Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a fine white powder commonly used in cooking and household cleaning. What makes it interesting for skincare is its mildly alkaline nature, with a pH of around 9—quite different from your skin’s preferred environment.
Healthy facial skin typically maintains a slightly acidic pH between 4.5 and 5.5. This “acid mantle” acts as a protective barrier, helping retain moisture and defend against harmful bacteria. When you apply something alkaline like baking soda, it can temporarily disrupt that balance.
That shift is exactly why people are curious about it—but also why it deserves careful consideration before use.
Why Baking Soda Became a DIY Skincare Trend
Baking soda continues to appear in home skincare routines for a few simple reasons: it’s cheap, easy to find, and seems to offer quick visible results.
Here’s what draws people in:
