Surprising Uses of Baking Soda for Natural Beauty and Skin

Baking Soda

Baking soda also known as Sodium bicarbonate is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO₃. It is widely used in baking because it has leavening properties, meaning it causes the dough to rise by producing carbon dioxide. Aside from cooking, baking soda has a variety of additional household uses and health benefits.

1. Mouthwash

Mix 1 tsp of baking soda in a glass of water. Swish, spit and rinse. Easy mouthwash that neutralizes odors.

2. Whitening Teeth

Baking soda is a popular home remedy for whitening teeth. Many studies have found that toothpaste containing baking soda is better for whitening teeth and removing plaque than toothpaste without baking soda. This is likely because baking soda has mild abrasive properties that let it break the bonds of molecules that stain the teeth. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help fight harmful bacteria.

3. Natural Deodorant

Baking soda can eliminate the smell of sweat by making the odors less acidic. Try putting baking soda onto your armpits and you may notice the difference.

4. Hand Softener 

To scrub away dirt and odors, mix baking soda with warm water and rub it on your hands. This natural hand cleanser will leave your hands clean and soft.

5. Foot Soother

Create your own foot bath with a tablespoon of baking soda and warm water. This baking soda bath will remove bacteria and odors and can help to prevent toenail fungus.

6. Sunburn Relief 

Your fragile sunburned skin will benefit from soaking in a mixture of baking soda and water. Soak in a warm (not hot) bath that includes half a cup of baking soda. You can also mix baking soda into your favorite body lotion to calm a sunburn.

7. Gently Exfoliate

Here’s a simple way to gently get rid of dead skin: Mix 3 parts of baking soda to 1 part water. Rub gently in a circular motion and then rinse clean.

8. Hair Cleanser 

Baking soda for hair? Yes! Simply add a teaspoon of baking soda to your shampoo, rub it into your hair and rinse as usual. Baking soda shampoo is ultra clarifying so it’s a great way to remove dirt and oil as well as a residue that is left over from hair products.

9. Splinter Removal 

Splinters will naturally reduce after a few days of soaking it in baking soda (use a mix that includes a tablespoon of baking soda and warm water). Soak the affected area twice a day in the baking soda water and see the result yourself.

10. Relieve Skin Irritation

Add a cup of baking soda to bathwater to soften your skin and relieve skin irritations. To make a baking soda bath, add 1–2 cups of baking soda to a lukewarm bath. Make sure the affected area is soaked thoroughly. These baths are especially effective at soothing itches from bug bites and bee stings.