Baking Soda for Your Face: What It Can Really Do (and What It Can’t)

Why People Use Baking Soda in Skincare

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) has a fine texture that can provide mild physical exfoliation.

When used occasionally, it may help:

• Remove dead skin cells
• Improve the feel of rough skin
• Leave the skin temporarily smoother
• Refresh dull-looking skin

These effects come from exfoliation—not from changing the skin’s structure.

Healthy skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH, usually between 4.5 and 5.5.

Baking soda is much more alkaline, with a pH around 8 to 9.

Using it too often may:

• Dry the skin
• Disrupt the protective skin barrier
• Increase irritation
• Make sensitive skin more reactive

Because of this, dermatologists generally recommend using great caution with homemade baking soda treatments.

A Gentle DIY Baking Soda Mask

If you choose to try baking soda, keep the mixture very mild.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons pure aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon fragrance-free moisturizer

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients until smooth.
2. Apply a thin layer to clean skin.
3. Avoid the eyes and lips.
4. Leave on for no more than 1 minute.
5. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
6. Apply a gentle moisturizer afterward.

Use this only occasionally—about once every one to two weeks if your skin tolerates it.

Before You Apply It

Always perform a patch test first.

Apply a small amount behind your ear or on your inner arm.

Wait 24 hours.