4 Things to Know About Mineral Sunscreen and Eye Stinging

Mineral sunscreens won’t sting your eyes Physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on top of your skin and don’t chemically react with sweat, so they are much less likely to migrate into your eyes.

Chemical sunscreens are the usual culprits Ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate dissolve into sweat and can cause that burning sensation when they get into your eyes.

Look for “mineral” or “physical” on the label A mineral stick or balm applied around the eye area is even better. Brands like Supergoop! (mineral line), Blue Lizard, or drugstore zinc-only formulas work well.

Keep a separate small stick for touch-ups Carry a dedicated mineral sunscreen stick in your bag so you can reapply around your eyes without risking irritation.