Baking soda is a common household ingredient found in nearly every kitchen, but it’s also a popular DIY skincare remedy. Many people claim it can brighten the complexion, reduce acne, exfoliate dead skin, and even fade dark spots. While there is some scientific reasoning behind a few of these claims, baking soda is not suitable for everyone and may do more harm than good if used incorrectly.
Before adding baking soda to your skincare routine, it’s important to understand both its potential benefits and its risks.
What Is Baking Soda?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a mildly alkaline compound commonly used in baking, cleaning, and certain medical applications. Its fine texture gives it gentle abrasive properties, making it attractive for DIY exfoliation.
However, healthy skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH (around 4.5–5.5), which helps protect against harmful bacteria and supports the skin barrier. Because baking soda has a much higher pH (around 8.3), frequent use can disrupt this protective balance.
Potential Benefits of Baking Soda for the Face
Gentle Physical Exfoliation
When used sparingly, baking soda can help remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, leaving it feeling smoother and looking brighter.
Possible benefits include:
- Smoother skin texture
- Temporary improvement in skin radiance
- Better removal of surface impurities
May Help Remove Excess Oil
People with very oily skin may notice that baking soda temporarily absorbs excess oil, leaving the skin feeling less greasy.
However, overuse may trigger the skin to produce even more oil as it tries to restore its natural balance.
Helps Clean Makeup Brushes
Although not a facial treatment, baking soda is effective for cleaning makeup brushes and beauty tools when combined with gentle soap and warm water.
Keeping brushes clean can help reduce the buildup of bacteria that may contribute to acne.
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Risks You Should Know
Can Damage the Skin Barrier
Because baking soda is highly alkaline, frequent use may weaken the skin’s protective barrier, resulting in:
- Dryness
- Tightness
- Peeling
- Increased sensitivity
