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Last Updated on April 3, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

What can you do when sunscreen stings your eyes?

“What the heck is wrong with you, Gio?”

It was a hot summer day. Clear blue skies. A light breeze in the air. Warm sunshine kissing your skin. It’s the kind of day you don’t often get in London. So when it comes, you have to make the most of it.

I was walking along Regent’s Canal with a friend, catching up with each other’s lives and making plans for the future. When, all of a sudden, I stopped dead in my tracks.

Ouch! My eye! It stung like hell. It was so painful, I started crying and rubbing my eyes to ease the pain. But it only made things worse.

My friend caught my face in his hands, keeping it still so he could take a better look at my eyes. Maybe something had accidentally slipped in?

Nothing. There was nothing in my eye. What the heck was going on?!

That’s when it hit me. The day was so hot despite the gentle breeze, my sunscreen had trickled down my forehead and into my eye.

IT. HURT.

My friend had a bottle of water with him – thankfully! – so we managed to clean up my eye. Eventually. But it got me thinking, how can you prevent sunscreen from stinging your eyes in the first place?

Because let’s be honest—this isn’t some freak accident. If you’ve ever gone outside in summer and ended up with tears streaming down your face for no reason, it’s probably sunscreen-related. And it’s always at the worst moment. On a date. On a hike. During that one hot yoga class where you tried to be outdoorsy. *sighs*

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Mineral Sunscreens Are Less Likely To Irritate Eyes

You know how I always say that I prefer mineral sunscreens? It’s true. If I have a choice, that’s what I use.

But as a skincare blogger, I sometimes get sent stuff I wouldn’t pick off the shelves of SpaceNK. In a way, it’s good – I get to try new products that didn’t catch my eye but turned out to be holy grails.

Other times… That day at Regent’s Canal was one of those other times. I was testing a chemical sunscreen with synthetic UV filters. When they got into my eyes… Ouch!

Mineral UV filters – that’s titanium dioxide and zinc oxide – are gentler so when they get into your eyes, they don’t sting as much. If I’m going for a long walk or know I will sweat, it’s a mineral sunscreen I put on.

And yes, sometimes mineral sunscreens still sting. They’re not made of magic. But they tend to be less aggressive, especially if you’re someone who already has sensitive eyes or wears contact lenses. The less drama, the better.

The ingredient list matters more than the marketing. Just because something says “gentle” on the label doesn’t mean it’s actually eye-friendly. Alcohol, fragrance, essential oils… they sneak into everything. And when you’re sweating, all bets are off.

Related: The Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens To Avoid Eye Stinging

Tips To Prevent Sunscreen From Stinging Your Eyes

If your sunscreen always seems to find its way into your eyes, here’s what actually helps:

  • Don’t apply it too close to your eyes: Stop at your brow bone. Use sunglasses or a mineral stick around the eyes instead.
  • Give it time to dry: Let it fully absorb (10–15 minutes) before heading outside. Most stinging happens because it’s still wet and sliding – and then it won’t protect you anyway.
  • Use sweat-resistant formulas: These tend to stay put for longer. Great if you’re sweaty, oily, or wearing makeup.
  • Stick to matte creams or silicone-based sunscreens: They grip the skin better and don’t wander into your tear ducts by lunchtime.
  • Avoid alcohol-based formulas: They might feel light, but they’re often what causes the sting.
  • Patch test before going all in: Try it near your temples first. If it stings there, it’s a no.

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Why Do Some People Get Eye Irritation And Others Don’t?

It depends on:

  • Your skin barrier
  • How oily or sweaty your skin is
  • The formula you’re using
  • How you apply it

Some people can slap on a chemical sunscreen with avobenzone and have zero issues. Others, like me, walk along a canal and end up crying in pain. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, which is why trial and error (and a backup bottle of water) is sometimes the only way.

The Bottom Line

If your sunscreen keeps picking fights with your eyes, it’s not you. It’s the formula. The best way to prevent sunscreen from stinging your eyes is to switch to something gentler, apply it smarter, and keep that water bottle close just in case. Your eyeballs deserve peace.