum protection against UVB and UVA rays.
The sunscreen also doubles up as a moisturizer and keeps the skin glowing for the entire day. 
Pros
• Recommended by Dermatologist
• Broad-spectrum protection
• Contains no fragrance
• Moisturizes for 24 hours
• Clinically tested for sensitive skin
• Aptly priced
Cons
• Not water resistant
• Brand doesn’t specify about chemical ingredients
• SPF protection could have been better
Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 50+
If you don’t mind spending a tad more on your sunscreen, this twin-pack of sunscreens from Vanicream with SPF of 50+ should work for your daily needs. The product is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and doesn’t contain any dyes, fragrance, chemicals that may irritate the skin. 
Pros
• SPF protection of 50+
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen
• Free of parabens, dyes, lanolin
• Safe for sensitive skin
• Contains both titanium oxide and zinc oxide
• Water-resistant
Cons
• Expensive than most products on the list
• Does contain chemicals
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream
This is not exactly a sunscreen, but we included it in our list anyway because the skin around your eyes needs extra moisturization too. The product comes from the trusted house of Burt’s Bees and is a complete facial moisturizer with as much as 98.9% natural ingredients.
It doesn’t cause any skin irritation and can be used for long hours after sun exposure. 
Pros
• Complete face moisturizer
• Formulation for sensitive skin
• 9% natural moisturizer
• Tested by Dermatologists
• Won Awarded National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
Cons
• Not a sunscreen, so no sun protection
How to Choose Sunscreen for Sensitive Eyes?
There are some of the basic aspects you need to check –
Broad-spectrum protection
You want a sunscreen that can protect sensitive eyes and skin from sun damage caused by both UVB and UVA rays. These rays can cause aging and skin damage, and the sunscreen should prevent both.
SPF is important
You already know that SPF is critical for choosing a sunscreen that doesn’t Burn my Eyes, and we recommend something with at least SPF 30. Go for SPF 50, if you can find the right product. You don’t actually need anything more than SPF 70.
Check the brand
With sunscreens, the brand is important because you want to be sure that the product is safe for sensitive eyes and skin. Go for one of the relevant brands that get their products clinically tested.
Find a mineral-based sunscreen
These sunscreens typically contain either zinc oxide or titanium oxide, or both. Avoid products that have carbon-based compounds, especially oxybenzone, which is very harmful to the skin.
Formulated for sensitive skin
This one is a no-brainer. You have to consider a sunscreen that’s designed for use on sensitive skin, and it must be safe for kids and adults alike. Make sure that the product is recommended by dermatologists and is ideal for daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does under my eyes sting when I apply SPF 30?
The case is prominent with sunscreens with higher chemical contents. Chemical contents absorb the UV rays and sting the skin. Since the eye area is 10 times more sensitive than the rest face, it’s most affected. A simple solution to this would be switching to sunscreens with physical contents, which reflect the UV rays.
Can Your Eyes Get Sunburned?
Similar to the effect of UV rays on the skin in the form of sunburns, eyes also suffer from inflammation. Photokeratitis is the medical term that refers to having sunburn on the cornea. Luckily, the damage to the cornea, in this case, is temporary and heals within a few days.
Why Should You Wear Sunscreen on Your Eyelids?
Many people assume that the eye area is protected by their sunglasses. However, no sunglasses provide 100% protection. Also, the eye area having the thinnest layer of skin is most vulnerable to UV rays. Therefore, eyelids should be protected with sunscreen.
Infographic: How To Pick The Right Sunscreen for Sensitive Eyes
In conclusion
When you want the best sunscreen for sensitive eyes, always select one that offers broad-spectrum protection and has SPF of 30 or more. Just check the brand’s reputation and read the ingredient list in full before taking the final call.
