Crying When Cutting An Onion? 5 Proven Hacks to Beat Onion Tears

Understand the chemistry & fix it fast.

Why onions make us cry

When an onion’s cells are damaged, enzymes react with sulfur compounds to form a gas that irritates eyes. Your eyes respond with reflex tears to flush the irritant.

Five ways to cut onions without tears

  1. Use a sharp knife. Cleaner cuts = fewer burst cells and less irritant released.
  2. Cut under a light stream of water. Let water capture and carry away the gas.
  3. Skip the gum “hack.” It’s not as effective as methods that block or disperse the gas.
  4. Seal off your eyes. Goggles stop the gas reaching the eye’s surface.
  5. Chill the onion. Cooling slows the enzyme reactions so far less irritant forms.

Quick tip: Refrigerate onions 10–15 minutes before cutting to dramatically reduce tears.