Raise your hands if you’ve recently stocked up on Bicarbonate of soda. Yep, it seems like bicarb of soda is making a comeback as a miracle solution to everything, including skin and health care.
I’ve never thought to pay much attention to Bicarb Soda until one lady on socials said she was using it on her face as an exfoliant. I thought, surely that can’t be. And she adds to using Bicarb of Soda twice a week. The lady does have what looks like the “perfect glass skin”’, I’ll give her that.
If this active ingredient can help unblock your kitchen drain and remove stubborn stains, why would I use it on my delicate (facial) skin? Sounds like something that could be more harmful than good.
I had to have a look-see at this ‘miracle ingredient’. What are the benefits and effects of using Bicarbonate of soda? Should I add it to my skincare products?
What Exactly is Bicarb of Soda?
A brief history…
According to Wikipedia, Bicarb Soda also known as Baking soda, Pharmacist Valentin Rose the Younger is credited with the discovery of sodium bicarbonate in 1801 in Berlin. However, this acid salt dates back to ancient Egyptians who used it as a soap-cleaning and drying agent to make mummies.
Later in 1846, bakers John Dwight and Dr. Austin Church used their sodium bicarbonate in their kitchen as a leavening agent/rising agent. The first factory was established by these bakers in the US to produce baking soda out of carbon dioxide and sodium carbonate. It was later distributed as Arm & Hammer Church & Co’s bicarbonate of soda.

Is Bicarb Soda, Baking Soda and Baking powder The Same?
Sounds like the Bicarbonate of Soda and Baking Soda are the same thing. In Australia, New Zealand, the UK and us in SA, we use the term bicarb soda, while the US refers to it as baking soda. They are leavening agents used commonly for recipes that mix moisture plus an acidic ingredient (such as lemon juice, chocolate, buttermilk or honey) together to make the batter rise.
Whereas, Baking Powder is a mixture of baking soda/bicarb soda pre-mixed with a dry acidic ingredient (such as cream of tartar) that causes baking to rise when mixed with wet ingredients.
I’m not a baker, so this all sounds gibberish to me. But now I know what Bicarb of Soda comes from.
(Please don’t use Baking Powder on your face or anywhere else except when baking)
What Makes Bicarb Popular?
Because it’s a natural ingredient, affordable and versatile. We know bicarb as a multi-purpose ingredient found in most households. Add it with water and see how it can miraculously clean your kitchen sink drains. I know my neighbour used it for her heartburn because of its alkalinity. It works fast, neutralising stomach acid and temporarily relieving symptoms of acid reflux.
Some people vow on how it helps neutralise the smell on armpits. Others swear by its teeth-whitening effects. Mom and I added it to our DIY detox foot bath. It is a miracle ingredient to almost everything.
But there’s little research to back this up when it comes to skin and health care. Healthcare professionals advise against using it for skin and health needs. It’s because of the high alkaline content that can potentially damage our skin.
Here’s The Thing…
If you did Biology in high school, you’ll remember that our biggest organ being skin has a natural acidity of between pH 4 and 7. Maintaining a balanced pH for your skin leads to a healthy and beautiful skin. Using products that are not pH-balanced like Bicarb with a pH level of 9 can disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance.
Disrupting this acid mantle could potentially lead to dry and irritated skin leading to more acne. An ‘acid mantle’ talked about in the skincare community is the outermost layer of our skin that helps protect against bacteria, infections, and water loss, and helps the skin to maintain its acidity.
Messing with your skin’s pH may also lead to premature wrinkles (no, thank you) and ultimately, even exacerbate existing acne, warns Annie Gonzalez (Riverchase Dermatology).
https://www.byrdie.com/

Acid Mantle is thin protective slightly acidic water-lipid (oil) film found on the surface of the skin which acts as a barrier between you and the outside elements.
Potential Side Effects
Look, Bicarb of Soda is alright. I get that it’s a natural salt and contains some antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can relieve irritation and pain. Remember how high its alkalinity is? The alkalinity can ironically remedy acne problems because it can have a drying effect on the skin.
Be that as it may, the skincare experts don’t recommend it even with its natural antiseptic properties. The alkalinity in Bicarb is way too much. For teeth, using it long-term can erode tooth enamel; as an antacid, it can produce too much gas.
As mentioned before, using Bicarb frequently, especially as an exfoliant, can cause over-drying to the skin, which can cause breakouts and wrinkling in the forehead areas.
What’s Recommended?
For Short Term Use
Indigestion:
Should you wake up one morning feeling bloated, a quarter teaspoon of Bicarb and half a glass of water will temporarily relief you from indigestion. BUT using large amounts of it can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration because it is way too much salt/sodium.
Dental Problems:
You have a date and have forgotten to buy your mouthwash, make your own mouth wash! Half a teaspoon of Bicarb to a half glass of warm water, then swish. Since Bicarb has antimicrobial properties, it may help fight harmful bacteria.
Bodily Odours:
Bicarb is thought to be a natural deodorant to eliminate sweat by making its odour less acidic. It said to help control your perspiration levels by absorbing any excess moisture. Try mixing Bicarb with Coconut Oil or Shea Butter to create a homemade deodorant. Or pat it on its own onto your armpits.
And Acne:
Make a Bicarb and water paste. Leave it on the acne for up to 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly and apply a moisturizer. I’d rather you try Benzoyl Peroxide…
For Long Term Uses
Friend, please leave Bicarb under your kitchen/bath to use for household cleaning and short-term uses. If you have skin issues, Bicarb of Soda is not the miracle solution for you.
If you need to know more on which active ingredients have the potential of giving you the glass skin, read this article: The Holy Grail of Skincare: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol.
Let’s Wrap This Up.
What Bicarb seems to me is it being a quick fix solution that gives off an allusion that it does work.
What we’ve learned is that Bicarbonate of Soda can potentially be the miracle solution to everything and perhaps for temporary skin and health care relief. However, it is a natural active ingredient that has not been supported by research and studies on its effectiveness.
Go see your Derm or research on what products (products that have been tested thoroughly) are there for your specific needs.
Let me know your thought by commenting below.
Chat Soon.
Angy
xx
Sources
Wikipedia: Sodium Bicarbonate
Arcadia News: The interesting history and limitless uses of baking soda
Arm & Hammer: Company History
Everyday Heath: What Is Baking Soda? Uses, Health Benefits, Side Effects, and More
Exposed Skincare: Why Baking Soda For Acne Is A Bad Idea
Healthline: About Skin pH and Why It Matters