Is baking soda good for skin?

Why baking soda harms skin

Despite popular DIY content suggesting baking soda benefits skin, the actual effects are typically negative. Understanding why helps avoid common mistakes.

pH mismatch causes problems

Healthy skin has slightly acidic pH around 4.5 to 5.5 maintained by the acid mantle protecting against pathogens and supporting barrier function. Baking soda has alkaline pH around 9 dramatically disrupting skin's natural pH. The mismatch damages skin function. Adults using baking soda on skin push pH wrong direction.

Barrier function suffers

Skin barrier depends on specific lipid arrangements maintained by appropriate pH. The alkaline environment from baking soda dissolves and disrupts these lipids damaging barrier function. Adults using baking soda regularly experience increased water loss, sensitivity and irritation through barrier damage.

Irritation is common

Adults using baking soda on skin commonly experience redness, dryness, stinging and irritation. The effects develop quickly and persist while baking soda use continues. The irritation is one of the clearest signs that baking soda is wrong for skin. Adults experiencing these signs should stop.

Popular DIY uses lack evidence

Baking soda is often promoted for exfoliation, acne treatment, deodorising and whitening teeth. The evidence for these uses is generally poor. Better alternatives exist for all these applications. Adults following DIY beauty advice using baking soda often experience disappointing or harmful results.

Avoid for skin uses entirely

Despite popular content, baking soda is appropriate for cooking and cleaning but not for skin care. Adults should not use baking soda on skin for any application. The risk of damage outweighs any potential benefits. Use products designed for skin instead.

Practical skin care

Adults wanting the benefits sometimes attributed to baking soda should use appropriate alternatives that actually work for skin.

For exfoliation use proper exfoliants

Chemical exfoliants (AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid, BHAs like salicylic acid) at appropriate concentrations work effectively without barrier damage. Physical exfoliants designed for skin (gentle scrubs, exfoliating cloths) also work. Avoid baking soda for exfoliation entirely.

For acne use evidence-based treatments

Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide and possibly retinoids have substantial evidence for acne treatment. Adults with significant acne should consider these or consult GP for prescription options. Baking soda is not effective acne treatment despite DIY claims.

For deodorant use proper deodorants

Modern deodorants and antiperspirants effectively manage body odour without skin damage. Adults wanting natural alternatives can use proper natural deodorants formulated for skin. Avoid applying baking soda directly to underarms which often produces irritation in sensitive skin areas.

For teeth use proper toothpaste

Modern toothpastes effectively clean teeth and may include whitening ingredients. Baking soda toothpastes specifically formulated work better than DIY baking soda use. Adults wanting whiter teeth can use proper whitening products or dentist treatments.

Restore skin if you have been using baking soda

Adults having damaged skin through baking soda use should stop, use gentle pH-appropriate cleansers and apply quality moisturisers consistently. Skin barrier recovery takes weeks to months. The recovery is possible with appropriate skin care.

For adults wanting to support skin health from within through proper nutrition rather than damaging DIY approaches, our Hair, Skin and Nails Gummies deliver targeted nutrients supporting skin health.

When to see your GP about skin concerns

Baking soda is wrong for skin use. See your GP if any of the following apply.

• Significant skin irritation from baking soda use. Stop and assess.
• Persistent damage from DIY skin care. May need dermatologist input.
• Compromised skin barrier with recurring issues. Proper recovery plan.
• Persistent acne not responding to baking soda alternatives. Medical management.
• Skin sensitivity increased from baking soda use. Recovery may take months.

Baking soda is generally bad for skin through pH mismatch and barrier damage. The popular DIY beauty advice promoting baking soda is poorly supported by evidence. Better alternatives exist for all common DIY applications including exfoliation, acne, deodorant and whitening. Adults having used baking soda extensively may need weeks to months of proper skin care for barrier recovery. Avoid baking soda for skin use entirely. Use products designed for skin pH and function instead.

More on skin care approaches

Baking soda connects to related topics. is glycolic acid good for skin covers better exfoliants. is benzyl alcohol bad for skin covers other ingredients. And what foods are good for your skin covers nutrition.