Best Sunscreen for Eyes

It’s been a wild ride…
Watery eyes.
Broken promises.
A world of pain I never imagined.

But finally, oh finally, I have found the one: a safe and effective irritant-free sunscreen that I’m committing to for the rest of my life.

Okay, so perhaps I’m being a little dramatic.

But if you’re looking for a sunscreen that won’t leave you with itchy stinging eyes, you’ve come to the right place. Conducting comprehensive research into what makes sunscreen effective across the sensitive eye area, SimplySunSafe recommends five of the best sunscreens for eyes.

And after trying all five, Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 is my personal recommendation.

Best Sunscreen for Eyes Comparison

Buyer’s Guide

To be sure that the skin surrounding your eyes is sufficiently protected, you should search for a few essential features in your sunscreen:

Broad spectrum protection

The harmful radiation that comes from sunlight is broken down into two types. UVA radiation modifies the DNA of deep skin cells, causing advanced aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin, and higher risk of skin cancer. UVB radiation causes sunburn, the visible skin damage we are all know and try to avoid.

The eyelids and other skin surrounding your eyes is extremely thin and therefore more susceptible to damage from both UVA and UVB rays. In fact, the eyelids are one of the most probable regions for nonmelanoma skin cancers.

While sunglasses may provide some coverage and protection against UVB rays, they are certainly not suitable, on their own, to provide protection to the skin around the eyes against both UVA and UVB radiation.

To ensure the highest level of protection and prevention of UV damage to the eye area, you need to wear a sunscreen that delivers holistic coverage. Broad spectrum sunscreens provide protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. Sunscreens that are not specified as broad spectrum provide defense against only UVB radiation, which is inadequate protection.

Broad spectrum sunscreens are the safest and only logical option!

Best SPF for Eyes

Despite being visually bombarded with sun protection factor (SPF) labels in the sunscreen aisle every summer, it seems that the general understanding of the meaning of SPF is more of a vague idea rather than specific knowledge. In order to make an informed decision about which sunscreen you should buy, it really helps to fully understand SPF. So, what is SPF and what do the different SPF levels mean?

SPF refers to the fraction of sunlight that is allowed to reach your skin while protected. So SPF 15 lets through 1/15 of the sunlight and SPF lets though 1/30th of the sunlight. This, theoretically, allows you to calculate the amount of time a sunscreen will protect you. So SPF 15 sunscreen should protect you for 15 times your normal resistance (how long it takes you to burn without sunscreen).

Did you get that? It’s a bit tricky, I know. Let me give you an example. If you burn without sunscreen in 20 minutes, then an SPF 30 sunscreen is formulated to protect you for 600 minutes.

But be careful not to let the SPF level lull you into a false sense of security. Even sunscreens with SPF 50 must be reapplied at least every two hours in order to ensure you are protected. Remember, if you are sweating or you get wet from swimming or other water activities, then you may need to reapply sunscreen before the two hour mark.

Sun-protective clothing and trying to find shady areas are not things to sacrifice just because you’re wearing sunscreen with a high SPF level. When it comes to exposure to the sun, you want to protect yourself as much as possible!

When relying on SPF as an indicator for sunscreen quality, there are a few issues that you must be aware of:

• SPF is only referring to UVB radiation and does not indicate protection against UVA radiation. You must make sure to find sunscreens with the right active ingredients to ensure sufficient protection against both types of radiation (more below).
• The time ‘protected’ from the sun calculated from the SPF rating is not reliable. The effectiveness of every sunscreen also depends on the thickness of the layer applied and the sunlight’s intensity at any given time. When considering these factors, you realize that you cannot accurately predict the amount of time for which the sunscreen will protect you.
• Although it may be a logical assumption, SPF 30 does not provide twice the amount of protection that is provided by SPF 15 (see the table below).

An easier way to understand SPF ratings is to see how much UVB radiation is obstructed. This way, you have a clearer idea of how protected you are:

SPF Rating	UVB Protection
None	0%
2	50%
15	93%
30	97%
50	98%
100	99%

When you look at this table, SPF rating becomes much easier to understand. It shows you that from SPF 30 and beyond you are very well-protected and additional SPF doesn’t offer that much more protection.

Since there is such small advantage to using SPFs beyond 30, the FDA caps SPF ratings at 50+ so that people are not misled to believe that a sunscreen with SPF 100 is far more effective than one with SPF 30. Percentage of UVB protection on sunscreen bottles would be a lot clearer, right?

Now that you understand the meaning of SPF, you can apply the knowledge to your search for the best sunscreen for eyes. Although the Skin Cancer Foundation, asserts that SPF 15+ is sufficient in sunscreen for eyes, most experts recommend sunscreens with at least an SPF 30 rating, for all skin areas. Why not search for a sunscreen for your eyes that gives you that little bit of extra UVB radiation protection? It certainly can’t hurt!

Physical not chemical

Did you know that different sunscreens work in different ways to protect you from UV radiation? Physical sunscreens work like mirrors by reflecting the light away from your skin before harmful radiation reaches its surface. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens work as sponges in the skin, allowing the light into the skin and absorbing the harmful radiation before it can harm you. But let’s be clear, these different defense mechanisms do not result in the same protection!

Research proves that physical sunscreens work better than chemical ones overall because they block more light from reaching the skin and supply protection against more of the UV spectrum. A physical sunscreen will block as much light as possible from the sensitive skin around your eyes.

Other important benefits of using physical sunscreens are that they have a longer shelf life, last longer after you apply them to your skin, and work immediately, meaning no 20-30 minute wait before heading out into the sun.

Another reason why physical sunscreens are the best option for the eye area is because they are less likely to cause irritation, which on such sensitive skin is very important!

Besides the obvious benefits of physical sunscreens, there are also some important reasons to avoid chemical sunscreens. A lot of the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens are things called endocrine disruptors. That sounds complicated, doesn’t it? When put simply, it means that these ingredients mess with your hormones when they are absorbed into your skin. You definitely don’t want that!

There is one specific chemical ingredient that you need to add to your blacklist right away, and it’s called oxybenzone. It is known that oxybenzone acts like estrogen in the human body, is associated with endometriosis in women, and alters sperm production in animals.

Despite these facts, it is one of the most common chemical ingredients in sunscreens produced by major manufacturers. EWG, an important human health authority, recommends that products containing oxybenzone be avoided at all costs.

When you are searching for a sunscreen, look for ones that are labeled ‘physical’ or ‘mineral.’ To be extra careful, or if you are having trouble finding specifically labeled sunscreens, check the ingredients for high levels of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. And remember, no oxybenzone!

Zinc oxide preferable to titanium dioxide

Zinc oxide has been proven, through research, to be a more effective active ingredient in physical sunscreens than titanium dioxide. Studies show that the reason for its higher level of effectiveness is that is provides broader protection against the UVA spectrum.

Physical sunscreens with zinc oxide have also proven to cause less breakouts than those with titanium dioxide or chemical sunscreens. This is important to take into consideration when searching for the best sunscreen for under eyes. The face is naturally prone to irritation and breakouts, and because the skin around your eyes is the most sensitive of all, it is important to use the gentlest possible products to protect this area.

Is an SPF-rated moisturizer enough?

When choosing products to be applied to the face, we often head straight for moisturizers, assuming these will cover our facial skincare needs. If your goal is to be protected against dangerous radiation from the sun, however, a moisturizer may not be sufficient.

Before deciding to rely on a moisturizer to protect you against the sun, make sure to check its active ingredients. Although the packaging may boast SPF protection, you need to search for zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide in high concentrations. If the combined concentration of these ingredients is under 10% then the product will not provide you with proper broad spectrum protection.

Water resistance

Depending on your daily activities and your natural skin type, you may find that the skin on your face becomes oily or sweaty throughout the day. If this is the case, then you may be interested in trying to find sunscreens for the eyes which also provide water-resistance, in order to avoid loss of protection and possible irritation of the eyes from the product.

You know how your skin changes and reacts throughout your days. When searching for a sunscreen for the eyes, especially if it is intended for everyday use, be sure to think about whether or not water-resistance is important for your eye area throughout your day.

The best sunscreen for sensitive eyes is one that will not run into the eyes. Some of the sunscreens for eyes that I have recommended below are water-resistant to cater to your needs and provide you with options.

Suitable for the face and daily use

Sunscreens that are meant for the eye area must be designed to protect the sensitive skin without damaging or irritating it. As the skin around the eyes is more susceptible to UV damage, you will want to protect it from the sun every day. In order to do that, you need a sunscreen that will be gentle on the sensitive area skin, even when applied daily.

The products I have recommended address the need for sun protection while still being gentle. They have been carefully considered based on their ingredients and should not cause irritation when used daily, even on people with the most sensitive skin. They are also suitable for use as a sunscreen for under makeup.

5 Best Sunscreens for Eyes

After in-depth research which included discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe has chosen the 5 best sunscreens for eyes. Each of these sunscreens provides broad spectrum, physical protection of SPF 15 or greater. They all 5 are suitable for daily use.

1. Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1

Last update on 2023-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

SimplySunSafe’s top pick for the best sunscreen for the eyes is none other than Colorescience’s Total Eye 3-in-1 Anti-Aging Renewal Therapy. This eye sunscreen provides excellent sun and environmental protection with the help of its primary ingredient Zinc Oxide. It effectively defends the skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays with its total protection SPF 35.

The Total Eye 3-in-1 offers three (3) essential benefits that promote healthier and youthful-looking skin. It corrects the imperfections surrounding the eye area by reducing dark circles and therefore promotes a brighter and refreshing appearance. Next, it protects the eye area from harmful UVA and UVB rays which may cause skin aging. Lastly, it addresses the sagging skin below the eyes by providing optimum skin hydration.

Aside from its exceptional benefits, the Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Anti-Aging Renewal Therapy is also very easy to use. To maximize its effects, just dispense half a pump to the applicator tip and gently dot around the eyes. After that, smooth the product around the eyes using circular motions. Make sure that all the areas are covered from the brow bone to the undereye, -including eyelids. It may also be worn overnight for best results. Incorporate this eye sunscreen into your skincare regime at least twice a day.

It can easily blend with makeup now that it’s available in four (4) different shades which are namely: Fair, Medium (Original), Tan, and Deep.

2. Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Eye Cream

No products found.

For the second pick for the best eye sunscreens, it is no other than Murad’s Environmental Shield Essential-C Eye Cream! This sunscreen is capable of protecting the eye area from skin-aging effects brought upon by the UVA and UVB rays of the sun with the help of Shorea Stenoptera Butter and Avocado Oil. On top of that, it also rejuvenates the eye area to promote a fresher and younger look all the time.

The Environmental Shield Essential-C Eye Cream is carefully formulated with caffeine and Tiger’s Herb to help reduce puffiness around the eye area and increase its elasticity. It also contains light diffusers which are capable of softening the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and dark circles.

To maximize the protection offered by Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Eye Cream, it is recommended that you incorporate it into your skincare regime at least once a day. Just gently put a small amount onto the brow bone and around the eye area.

3. PCA SKIN Sheer Tint Eye

Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Next in line for SimplySunSafe’s best eye sunscreens is an excellent creation from PCA, the Skin Sheer Tint Eye Triple Complex. This eye sunscreen is specially formulated to provide optimum sun protection to the thin and sensitive skin located around the eyes. With the help of Zinc Oxide and broad-spectrum SPF 30, the skin is protected from the harmful and skin-aging effects of UVA and UVB rays. The formula lightens the appearance of dark spots, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

Moreover, the PCA Skin Sheer Tint Eye Triple Complex also boosts the vitamin delivery to the source of any suspected problem. This allows the skin to have a fresher and brighter look every time.

To achieve the best results, it is recommended that you incorporate the PCA Skin Sher Tint Eye Triple Complex into your skincare routine right after toning. To start, just apply a small amount to the skin under the eye every morning using a gentle, patting motion. Keep in mind to let the formula be absorbed by the skin for at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.

You can also apply this under the makeup as a primer or use it alone to brighten the dark spots on the skin under the eye. It can easily blend with all types of complexion because of its universal tint.

4. COOLA Organic Day and Night Eye Cream

Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The fourth pick of SimplySunSafe for best eye sunscreens is the popular product from COOLA, the Organic Day and Night Cream Sunscreen. This eye sunscreen is very popular because of its around-the-clock protection from environmental stressors and harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun.

The AM/PM sunscreen also restores the overstressed skin to its brighter, firmer, and more rested state. It also helps fight signs of aging such as wrinkles, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. Moreover, one of the many things SimplySunSafe liked about the COOLA Organic Day and Night Cream Sunscreen is its 70% organic content. This allows the formula to be light and gentle enough even for the most sensitive skin type.

The Organic Day and Night Cream Sunscreen are also enriched with antioxidants and vitamin c-infused to help nourish and hydrate the skin for a fresher and youthful look.

It is recommended that you incorporate this AM/PM sunscreen into your skincare regime twice a day. In the morning, apply a generous amount of COOLA SPF 30 Day Cream around the eye area before applying makeup, reapply every two (2) hours for best results. At night, apply the Purple Night Cream around the eye area after thoroughly cleansing the skin.

5. DERMAdoctor DD Eye

Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last, but not least for SimplySunSafe’s best eye sunscreens is none other than the DERMAdoctor DD Eye Dermatologically Defining Eye Radiance Cream! This keeps the area around the eye radiant with the help of its antioxidant ingredients. Moreover, the formula also strikes a nice balance of moisturization to help make the skin look bright and fresh every time.

The Eye Radiance Cream also provides excellent sun and environmental protection with the help of its broad-spectrum SPF 30. This prevents the outbreak of various signs of aging such as wrinkles, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. It is also enriched with Aloe Vera which gives the skin a soothing and rejuvenating feeling.

The active ingredients of Eye Radiance Cream are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide which make up 7% and 3% of the formula respectively. Zinc Oxide is responsible for keeping the skin safe from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. While Titanium Dioxide on the other hand, also helps protect the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays by blocking skin absorption.

To maximize the radiant effects offered by DERMAdoctor DD Eye Dermatologically Defining Eye Radiance Cream, it is recommended that you incorporate this eye sunscreen into your skincare routine at least twice a day. Apply a generous amount liberally on the areas around the eyes at least fifteen (15) minutes before sun exposure.

Conclusion

This guide was written for all who are searching for the best sunscreen for eyes. Hopefully, by reading this guide you’ve learned what to look for and have found a sunscreen that will fit your needs!

SimplySunSafe recommends Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 , however, all 5 of our listed sunscreens will provide sufficient protection for the skin around your eyes. It is always a good idea to test a few products in order to find the one that works the best for your specific skin. Once you test a few, you’ll be able to choose one to keep as your day-to-day sunscreen and feel confident about the protection of your eye area.

I always love to hear tips and learn new things from others. So if you use or know of any other sunscreens that are great for the sensitive skin around our eyes, please let me know in the comments so I can check it out and maybe add it to this list!

FAQs

Q: Is it okay to apply sunscreen around your eye area?

A: It’s 100% okay to apply sunscreen around the eye area. But it’s essential to be aware of the fact that not all sunscreens are safe for use around your eyes. Try sunscreens with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide as key ingredients since they’re designed specifically for use around these areas and don’t sting if you happen to sweat a lot during activity!

It’s not a big deal if you get sunscreen in your eye, but be sure to wash it out as soon as possible!

Q: How do you protect your eyelids from the sun?

A: Sun tanning is dangerous on the eyelids because it can cause sunburn. Sunburn on the eyelids can lead to impaired vision and as well as problems re caring for closed eyes like hematoma and infection.

Apart from wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, make sure you wear a hat or use a scarf to shade your eyes. Moreover, invest in a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyelids from UV damage. Pick shades that can block 99% to 100% UVA and UVB light. 

Q: How do you apply sunscreen to your eyelids without tearing up?

A: Sunscreens contain chemicals that may irritate and sting your eyes if they come in direct contact. As a result, this may make your eyes teary and red. To avoid this, go slow and focus on a slow application around the eyelids. Choose mineral-based sunscreens as they are sticky; hence, do not run into eyes during the application. Besides, you may choose a stick sunscreen for a precise application. 

Also, avoid using spray-on sunscreen as it may get into your eyes and cause them to tear up. In case you get sunscreen in your eyes, make sure to flush it with water and use eye drops for a soothing effect.

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