Headlines promoting baking soda for dark spots, wrinkles, and dark circles are misleading. While baking soda is useful for cleaning around the house, it is not recommended as a regular skincare treatment.
Why baking soda isn’t ideal for skin
- It has a high pH, which can disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier.
- It may cause dryness, irritation, redness, and peeling.
- Frequent use can worsen sensitive skin or conditions like Eczema.
Claims that aren’t supported by good evidence
There is no strong scientific evidence that baking soda:
- Removes dark spots.
- Reduces wrinkles.
- Gets rid of dark circles under the eyes.
Better-supported alternatives
- For dark spots: Daily sunscreen, and ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, or retinoids may help over time.
- For wrinkles: Sun protection, retinoids, and regular moisturizing have better evidence.
- For dark circles: The best treatment depends on the cause. Lack of sleep, allergies, genetics, and aging can all contribute. Cold compresses, treating allergies, and getting enough sleep may help some people.
If you choose to try baking soda
It’s best to avoid using it on your face, especially around the eyes. If you do use it on your skin for any reason, test a small area first and stop immediately if you notice irritation.
In short, baking soda is not a proven or recommended facial skincare treatment for dark spots, wrinkles, or dark circles. Products specifically formulated for skin are generally safer and more effective.
