My eyes used to burn and sting everyday I wore sunscreen on my face—even though it was a special water-resistant light-weight formula. I was convinced sunscreens would always burn my eyes.
I also thought I was the only person suffering with this problem and I knew wearing sunscreen was more valuable than not, so I kept putting up with the pain. Until, I found out facial sunscreens have been developed not to burn eyes. Especially for sensitive-eyed people like myself!
From my experiences I’ve accumulated this list for my fellow sensitive-eyed people, focusing on facial sunscreens that don’t burn eyes. (Prices are quoted in US Dollars, and are subject to change)
La Roche-Posay Anthelios $20
Based on the price point of this La Roche-Posay facial sunscreen, it could have been an expensive mistake if it didn’t work out. Once using it though I understand why it’s one of the most popular facial sunscreens. It’s not greasy or shiny on the face at all, it’s actually the most light-weight sunscreen I have worn. It’s full coverage makes it even more appealing.
And, most importantly it’s developed for sensitive skin and to not burn eyes. It doesn’t just protect my skin from the sun, but also leaves it soft with a matte finish. It’s super lightweight so it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy throughout the day. One time, while wearing it (accidentally) on a rainy day, I got soaked, but I still didn’t get sunscreen in my eyes or that burning sensation.
See the full range of La Roche-Posay’s sensitive skin sunscreens at their website.
Raw Elements Face and Body $16.50
Ideally, sunscreen should be worn everyday, so finding a natural option is best. Not just to avoid burning-eye syndrome, but also to keep unnecessary chemicals at a minimum. We have enough chemicals floating around anyways! That’s where Raw Elements comes in. It has 95% organic ingredients, is reef-safe, waterproof and contains non-nano zinc oxide.
And of course, this will not be burning eyes anytime soon. This brand of sunscreens has many different options, including tinted, face + body, baby + kids, and lip balm coverage. Many options are plastic-free, and hopefully there will be more in the future like this.
Ava Isa Sun-e-Serum Drops SPF 35
from: The Sunscreen Company
Ava Isa Sun-e-Serum Drops $45
I know, I know, this looks so boujee, but this is another great sunscreen with natural ingredients. It’s a zinc-oxide option that doesn’t leave a white cast. Not only do most sunscreens get into my eyes throughout the day, I also have sensitive, breakout-prone skin. This sun-e-serum is more like a full serum treatment with SPF that’s designed to give a soft luminescence finish.
And, my favourite it’s a matte finish, so as my skin gets naturally oily throughout the day, it’s another boost to prevent my eyes from burning! This is one of those products that’s not just worth the cost, but is better for the planet and it’s low on plastic compared with other facial sunscreen options.
Beauty by Earth Facial Sunscreen $21.99
This facial sunscreen from Beauty by Earth is an all-natural formula. An all-round review of the sunscreen is that even after hours of use and sweating it doesn’t get burn eyes. Because it’s a natural formula it’s also perfect for use on sensitive skin.
As some mineral-based, natural sunscreen formulas leave a white cast, Beauty by Earth has multiple tinted options that prevent this. I’m definitely a fan of tinted-sunscreen when it blends in well, it’s a lot less noticeable than some other mineral-based sunscreens.
The company also has several other sunscreen formulas including natural options which are tinted, and self-tanners as well. All of Beauty by Earth’s products are made locally in the US in small batches from quality ingredients.
Ethical Zinc Mineral Sunscreen $20
This product by Ethical Zinc is made in Australia and is also water-resistant. It’s also on my list for reef-safe water-resistant sunscreens, so it’s safe for the earth, the reefs and your sensitive eyes.
And, as the name alludes to it’s another sunscreen made from zinc, which instead is what acts as a barrier for the sun’s harmful rays. Zinc sunscreens in general I find are a bit more sticky, but also don’t go into eyes, or burn them.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Mineral Face $6
This budget option by Neutrogena is a mineral-based formula developed to be easy on the eyes. It also comes off as a matte, non-greasy finish. This option is also water-resistant, which helps when you’re either in the water or feeling sweaty.
Neutrogena is a good brand because it’s not only available on Amazon (see link above), but also most drug stores. But its ingredients are less natural than others on this list, so if you do have sensitive skin try Ethical Zinc or Beauty by Earth. Otherwise keep wearing sunscreens that don’t burn your eyes!
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen $37
This is another pricey one, but it lasts a long time and works. This is another formula devised for sensitive skin, and is a good option for daily use (it’s not too heavy, greasy and can be worn under makeup).
EltaMD’s facial sunscreen is also made with zinc oxide, but it’s transparent so it doesn’t leave the same thick white film as other sunscreens. The only downside of this one is it’s plastic packaging, I hope to see more plastic-free options in the future such as a glass, although with sunscreen plastic-free options are not aplenty. Check out the tinted clear facial sunscreen as well!
Looking for more beauty care? Check out this list of reef-friendly water-resistant sunscreens.
