Why does soap make your eyes burn?

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Why does using it on skin and hair feel great but in your eyes burn like hell?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

Your eyes are somewhat acidic, with an average PH of 4.5-5.5. Soap is quite basic, with an average PH between 9 and 10.

When an acid and a base mix together, you get a neutralization reaction: You create water, a salt of some kind, and heat. This is why your eyes feel like they’re burning – because they literally are. Additionally, the salt can cause irritation in your eyes. Add on to that the fact that your eyes are very sensitive to pain, and you have a mild burning sensation that feels like your eyes are melting.

This is also why opening your eyes in saltwater can be painful, because saltwater is slightly basic (about 8.3-8.5, depending on the local conditions).