Journal
Are reusable eye patches hygienic?
Yes, as long as you wash them after every use and let them dry before you put them away. Silicone has a smooth, non-porous surface, so warm water and a little mild soap remove product and skin oils. Problems come from skipping the wash, storing them damp or sharing them.
What builds up on a patch
After each wear, a patch carries a thin film of eye cream, a little natural skin oil and anything it picks up from the air. None of that soaks into silicone, which is why it washes off so easily. Left on, though, it turns the surface slightly sticky and collects dust.
The one-minute wash
- Rinse the patches under warm, not hot, water.
- Add a drop of mild, fragrance-free soap and rub both sides gently with your fingertips.
- Rinse until the surface feels smooth, not slippery.
- Shake off the water.
Drying matters as much as washing
Let the patches air-dry on a clean towel, or pat them with a lint-free cloth. Only put them back in the case once they are completely dry. A closed box with damp patches inside is the one habit worth avoiding.
What not to use
Skip alcohol, very hot water and oil-based cleansers. They don’t make the patches cleaner, and over time they wear the silicone and change how it sits on your skin. The dishwasher is a no too.
Storing them
Keep them flat in their case, away from dust and direct sunlight. Ours live in a slim mirror box, which goes into a velvet pouch for your bag. In a bathroom, a closed drawer is better than an open shelf.
Keep them to yourself
Like towels and pillowcases, patches are not for sharing. NHS advice on conjunctivitis, for example, is not to share towels or pillows, and the same thinking applies to anything that sits right under your eyes. If two of you love them, get two pairs.
When to skip a day
- If you have an eye infection such as conjunctivitis or a stye. Wait until it has fully cleared, then wash the patches again before you use them.
- If the skin under your eyes is broken, sore or irritated.
- If you have just had a treatment around the eyes and your practitioner has asked you to keep the area clear.
When it is time for a new pair
A well looked after pair lasts a long time. We used ours more than 100 times before we started selling them. Replace them if you see a tear or a ragged edge, if they have lost their shape, or if a sticky film stays on even after a wash.
The full routine, with a short video, is on our How to use page.