The Benefits and Risks of Using Baking Soda on Your Face
Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MDMedically reviewed by Susan Bard, MDBaking soda is used by some people as a facial treatment, including as a facial scrub or rinse. Baking soda is mildly alkaline and slightly abrasive. While it may have some beneficial uses, it has drawbacks and risks.
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Benefits of Using Baking Soda in Your Skin Care RoutineBaking soda is slightly abrasive and can be used as a scrub for your face or body to exfoliate dead skin cells and remove excess oil and surface debris from skin. It also has antibacterial properties, which may be beneficial.To use baking soda as a cleanser or face mask, mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of warm water until a paste forms. Gently scrub your face and rinse, or leave the paste on for five to 10 minutes as a mask.You can experiment with baking soda by adding other ingredients to the paste, such as raw sugar, lemon, coconut oil, avocado oil, or honey.While you may see claims that baking soda lightens skin or helps shrink pimples, no scientific studies can be found that support these uses. Studies indicate it does not improve lesions caused by psoriasis (an autoimmune skin condition).
What Is Baking Soda?"Baking soda" is the household name for sodium bicarbonate (molecular chemical formula: NaHCO3). Sodium bicarbonate is a crystalline salt found in nature. It's sourced from nahcolite deposits that form in evaporated lake beds and other natural formations.Nahcolite deposits are found in several Western states and in parts of Mexico, Kenya, and other countries.
What Is Baking Soda's pH Level?The pH of a substance is measured on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Substances with a pH under 7 are acidic. Substances with a pH value over 7 are basic (alkaline). Baking soda is slightly alkaline, with a pH that ranges from 8 to 9.Healthy skin, including the skin on your face, has a slightly acidic pH that ranges from 4 to 6.5. Skin's natural acidity helps reduce bacterial growth and buildup on its surface. Alkaline substances may reduce skin's acidity, leaving it vulnerable to bacterial overgrowth.Baking soda's alkaline nature makes it beneficial for household cleaning, eliminating mildew, and absorbing bad odors. As its name implies, it is also used in baking.Other uses for baking soda include reducing stomach acid and whitening teeth. Research indicates that it may be beneficial for the commercial removal of pesticides from the surface of fruits, like apples.Disadvantages and RisksSince baking soda is alkaline, it may dry out facial skin. If you use baking soda on your face, make sure to follow your cleansing routine with a noncomedogenic moisturizer (one that will not clog pores). Depending on your skin type, you should only use baking soda once or twice weekly to avoid drying it out.The alkaline pH of baking soda may also make it easier for bacteria associated with acne to grow on the skin.Personal experiences (such as in social media posts and videos) about baking soda's safety and effectiveness for facial skin are mixed. You may see posts swearing by baking soda's ability to calm down acne breakouts and shrink pimples. Other posts may say the person found that baking soda irritates their skin, making acne worse.If you are willing to take the risk, you can experiment on your own to see if baking soda is helpful. You can also ask a healthcare provider or a specialist, like a dermatologist if baking soda is a good choice.Alternatives to Baking Soda for Your FaceIf you have acne breakouts on your face, you may find relief by cleansing with a slightly acidic, rather than alkaline cleanser. Look for cleansers that are marked as gentle, or made for sensitive or acne-prone skin. You can also look for cleansers that contain benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria on skin.The American Academy of Dermatology recommends topical treatments and medications for acne, such as:Adapalene (nonprescription retinoid)Benzoyl peroxidePrescription antibioticsSalicylic acidTretinoin (prescription retinoid)SummaryBaking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a natural substance sometimes used to cleanse the face. It may have benefits as an exfoliant or cleanser, but its alkaline pH level may make it too drying or irritating for the skin. If you wish to try baking soda as a cleanser or facial mask, experimenting with additional ingredients, like coconut oil, may reduce these effects.Evidence about baking soda's benefits for conditions like psoriasis is lacking. There is also limited to no scientific evidence indicating it reduces acne breakouts or lightens dark spots. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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