Discover the Amazing Skin Benefits of Baking Soda for a Radiant Glow

Baking soda can exfoliate and dry spots, but it can disrupt skin’s natural pH and irritate, so use caution.

Claims

Exfoliate, treat acne, whiten.

Evidence

Baking soda is alkaline (pH 8.3). Skin is slightly acidic (pH 4.7 to 5.7). It can strip oils and damage the barrier.

Risks

Dryness, irritation, redness.

Dermatologists say

Avoid using it on the face.

Better options

Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or gentle exfoliants.

Caution

Patch test and limit use.

What evidence supports

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, an alkaline compound with pH about 8.3 in solution. Normal skin pH is about 4.7 to 5.75, an acidic mantle that protects against microbes. Applying baking soda disrupts that barrier, and dermatologists generally advise against using it on the face.

• A study in Dermatology and Therapy discussed that high pH products can increase dryness and irritation.
• Baking soda baths are used for itching relief from poison ivy or insect bites, with a cup of baking soda in a bath, according to some dermatology guidance.
• Evidence for treating acne or scars with baking soda is lacking.

Risks and better options

Using it as a scrub can cause irritation, redness and dryness, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Proven acne ingredients include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene and azelaic acid. For exfoliation, mild chemical exfoliants like lactic acid work better. If used for a short skin soak, limit to occasional use on body skin and rinse well. Stop if there is burning or rash.

What evidence supports

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is alkaline, with a pH around 8.3, while healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH of about 4.7 to 5.7. Some small studies and case reports suggest baking soda baths or pastes may relieve itching from insect bites, poison ivy and mild eczema, and a soak can soothe sunburn discomfort. A 2014 study showed bicarbonate baths helped psoriasis in a small group. There is no strong evidence that it treats acne or whitens skin.

Risks and better options

Using baking soda on the face can disrupt the skin’s acid mantle, causing dryness, irritation and a worse barrier. The American Academy of Dermatology advises against using it on the face as a scrub. Better options for acne include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene and gentle cleansers. If you try it for a rash, patch test first and rinse well. Do not use on broken skin.

Safe uses and recipes

Dermatologists accept baking soda for specific, limited uses: a lukewarm bath with half a cup for itch from chickenpox or hives, or a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water on insect stings for a few minutes. Its pH of about 8.3 differs from skin pH of about 5, and the skin takes up to several hours to restore its acid mantle after alkaline products.

Cases where it backfires

Rubbing baking soda on the face as an exfoliant creates microtears, dryness and redness and can worsen acne and rosacea. It is not an effective deodorant for everyone, with armpit rashes reported. For dark spots, vitamin C, azelaic acid and sunscreen are better supported. Always rinse and moisturize after any alkaline product, and stop if burning occurs.

Based on data from the American Academy of Dermatology and the Mayo Clinic