Headlines like “Baking Soda on the Face: Benefits, Risks, and How to Use It Safely” can be misleading because they may imply baking soda is a good skincare ingredient. In reality, most dermatologists do not recommend using baking soda on your face regularly.
Potential risks
- Disrupts the skin barrier: Baking soda is alkaline, while healthy skin is naturally slightly acidic. Using it can upset this balance.
- Dryness and irritation: It may cause redness, peeling, burning, or itching.
- Can worsen skin conditions: People with sensitive skin or conditions like Eczema or acne-prone skin may experience increased irritation.
- Not suitable around the eyes: The skin there is especially delicate.
Claimed benefits
Some people use baking soda as:
- An exfoliant.
- A cleanser.
- A home remedy for acne or dark spots.
However, there is little good scientific evidence that baking soda effectively treats acne, fades dark spots, or improves wrinkles. Any short-term “smoothness” comes from physical exfoliation, which can also damage the skin if done too often.
Better alternatives
Depending on your goal:
- For acne: Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
- For dark spots: Vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, or retinoids.
- For wrinkles: Daily sunscreen, moisturizers, and retinoids.
If you still want to try it
It’s safest to:
- Test it on a small patch of skin first.
- Use it very infrequently, if at all.
- Stop immediately if you notice burning, redness, or irritation.
Overall, baking soda is much better suited for household cleaning than facial skincare. Products formulated specifically for the skin are generally safer and more effective.
