Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is one of the most versatile household ingredients with surprising benefits for beauty care. Known for its gentle exfoliating and cleansing properties, baking soda has been used for decades as a natural remedy for improving skin texture and maintaining scalp health. Its fine granules help buff away dead skin cells, while its alkaline nature makes it effective in neutralizing excess oil, odor, and product buildup.
When used correctly and in moderation, baking soda can help brighten dull skin, reduce acne, soften rough areas like elbows and heels, and deeply cleanse an oily scalp. It also works as a mild clarifying agent for hair, helping remove residue from styling products and pollution. However, because baking soda is alkaline and the skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic, it’s important to use it sparingly and always follow up with hydration to avoid dryness or irritation.
Overall, baking soda can be a simple, affordable, and effective addition to your DIY skincare and haircare routine—when used the right way and in the right amount.
For Skin
# Baking Soda Spot Treatment for Acne
What it does: Reduces inflammation and dries out pimples.
How to make:
1 tsp baking soda
A few drops of water
How to use:
Make a paste, apply only on the pimple, leave for 5 minutes, rinse.
Apply aloe gel afterward.
# Baking Soda Exfoliating Scrub (for dull skin)
What it does: Removes dead skin, brightens skin.
How to make:
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp rice flour or oatmeal
Water to form a paste
How to use:
Gently massage for 30–40 seconds, rinse with cold water.
Use once in 2 weeks.
# Baking Soda + Lemon Brightening Mix (for dark areas like elbows/knees)
What it does: Light exfoliation + mild bleaching.
How to make:
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp lemon juice
A few drops of honey
How to use:
Apply on dark elbows/knees for 1 minute, scrub gently, rinse.
Do NOT use this on your face.
# Baking Soda Foot Soak (for cracked heels & odor)
What it does: Softens dead skin and kills odor-causing bacteria.
How to make:
2 tbsp baking soda
Warm water (a bucket)
Optional: a few drops of tea tree oil
How to use:
Soak feet for 15 minutes, scrub, moisturize afterward.
# Baking Soda Deodorant Paste
What it does: Neutralizes underarm odor.
How to make:
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp coconut oil
How to use:
Apply a thin layer for 10 minutes, rinse.
Works great before showering.
For Hair
# Baking Soda Scalp Cleanser (removes oil & product buildup)
What it does: Deep-cleans scalp & removes residue.
How to make:
1 tbsp baking soda
3 tbsp water
How to use:
Apply to scalp, gently massage for 20–30 seconds, rinse thoroughly.
Follow with conditioner or diluted apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water).
# Baking Soda Shampoo Booster (for oily scalp)
What it does: Makes your shampoo deep-cleaning.
How to make:
Mix ½ tsp baking soda into your regular shampoo just before use.
How to use:
Apply, lather for 30 seconds, rinse.
Use only once in 10–15 days.
# Baking Soda for Dandruff + Itchy Scalp
What it does: Reduces flakes & itchiness.
How to make:
1 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp aloe vera gel
1 tbsp water
How to use:
Massage onto scalp for 1 minute, rinse.
Aloe helps prevent dryness.
