9 Ways Baking Soda Will Elevate Your Beauty Routine

By

Updated on 10/04/21

Medically reviewed by

BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST

woman rubbing baking soda on her face — The Chriselle Factor

As much as we'd all like to indulge in regular spa days, time and money don't always allow for it. Luckily, the key to a head-to-toe spa session you can indulge in within the comforts of your very own home might be in your pantry—and it only costs a dollar. If baking soda isn't already on your beauty radar, it's time to get on board with the kitchen staple. We're familiar with baking soda's multifunctional purpose—it makes our homemade baked goods possible, and it pulls double duty by absorbing odors in our fridge—but it can also cure a laundry list of beauty woes—leaving us with smoother skin, silkier hair, and whiter teeth—all sans the expensive spa treatment price tag.

Keep scrolling to discover nine ways to incorporate baking soda into your beauty routine.

Facial Scrub

It can be difficult to lock down a facial scrub that gives you a deep clean feeling without doing a number on your sensitive skin. Slough off dead skin cells while gently exfoliating by creating your own facial scrub using baking soda. Mix together a paste by combining three parts baking soda with one part water, and then rub onto your face using careful, circular strokes, rinsing afterward with warm water. If you want to upgrade your experience, combine one teaspoon of baking soda with one teaspoon of organic honey in your palm, and then rub together. Massage in circular motions all over your face, and then let it sit for a minute like a mask before rinsing it off with warm water.

Thrive Market Organic Honey Bear $4.00

Shop

Hair Clarifier

At the end of a big weekend, hair can fall flat and feel frazzled due to too much styling and product buildup. Save your strands from the serums, sprays, and mousses that accumulated by sprinkling a quarter-size portion of baking soda into a dollop of your shampoo. Wash as usual, and then enjoy how clean your hair feels once you rinse and rid of the residue.

Body Exfoliator

Achieve that all-over glow with a natural DIY body scrub that will do away with ashy skin and leave you feeling smooth and refreshed. You can use the same formula as the face scrub above—three parts baking soda with one part water. Or you can make a paste using three parts baking soda, one part water, and one part oatmeal. Rub the mixture in a gentle circular motion all over your body to slough off dead skin cells, and then rinse with warm water.

King Arthur Flour Organic Rolled Oats $11.00

Shop

Teeth Whitener

For a brighter smile without the chemicals of a whitening kit, try this easy baking soda method. Simply sprinkle baking soda into the palm of your hand, dip a damp toothbrush into it, and then brush for about a minute. After you rinse, follow with toothpaste and brush your teeth as usual.

Deodorant

Baking soda can serve as an effective alternative to store-bought deodorant, especially if you have sensitive skin. You can even add a few drops of your favorite essential oil in with the baking soda before applying for a refreshing scent. Baking soda neutralizes acids and bases, removing odors without staining clothes like some other antiperspirants.

Now 100% Pure Eucalyptus Essential Oil $10.00

Shop

Nail Scrub

If you can't make it to the nail salon, you can keep your hands in beautiful shape by using a baking soda scrub. Use the same formula of three parts baking soda to one part water, and then massage hands in a circular motion to exfoliate and soften.

Foot Bath

You can use the same scrub method for an at-home pedicure, but upgrade the experience by soaking your feet in a soothing foot bath first. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda into a basin of warm water, and then add a few drops of lavender oil. At the end of your soak, slough calluses away with the baking soda scrub. You can even add one part brown sugar into the mix for an extra sweet exfoliation experience. Once you've rinsed, generously apply a rich moisturizer to your feet and legs, and then wrap in a warm towel.

Simply Balanced Organic Brown Sugar $3.00

Razor Burn Soother

If ever you find yourself with some unsightly, irritating razor burn, you can alleviate the discomfort using one tablespoon of baking soda mixed into one cup of water. Apply the solution to your skin, let it dry for five minutes, and then rinse off with cool water.

Dry Shampoo

If your hair is in need of a little help, curb the grease, and freshen up your strands with a sprinkle of baking soda. Add just a few pinches to the roots, tousle your hair, and then brush through to the ends until it's no longer visible.