Baking Soda Scrubs – Safe or Not?

Baking soda is a popular household ingredient that often makes its way into DIY skincare routines. The idea of using it as a scrub comes from its abrasive texture and alkaline nature, which people believe can exfoliate and “brighten” the skin. But dermatologists warn that baking soda scrubs can do more harm than good.

The main issue is its high pH. Baking soda is strongly alkaline, while healthy skin is naturally slightly acidic (pH around 4.5–5.5). Applying baking soda disrupts this balance, stripping the skin of its protective barrier. This can lead to dryness, irritation, redness, and even micro-tears over time. For acne-prone skin, baking soda can worsen breakouts rather than improve them.

Physically scrubbing the skin with baking soda is also risky. Its coarse granules can damage delicate facial skin, triggering inflammation or sensitivity. Even occasional use can leave the skin more vulnerable to environmental stressors and infection.

Safer Alternatives: Gentle chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid, lactic acid, or enzyme-based scrubs are far safer and more effective. They remove dead skin cells without disrupting the skin’s pH or causing abrasions.

In short, baking soda scrubs may seem natural and cheap, but they are not skin-friendly. Your skin deserves treatments designed for its delicate structure, not household experiments.

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