How to Get Sunscreen Out of Eyes Safely and Effectively

From protecting against sun damage from UV rays that can cause skin cancer to promoting healthy skin texture, using a high-quality SPF every day is a habit that has almost nothing but pros. The only occasional con that we can think of? Accidentally getting sunscreen in your eyes.

Sunscreen for Eye Area Protection 

If it’s happened to you, you know the feeling. The stinging. The burning. This event is something we’d all like to avoid, so we’re here with tips to help you prevent this uncomfortable situation, and if, worst case, it does happen to you—how to get sunscreen out of eyes.

Let’s start with some tips to keep your eyes safe without having to ditch the products you need for active sun protection.

Tips for Applying Sunscreen Around the Eyes Without the Risk

Some sunscreens contain ingredients that can irritate sensitive eyes, or even the delicate skin around eyes. Heavy fragrance, some active chemical filters, and even preservatives are often the culprits for stinging and burning. 

With that in mind, our first tip for skipping the sting? Use a fragrance-free formula. 

Another eye-stinging offender is a formula that easily runs when you’re sweating, causing your sunscreen to get into your eyes. Luckily, there’s also an easy fix for this situation: Pick a solid SPF formula—like a stick. Stick sunscreens are less likely to shift while you sweat, so the formula is less likely to end up in your eyes.

We’ll touch on suggestions for your perfect formula later, but first, here are some additional tips to keep your risk at a minimum: 

• Avoid application directly on your eyes, and take special care with application to your eyelids
• Try a sunscreen stick for more precise application
• If you’re exercising or sweating a lot, protect eyes with goggles or sunglasses to prevent SPF runoff
• Pick a formula that’s free from eye irritants and fragrances

Why Does Sunscreen Burn My Eyes?

Sunscreen formulas can vary a lot. Some of the common ingredients in suncare can be fine on skin but aren’t always appropriate to use around your eyes.

Some chemical filters like Octinoxate and Oxybenzone can cause eye irritation that results in stinging, burning, redness, discomfort, and other eye health issues. At COOLA, we don’t use these ingredients in any of our formulations. Every COOLA formula is also free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and many more ingredients that we avoid out of an abundance of caution—going well beyond the industry standard.

Steering clear of these irritating ingredients can help take the sting out of your sunscreen, all without compromising on sun protection.

Other users may also find that using sunscreen spray vs. lotion can make it easier for the product to seep into your eyes; trial and error is key to figuring out what works best for you and your skin.

How to Get Sunscreen Out of Eyes Fast

Now we know why some formulas sting, but let’s get to the heart of the issue. If you do get SPF in your eyes, how do you get it out—quickly?

Before you start, first wipe around your eyes to remove any additional sunscreen. Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to rinse your eyes immediately. If you wear them, you may also want to take your contact lenses out before rinsing. 

The best way to get sunscreen out of your eyes is to put your eyes under running water to flush them. You can do this in the sink or shower, just make sure you’re using cool water to rinse. If you can, flush your eyes for about 15 minutes to rid them of any errant sunscreen.

If you’ve rinsed for over 15 minutes and you’re still feeling discomfort, put a cool, damp compress over your eyes to reduce the sting even further. Using anti-irritation eye drops may also help reduce any lingering sting.

Recommended Sunscreens for Delicate Skin and Sensitive Eye Areas

No one wants an unnecessary trip to the eye doctor. Choosing the right product is one of the key preventative tips to avoid getting sunscreen in your eyes before it happens. Thankfully, you have plenty of options. 

There are a variety of sunscreens to fit what works for your lifestyle, whether you prefer a lotion SPF or spray suncare. Or, as we mentioned earlier, stick sunscreen is a great option for around the eyes. For stick sunscreen, choose a moisturizing formula. Have you been wondering, “Is zinc oxide sunscreen better for skin?” Try our specially-formulated  zinc-oxide sunscreen to see the benefits for yourself — and to ensure you avoid any sting.

Speaking of zinc-oxide SPF, many people find that physical blockers like those found in mineral sunscreen can be milder and less likely to irritate, especially around the sensitive eye area.

If you prefer to use a chemical sunscreen, opt for a fragrance-free formula to keep your eyes sting-free. And if you like to use mist SPFs, alcohol-free products are your best option to avoid eye irritation and prevent irritation for sensitive skin.

Then, after you’ve applied your gentle SPF, set it with translucent powder to keep your sunscreen in place to enjoy the lasting UV protection.

Protect Your Skin and Eyes with COOLA

Whether you’re choosing a sunscreen lotion that’s safe for the eye area or want to make a healthier suncare choice in general, COOLA offers powerful, organic sunscreen that fits your lifestyle and your skin. 

We abide by the California Organic Products Act (COPA) standards, which are the strictest in the nation for organic personal care. COPA states that 70%+ of every formula must be made of certified organic ingredients, so you can rest easy when you use any COOLA formula. We’re committed to creating protective, organic products to keep you and your skin happy and healthy.