In an age of expensive beauty treatments and shelves overflowing with “miracle” skin and dental products, more and more people are turning to tried and true, simple methods. And it’s amazing that one of the most underrated ingredients in your kitchen can offer benefits that many seek in prestigious laboratories. It’s an ingredient that has served a variety of purposes for centuries, and today it’s regaining its place in routine beauty treatments – both at home and in professional recommendations. How can you achieve all this with baking soda?
Why do many people use baking soda to treat skin problems? bicarbonate of soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a white crystalline powder with a slightly alkaline pH, which means it can neutralize acids and balance the pH of the skin's surface. It also acts as a mild abrasive, helping to remove dead skin cells and stains on teeth. Although it is often associated with household use, scientific research and clinical observations confirm that - when used correctly and occasionally - it can have remarkable effects on the appearance of the skin and teeth. Below we present 5 ways to use it, based on years of experience from users around the world.
With baking soda for beautiful skin and white teeth
1. Natural teeth whitening without enamel irritation
Baking soda is a commonly used ingredient in toothpastes because its slightly abrasive texture helps remove surface stains on teeth – such as those caused by coffee, wine or nicotine. It is important to note that baking soda does not contain bleach, but rather works mechanically: by gently rubbing, it removes discoloration from the enamel without damaging it.
For home use, a pinch of baking soda applied to your toothbrush once a week – alone or with toothpaste – is enough. Brush thoroughly for no more than one minute, then rinse well and continue with your normal routine. Using it too often can weaken enamel, so moderation is the key.
2. Facial scrub: cleansing without microplastics
One of the most popular beauty uses of baking soda is as a natural facial scrub. It cleanses the skin by helping to remove dead cells, sebum, and other impurities, while its mild alkalinity helps balance pH.
Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of water and apply to damp skin. Massage your face with gentle, circular movements for about 20 seconds, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Always follow up with a moisturizer. Important: only use baking soda scrubs once every 7 to 10 days, as they can be too aggressive for sensitive skin if you overdo it.
3. Detox mask for oily skin and impurities
For skin prone to excess sebum, clogged pores, and impurities, baking soda can help as the base for a quick cleansing mask. It detoxifies, reduces shine, and soothes breakouts.
Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to form a creamy paste. Apply a thin layer to problem areas (especially the T-zone) and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes. Then rinse the mask with lukewarm water and continue with your usual skin care. The mask is not suitable for daily use - we recommend using it no more than once a week, and always with a moisturizer as a finish.
4. Strawberry teeth whitening treatment
The combination of natural acids in strawberries and the mild abrasive effect of baking soda creates an effective yet gentle alternative to harsh whitening agents. Strawberries contain malic acid, which can break down surface stains, while the soda mechanically cleans the surface of the teeth.
Mash one strawberry, mix with half a teaspoon of baking soda and apply to your teeth. Leave on for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and brush your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use the treatment no more than once every 14 days, as excessive use of fruit acids can damage tooth enamel.
5. Spot treatment for acne and blemishes
Baking soda can also serve as a targeted agent to soothe local inflammation, such as pimples or clogged pores. Due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, it can reduce redness and irritation.
Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey. Apply the paste directly to the pimple and leave it on for up to 5 minutes. Then rinse well with lukewarm water. Honey is soothing, lemon is disinfecting, and baking soda is cleansing – the perfect combination for a quick intervention. But be careful: this is an SOS solution, not a replacement for comprehensive skin care.
What do the experts say?
Dermatologists emphasize that baking soda occasionally works as an effective addition to skin and dental care, but it is not a substitute for dermatologically advised therapy. Journal of Integrative Dermatology states that when used correctly and in the appropriate concentration, baking soda has positive effects in removing dead cells, reducing sebum and alleviating local inflammation (Source: jidonline.org). Similarly, Colgate Oral Health Reports emphasizes that baking soda safely removes tooth stains, but only when used infrequently and in a controlled manner (Source: colgate.com).
Beauty rituals with baking soda
bicarbonate of soda is an affordable and multifunctional ingredient that, when used correctly and in moderation, offers effective solutions for skin and dental care. The key to success is understanding its properties and respecting its limits – because even natural ingredients used incorrectly can cause more harm than good. All you need is a pinch of knowledge and feeling – and you will quickly realize that there is more beauty hidden in the simple white powder than you might have thought.
