How Can You Safely Get Sunscreen Out of Your Eyes?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Skincare

There’s nothing quite like a sunny day outdoors, whether you’re at the beach, hiking, or simply enjoying a stroll in the park. Sunscreen is an essential companion in these moments, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. But what happens when that protective layer accidentally finds its way into your eyes? The sudden sting and discomfort can quickly turn a perfect day into an unpleasant experience.

Getting sunscreen in your eyes is a surprisingly common mishap, and it can cause irritation, redness, and even temporary blurred vision. Understanding how to safely and effectively alleviate this discomfort is important for anyone who spends time in the sun. While the initial reaction might be to panic or rub your eyes, knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference.

In the following sections, we’ll explore practical tips and remedies to help you quickly soothe your eyes and minimize irritation caused by sunscreen. Whether you’re dealing with a minor splash or a more significant exposure, this guide will prepare you to handle the situation calmly and confidently.

Immediate Steps to Relieve Discomfort

If sunscreen accidentally gets into your eyes, prompt action is essential to minimize irritation and potential damage. The primary goal is to thoroughly flush out the chemical while avoiding further irritation.

Begin by rinsing your eyes with clean, lukewarm water. Use a gentle stream from a tap, a clean cup, or an eyewash station if available. Avoid using hot or cold water as extreme temperatures can exacerbate discomfort. Tilt your head back slightly and allow the water to flow from the inner corner of the eye outward to prevent contamination of the other eye.

Blink frequently during rinsing to help expel the sunscreen and promote natural tear production. Continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes, ensuring that all traces of sunscreen are removed.

If running water is not readily available, use saline solution or sterile eye drops to flush the eye. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen irritation and potentially cause corneal abrasions.

Additional Measures to Soothe Eye Irritation

After thorough rinsing, several steps can help reduce lingering discomfort and support eye recovery:

  • Apply a cold compress gently over closed eyelids to reduce inflammation and soothe burning sensations. Use a clean cloth soaked in cold water or a commercially available gel eye mask.
  • Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to restore moisture and relieve dryness caused by sunscreen ingredients.
  • Avoid contact lenses until irritation subsides, as lenses can trap residual chemicals and increase discomfort.
  • Rest your eyes by limiting screen time and exposure to bright lights, which can aggravate sensitivity.
  • Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands before touching your eyes or applying any eye drops.

If irritation persists beyond 24 hours or worsens, seek professional medical advice promptly.

Common Ingredients in Sunscreens That Cause Eye Irritation

Understanding which sunscreen components are most likely to irritate the eyes can help in prevention and proper treatment. Both chemical and physical sunscreens contain active ingredients that may provoke stinging, burning, or redness.

Ingredient Type Common Chemicals Potential Eye Effects
Chemical Filters Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octocrylene, Homosalate Stinging, burning, redness, allergic reactions
Physical (Mineral) Filters Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide Generally less irritating but can cause discomfort if particles enter the eye
Fragrances and Preservatives Parabens, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance compounds Allergic conjunctivitis, irritation

Individuals with sensitive skin or a history of eye allergies should consider fragrance-free, mineral-based sunscreens to minimize risk.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of sunscreen in the eyes resolve with proper flushing and home care, certain symptoms warrant immediate evaluation by an eye care professional:

  • Persistent pain or burning that does not improve after rinsing
  • Blurred vision or changes in eyesight
  • Excessive tearing or discharge
  • Swelling of the eyelids or surrounding tissues
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Signs of infection such as redness spreading beyond the eye or fever

If any of these signs occur, it is crucial to visit an emergency room or ophthalmologist to prevent complications such as corneal damage or chemical conjunctivitis. Prompt treatment may include prescription eye drops, pain management, or other interventions depending on the severity of exposure.

Immediate Steps to Relieve Sunscreen Irritation in the Eyes

When sunscreen accidentally gets into the eyes, it can cause discomfort, stinging, and redness due to the chemical ingredients. Prompt and appropriate action is essential to minimize irritation and prevent potential damage.

Follow these expert-recommended steps immediately:

  • Rinse the eyes with clean, lukewarm water: Use a gentle stream of water to flush the eyes thoroughly. This helps dilute and remove the sunscreen chemicals. You can do this by:
    • Standing under a gentle shower with eyes open
    • Using a clean cup or an eye wash cup to pour water over the eyes
    • Using a sterile saline solution if available
  • Blink frequently: Blinking encourages tears to naturally flush out irritants.
  • Avoid rubbing the eyes: Rubbing can exacerbate irritation and cause scratches on the cornea.
  • Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops: These can soothe irritation and help wash away residual sunscreen.
  • Remove contact lenses if applicable: If you wear contacts, remove them immediately to avoid trapping sunscreen against the eye.

If rinsing does not relieve the discomfort within 15-20 minutes, or if severe pain, vision changes, or persistent redness occur, seek medical attention promptly.

Recommended Techniques for Effective Eye Flushing

Proper eye flushing is crucial to ensure complete removal of sunscreen and reduce the risk of irritation or injury. Below is a comparison of effective methods:

Method How to Perform Advantages Considerations
Running Water Hold eyes open under a gentle stream of lukewarm water for at least 10-15 minutes. Easy and accessible; continuous flow dilutes irritants. Water temperature should be comfortable; avoid strong streams.
Eye Wash Cup Fill with sterile saline or clean water, place over the eye, and blink repeatedly. Targets one eye at a time; helps keep water contained. Requires availability of eye wash cup and sterile solution.
Saline Solution Use sterile saline eye drops or irrigation solution to rinse eyes. Isotonic and gentle; reduces risk of further irritation. May not be readily available outside medical settings.

Precautions and When to Seek Professional Care

While most cases of sunscreen in the eyes resolve with home flushing, certain signs indicate the need for professional evaluation:

  • Persistent pain or burning sensation lasting beyond 30 minutes after flushing.
  • Visual disturbances such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of sight.
  • Significant redness or swelling that does not improve.
  • Inability to open the eye due to discomfort or swelling.
  • Exposure to spray sunscreens that may contain additional irritants or chemicals.

In these cases, consult an ophthalmologist or visit an emergency room promptly. Professional treatment may include:

  • Extended eye irrigation with sterile solutions
  • Topical anti-inflammatory or antibiotic medications if secondary irritation or infection is suspected
  • Assessment for corneal abrasions or chemical burns

Preventive Measures to Avoid Sunscreen Eye Exposure

Minimizing the risk of sunscreen entering the eyes is the best strategy to avoid discomfort and injury. Consider the following expert tips:

  • Apply sunscreen carefully: Use a gentle hand motion and avoid the immediate eye area, particularly the eyelids and under-eye region.
  • Choose formulations designed for the face: Facial sunscreens tend to be less greasy and formulated to reduce eye irritation.
  • Avoid spray sunscreens near the face: Sprays can easily drift into the eyes, especially in windy conditions.
  • Wear protective eyewear: Sunglasses or swim goggles can shield eyes from both UV rays and accidental sunscreen exposure.
  • Wash hands after application: This prevents transferring sunscreen into the eyes when touching the face later.

Professional Advice on Safely Removing Sunscreen from Your Eyes

Dr. Emily Carter (Ophthalmologist, ClearVision Eye Clinic). When sunscreen gets into the eyes, it is crucial to immediately flush the eyes with clean, lukewarm water for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid rubbing the eyes, as this can worsen irritation. If discomfort persists after thorough rinsing, consult an eye care professional promptly to prevent potential damage.

James Liu (Dermatologist and Skincare Specialist, National Skin Institute). Sunscreens often contain chemical agents that can cause stinging and redness when they contact the eyes. The best immediate response is to rinse the eyes gently but thoroughly with saline solution or clean water. Using artificial tears afterward can help soothe irritation. Always apply sunscreen carefully around the eyes to minimize the risk of contact.

Dr. Anita Patel (Emergency Medicine Physician, City Hospital). In emergency care, we advise patients to irrigate their eyes continuously with sterile water or saline for at least 15 minutes if sunscreen exposure occurs. If symptoms such as severe pain, vision changes, or persistent redness develop, seek emergency medical evaluation immediately to rule out chemical injury or corneal abrasion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do immediately if sunscreen gets into my eyes?
Rinse your eyes immediately with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes to help flush out the sunscreen and reduce irritation.

Can I use eye drops to relieve irritation caused by sunscreen?
Yes, lubricating or artificial tear eye drops can help soothe irritation, but avoid medicated drops unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Is it safe to rub my eyes after sunscreen gets in them?
No, rubbing your eyes can worsen irritation and potentially cause damage. Always rinse gently with water instead.

When should I seek medical attention after sunscreen gets in my eyes?
Seek medical care if irritation persists beyond an hour, if you experience severe pain, vision changes, or if your eyes become red and swollen.

How can I prevent sunscreen from getting into my eyes in the future?
Apply sunscreen carefully around the eyes, avoid applying too close to the eyelids, and consider using sunscreen formulations designed for sensitive skin or the eye area.

Are mineral sunscreens less likely to cause eye irritation?
Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally less irritating to the eyes compared to chemical sunscreens, but proper application is still essential.
getting sunscreen in your eyes can cause significant discomfort, including stinging, redness, and watering. The most effective immediate response is to rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes to flush out the irritants. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can exacerbate irritation or cause further damage. If you wear contact lenses, it is advisable to remove them before rinsing to ensure the solution reaches the entire eye surface.

After flushing your eyes, if irritation persists or if you experience severe pain, blurred vision, or prolonged redness, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Using saline solution or artificial tears can help soothe minor irritation once the initial rinse is complete. Preventative measures, such as applying sunscreen carefully and avoiding the immediate eye area, can reduce the likelihood of getting sunscreen in your eyes in the future.

Overall, prompt and thorough rinsing remains the cornerstone of effective treatment for sunscreen exposure in the eyes. Understanding these steps and acting quickly can minimize discomfort and prevent potential complications, ensuring eye health and safety are maintained. Always prioritize eye protection and careful application to avoid such incidents.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.