If you’re looking for a solution to unclog your pores, remove black heads, and brighten your skin, you must try a baking soda face wash.
Out of sheer experimental boredom, I grabbed some baking soda out of my fridge, mixed it into a paste with water, and created my own baking soda face mask. I loved the tightness that it gave my skin and noticed it seemed to suck out my blackheads and made my face look brighter.
That’s what got me curious about actual baking soda infused beauty products. If my little baking soda / water paste solution gave me such good results, what kind of results would I get from a real baking soda face wash? Well, let me tell you, I am hooked! We’ll go through the top 5 best baking soda face washes, the benefits and risks of using basking soda, as well as a DIY baking soda face mask you can make at home.
The 5 Best Baking Soda Face Washes
1. Etude House Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam
Etude House Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam is a multi-deep cleansing foam that removes impurities and dead skin cells from pores with fine baking powder and effectively cleanses away makeup residue with its abundant viscous foam. This is my personal favorite baking soda face wash and recommendation!
- Key Highlights:
- Cleanses away excess sebum from deep inside the pores.
- Removes makeup, dirt, and oil.
- Tightening and brightening effect.
2. Bioré Daily Blue Agave + Baking Soda Balancing Pore Cleanser
Bioré Daily Blue Agave + Baking Soda Balancing Pore Cleanser is baking soda face wash that’s specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. This scrub combines baking soda with salicylic acid to penetrate pores and effectively treat blemishes. It gently exfoliates, leaving your skin clearer and smoother.
- Key Highlights:
- Unclogs pores and treats existing acne.
- Helps prevent future breakouts.
- Dermatologist-tested and suitable for daily use.
3. Epielle Baking Soda Pore Cleanser
Epielle Baking Soda Pore Cleanser is a Korean baking soda face wash that’s formulated with baking soda to naturally deep cleanse skin by removing all traces of surface dirt, makeup and excess oil from pores. It works for all skin types but beneficial for oily or combination skin with an oil-free formula.
- Key Highlights:
- Gently exfoliates dead skin cells and impurities.
- Smooths and brightens for a healthier-looking complexion.
- Helps control oily skin.
4. ISHIZAWA Keana Baking Soda Powder Wash
ISHIZAWA Keana Baking Soda Powder Wash is a Japanese baking soda face wash that cleanses your skin to remove dead skin and unclog pores. The baking soda helps to melt down and scoop out the pore cloggers, as well as providing moisture to dried dead skin. Daily use can help reduce acne breakouts and brighten complexion.
- Key Highlights:
- Comes in powder form for more product and longer use.
- Granules to help exfoliate deeply.
- Leaves skin extra soft and brighter.
5. Dermactin-TS Baking Soda Daily Facial Cleanser
Dermactin-TS Baking Soda Daily Facial Cleanser is a baking soda face wash that’s perfect for daily use. It’s oil-free formula penetrates pores to remove oil and dirt for a deep clean. Works as an effective exfoliater for dead skin for a soft and smooth complexion.
- Key Highlights:
- Removes dirt, oil, and makeup.
- Helps prevent inflammation and acne breakouts.
- Reduces oil and sebum production.
Bonus: Biore Baking Soda Cleanser Micellar Water
If you prefer using a micellar water to cleans your skin, Biore’s Baking Soda Cleanser Micellar Water has got you covered. Its oil-free formula removes oil, dirt, and makeup without having to rinse. Its gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and cleanses while leaving skin feeling soft and refreshed.
- Key Highlights:
- Effectively removes makeup.
- No rinse and no residue.
- Can be used as a toner before makeup.
Related: Best Setting Spray for Oily Skin: Keep Away The Grease
Baking Soda Benefits For Skin
Baking soda has been revered for its versatile properties that can do wonders for your skin. Some of the benefits of baking soda for the skin include:
- Exfoliation: Baking soda possesses gentle abrasive properties that effectively slough off dead skin cells, revealing a smoother and brighter complexion.
- Balancing pH Levels: The alkaline nature of baking soda helps regulate the pH levels of your skin, maintaining an optimal balance and preventing issues such as dryness and breakouts.
- Oil Control: Baking soda has the ability to absorb excess oil from the skin, making it an excellent choice for those with oily or combination skin types.
- Acne/Blackhead Treatment: Due to its exfoliating and antibacterial properties, baking soda may help alleviate acne. It can potentially unclog pores, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and control excess oil production. However, it’s important to use baking soda sparingly and patch test beforehand, as it may cause skin irritation in some individuals.
- Soothing Skin Irritation: Baking soda has mild anti-inflammatory properties that can provide relief from itchiness, sunburn, and insect bites. By creating a paste with water and applying it to the affected area, baking soda may help soothe irritation and promote healing.
- Brightening Effect: Many beauty enthusiasts use baking soda as a natural skin brightener or lightening agent. It may help reduce the appearance of dark spots or uneven skin tone when used in combination with other ingredients like lemon juice or honey. However, it’s essential to be cautious when using baking soda on the skin, as it may cause sensitivity in certain individuals.
Risks of Using Baking Soda on the Face
While baking soda is generally safe it is essential to be aware of potential risks associated with its use, especially for those with sensitive, easily-irritable skin types.
- Skin Irritation: Baking soda’s abrasive properties can cause irritation, redness, or dryness if used excessively or on sensitive skin. Always listen to your skin and adjust the frequency and concentration accordingly.
- Disruption of pH Balance: Although baking soda helps balance pH levels, using it too frequently or in high concentrations can disrupt the skin’s natural pH, leading to dryness or increased oil production.
- Overexfoliation: Baking soda’s exfoliating properties can be beneficial, but excessive or aggressive exfoliation can compromise the skin’s barrier function, causing sensitivity and inflammation.
What is the pH of Baking Soda?
Baking soda is considered to have a pH that is more on the alkaline or basic side. Baking soda has a pH level of around 8.4, which means it falls on the slightly basic side of the pH scale. The scale goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral.
The skin on our face has a slightly acidic pH, typically around 4.5 to 5.5, which helps maintain its natural barrier function. Those with already sensitive or dry skin may want to avoid using baking soda or use it less frequently.
DIY Baking Soda Mask
Aside from a baking soda face wash, another simple but beneficial way to use baking soda for its beauty benefits is to create a DIY baking soda mask at home. You most likely have all of the ingredients you need right in your kitchen.
Just be sure to perform a patch test before applying it to your face and discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 1-2 tablespoons of water
- (You can add other natural ingredients like honey, yogurt, lemon juice, aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and other essential oils to change consistency and benefits)
Instructions:
- Start by mixing the baking soda, water, and any other ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust the ratio to achieve a thick paste-like consistency that can be easily applied to your face.
- Ensure your face is clean and makeup-free before applying the mask.
- Using clean fingers or a soft brush, apply the mask to your face, avoiding the eye area. Gently massage it in circular motions to exfoliate the skin.
- Leave the mask on for about 5-10 minutes, or until it starts to dry.
- Rinse off the mask thoroughly with warm water, using gentle circular motions to continue exfoliating as you remove it.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
- Apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type to replenish moisture.
Read More: