The Best Sunscreens That Won’t Sting Your Eyes
You know the drill… you’re working in the garden sweating glistening away, and suddenly you feel the dreaded sting of wayward sunscreen dripping into your eye. You did the right thing by protecting your skin and yet no good deed goes unpunished. It’s time to say goodbye to those “I’m not crying, you’re crying,” moments with these tried-and-true sunscreen picks. No watery eyes; just beautiful (glistening) skin.
A Quick Note on Natural vs. Chemical Sunscreens
You may have noticed chemical sunscreens are more likely to sting your eyes, and that’s no coincidence. Traditional sunscreens often contain ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, which are common eye irritants. Similarly, added fragrance can also be a culprit.
Natural (mineral-based) sunscreens, like those containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are less likely to irritate the eyes if they migrate. That’s why all the sunscreens in this guide are mineral based and fragrance-free.
The Best Everyday Sunscreen
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30
This lightweight pick feels like nothing on the skin, and despite being a zinc oxide formula, there’s no white cast. Since it’s not tinted, it’s great for the whole family. And best of all, it’s safe for acne-prone skin.
The Best Sunscreen with a Light Tint
EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Sunscreen SPF 41
For years, this has been my ride-or-die tinted sunscreen. It offers a beautiful semi-matte finish and comes in two shades. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide combine for strong protection in a gentle formula that’s agreeable even for my reactive skin.
The Best Sunscreen for a Little More Coverage
Merit The Uniform™ Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
I’m obsessed with Merit and this brilliant tint has quickly become a staple. This zinc-oxide formula offers a natural-looking finish with a bit more coverage than the EltaMD pick above. But don’t let the coverage fool you; even during the sweatiest of activities, it doesn’t budge. I actually wear it in place on foundation during the week. It’s that good.
What sunscreens have your heart? Share your picks below.
