Lotion burns the face when the skin barrier is damaged, or from an allergy or irritating ingredient. Stop using it and switch to a gentle, fragrance-free product.
Common causes
- Damaged skin barrier (dry skin, eczema).
- Allergic reaction.
- Irritating ingredients: fragrance, alcohol, retinol, acids.
- Sunburn.
- Rosacea.
What to do
Stop use. Rinse. Use a fragrance-free moisturizer.
Patch test
Test on your inner arm before use.
See a dermatologist
If burning persists, or you have swelling or rash.
Emergency
Facial swelling with breathing trouble. Call 911.
Why lotion burns
Burning after applying lotion can result from irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, a damaged skin barrier, sunburn, rosacea or eczema flares, and active ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, retinol, alcohol and fragrance. Fragrance is among the most common allergens in skincare, affecting an estimated 1 to 4 percent of the general population.
- Skin with a compromised barrier absorbs ingredients more easily and stings.
- Preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Urea and lactic acid moisturizers sting on cracked skin.
What to do
Wash off the product with cool water and stop using it. Apply a plain petrolatum-based ointment. Patch test new products on the inner forearm for 24 to 48 hours. Choose fragrance-free products labeled for sensitive skin. See a dermatologist for persistent burning, rash or swelling, and go to emergency care for facial swelling, hives or trouble breathing after use.
Why lotion burns
Burning from lotion may mean a damaged skin barrier, allergy to ingredients such as fragrance, alcohol or acids, or conditions like rosacea or eczema. Sunburn also stings.
What to do
Stop using the product, rinse with cool water and use fragrance free moisturizers. Patch test new products. See a dermatologist if burning persists.
Skin barrier damage and ingredients
Burning on application suggests a compromised barrier, for example from over exfoliating, retinoids, sunburn, eczema or rosacea. Fragrance and preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone are common allergens. Lotions with urea, lactic acid or glycolic acid sting on irritated skin. Alcohol denat can sting too.
What to do
Stop all actives, use a bland moisturizer with ceramides or petrolatum, and patch test new items on the inner forearm for 48 hours. Rinse off irritants. See a dermatologist for persistent redness, swelling or blisters, which suggests contact allergy, and for possible patch testing. Sunscreen is essential during healing.
Based on data from the American Academy of Dermatology and the National Eczema Association
