Baking soda has been known as a stable pillar of home remedies since the year of 1900s. Most of the people already informed about some or other usage of baking soda that is not linked to cooking.
While the multitude of cleaning tips has made baking soda quite well-known in housekeeping circles, it has a lot of beauty applications, too. For an instance, there are numerous ways that you can actually do to use baking soda for wonderful hair and skin.
This affordable and amazing ingredient usually offers the simplest possible solution to a broad variety of conditions whether it is about whitening your teeth, your acne issues or dealing with your pesky dandruff.
Its flexibility makes it a must-have in any home, whether for baking or not. So here are the 13 amazing uses of baking soda for wonderful hair and skin. If you already have some baking soda beauty tips of your own to share, we’d love to hear more about them in the comments!
METHOD 1: Use for Whitening Teeth
Using baking soda for making your teeth as white as snow is one of its most well-known cosmetic applications. Baking soda simply works as a fine rough agent that can scrub out the surface stains on your tooth enamel.
If you are actually worried that it is too harsh for your teeth, use it with some help of coconut oil for a gentle care. Coconut oil will not only give a buffer in the form of lubricant but it will also assist you in improving your entire oral health.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoon of baking soda
2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Step 1: Create a paste of baking soda and coconut oil
Place 2 tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl.
Add 2 tablespoon of coconut oil.
Stir in order to combine the ingredients and to create a paste.
Step 2: Store and use the paste in order to whiten your teeth
Transfer the mixture into an airtight container for proper storage.
Place some of the baking soda and coconut oil paste on your toothpaste and brush your teeth with it for at least 2 minutes.
Wash your mouth well with the help of warm water.
Repeat this for about 2 to 3 times a week for a couple of weeks or until you get the result that you desire.
METHOD 2: Use as Acne Treatment
Baking soda as an acne treatment functions particularly well for those people with oily skin types. It has the ability to exfoliate and deep cleanse the skin, as well as to remove the dirt, sebum and the dead skin cells that clogs the pores.
As baking soda can be drying to some skin types, using it with coconut oil will make it a balanced remedy that is suitable for most skin types. Antibacterial properties of coconut oil also aid in deterring acne.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil
Step 1: Combine baking soda with coconut oil
Transfer a tablespoon of baking soda in a small bowl.
Add the teaspoon of baking soda to it.
Combine the ingredients thoroughly in order to create a paste.
Step 2: Cure acne with this mixture
Spread a thin layer of the paste on your face, particularly over the acne-prone portion with a sterile cotton ball.
Leave it for a couple of minutes, and then rinse your face with cold water and pat dry.
Do this remedy for at least once a day for the entire week. You will begin to notice a significant improvement in just several days of following this remedy.
METHOD 3: Use as Skin Lightening Agent
The mixture of baking soda, lemon juice, as well as coconut oil and tea tree oil can be particularly beneficial for lightening dark skin. These ingredients have the ability to remove acne scars, dark spots and even blemishes and also to improve the skin tone.
Baking soda can actually eliminate the dead skin layer while lemon juice works as a toner and bleach. Both of coconut oil and tea tree oil not only restore moisture but it also assist in maintaining the skin healthy by discouraging possible skin issues.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of baking soda
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
½ teaspoon of coconut oil
5 to 6 drops of tea tree oil
Step 1: Mix lemon juice, baking soda and coconut oil
Place 2 tablespoon of baking soda in a small bowl.
Transfer the tablespoon of lemon juice in it.
Add the ½ teaspoon of coconut oil, as well.
Step 2: Add tea tree oil, combine and store
Add the 5 to 6 drops of tea tree essential oil.
Combine all of them thoroughly in order to create a smooth paste.
Spoon the paste into a small airtight container for storage.
Apply a little amount of the paste over the skin area to make it lighter.
Leave it for some time and then scrub the skin carefully with the use of your hands.
Wash it off with lukewarm water and then pat dry.
Do this method for at least 2 to 3 times a week for around a month in order to get significant results.
METHOD 4: Use for Body Odor Removal
When it comes to deodorizing, baking soda does it like a pro. If you are finding it hard to find a solution for a foul body odor, why don’t you give this combination of baking soda and cornstarch a try? Cornstarch has the ability to assist you in maintaining your skin dry, which prevents odor causing bacteria from breeding.
Baking soda absorbs foul odors very powerfully, which also makes it effective in deodorizing closed up spaces just like suitcases and refrigerators.
Ingredients:
¼ cup of baking soda
¼ cup of cornstarch
Step 1: Mix the ingredients in equal amounts
Put the 1/3 cup of each ingredient in a container.
Combine them thoroughly with the help of a spoon.
Step 2: Store and use the DIY body odor removal powder
Spoon the DIY body odor removal powder into an old talcum powder jar for a convenient storage and soothe of application.
Clean and dry the skin of armpits and other sweat prone portions and sprinkle the DIY powder generously in order to put a check on foul body odor.
METHOD 5: Use for Tightening Large Pores
Large pores are a sincere beauty concern for a lot of people. the problem is more worse for those people with oily or combination skin as large pores get effortlessly clogged with sebum and dirt providing that elevate to acne and breakouts.
Clogged pores look larger, while clean pores contain a smaller appearance. While there is no permanent solution for the large ones, on the other hand, exfoliating and deep cleaning your skin with the help of baking soda can actually aid you in managing large pores on your skin.
Single Step Treatment: Use Baking Soda Paste to shrink large pores
Place some amount of baking soda in a small bowl.
Add a little amount of lukewarm water too in order to create a paste.
Apply the paste on the affected area of the skin. Massage the area with your fingertips in a gentle circular motion.
Wash off the paste with the use of cold water in order to shrink the cleared pores. Pat dry and apply a light moisturizer.
Repeat this remedy for at least once a day for the entire week. Once the situation comes under control, you may choose to repeat this method once or twice a week in order to keep the small size of your pores.
METHOD 6: Use as Heat Rash Treatment
If the warm weather has respond to you with heat rashes, you can actually use baking soda in order to aid you in cooling down. Baking soda has the ability to unclog the sweat-blocked pores and also to check the bacterial growth in the rashes. It also offers relief in the painful and itchy areas that is linked with heat rash.
Step 1: Dissolve Baking Soda in water
Put at least 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 2 cups of water.
Mix them well in order to dissolve the baking soda in the water.
Step 2: Apply Baking Soda compress to the heat rash
Soak a soft towel into the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid.
Put the wet towel over the heat rash affected skin.
Hold the towel for a couple of minutes.
If the towel warms up in between, place it in the bowl again, squeeze it out and apply it all over.
Follow the same method for about 4 to 5 times a day until the rashes go away.
METHOD 7: Use for Whitehead Removal
Baking soda is extremely effective in getting rid of whitehead because it addresses the issue at its root by clearing out the clogged pores with sebum, dirt and even the dead skin cells.
Lemon works as a toner and cleanser, while honey assists in relieving and hydrating the skin, thus fastening up the healing.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of baking soda
1 tablespoon of honey
2 teaspoons of lemon juice
Step 1: Mix all of the ingredients
Place 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl.
Transfer a tablespoon of honey in it.
Add 2 teaspoon of lemon juice to it.
Step 2: Combine well, store and use
Combine all of the ingredients in order to create a smooth paste.
Transfer it into a container for storage.
Use the paste in massaging the whitehead-affected skin for a couple of minutes
Leave it for some time before rinsing with water and pat dry.
Follow this method for at least 2 to 3 times a week for about 2 weeks in order to eliminate the whiteheads completely.
METHOD 8: Use for Blackhead Removal
Blackheads don’t usually damage the skin, but they always make the skin look unappealing. Use baking soda and sugar-based exfoliation in order to eliminate the sebum, dirt and dead skin cell deposits that block the pores at the skin surface and end up showing blackheads.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of baking soda
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
4 tablespoons of water
Step 1: Mix baking soda, sugar and water
Put 2 tablespoons of each of baking soda and sugar in a bowl.
Pour at least 4 tablespoons of water in it.
Step 2: Combine, store and use in order to get rid of blackheads
Combine all of the ingredients thoroughly.
Transfer the scrub into a container.
Massage the scrub all over your skin that have blackheads for at least 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing it off with water and pat dry.
Continue to use baking soda face scrub for at least twice a week for about 2 to 3 weeks in order to eliminate the blackheads in your skin.
METHOD 9: Use to Make Bath Bombs
Creating bath bombs are extremely fun, which you can actually do with the use of baking soda. It creates a great gift and comes in handy when you are feeling like having a spa day at home. When you add the bath bombs to bath water, the citric acid reacts with baking soda and provides that cool fizzing effect.
Feel free to use some almonds, coconut, apricot, or even avocado oil instead of olive oil in the recipe. You can also create your own bath bombs with personalized fragrance and coloring. Micas, clays and other natural colorants can be added instead of using food coloring.
Moreover, you can also utilize baking soda in order to make Vicks shower melts to obtain relief from congestion.
Ingredients:
1 cup of baking soda
½ cup of citric acid
½ cup of Epsom salt
½ cup of corn flour
2 tablespoons of water
2 tablespoons of olive oil
10 to 12 drops of essential oil of your choice
Your desired food color
Measuring spoon
Mixing bowl
Small spray bottle
Mold
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients all together
Pour the cup of baking soda into a ceramic or a glass mixing bowl.
Add ½ cup of each of Epsom salt and corn flour in it.
Add the citric acid into the bowl, too.
Combine all of the ingredients thoroughly. You can also use a whisk for a more efficient work.
As an option, you can also sift the dry ingredient through a fine sieve of proper blending and removing lumps from the mixture.
Step 2: Combine all of the liquid ingredients in a spray bottle
Transfer the 2 tablespoons of each of water and olive oil in a small spray bottle.
Add the 10 to 12 drops of the essential oil of your choice.
Add few drops of your chosen food coloring. Slowly, elevate the amount of food coloring until you the color that you wanted.
Place the spray nozzle back on and shake the bottle for a couple of times in order to mix the ingredients properly.
Step 3: Combine the solution with the dry ingredients
Spray the solution into the dry ingredients one at a time and combine them thoroughly. Just add the liquid slowly so that you will prevent the formation of any lumps.
Add in the entire solution into the mixture in this manner.
Take some of the mixture in your palms and squeeze it. If it clumps all together, consider your mixture to be ready and you can now place it in the molds.
Step 4: Pack the mixture into the molds
Pick out the mold of your choice in order to shape the bath bombs.
Spoon the mixture into both the halves of the molds. Press it with the back of the spoon and pack the mixture tightly into the molds.
Bring the two halves of the molds all together and press them against each other in order to seal them shut.
At the same time, fill up the other molds with the mixture.
Step 5: Let the material be set for at least 2 to 3 minutes
Get rid of the excess mixture from the rims of the molds with the use of your fingers. Leave the mold for some time in order to let the mixture set in the shape.
Step 6: Extract the bath bombs and leave it to dry for at least 1 to 2 days
Tap the mold lightly on both of its sides with the spoon in order to release the bath bombs from its mold.
Remove one half of the mold. Now ease out the bath bombs from the other half of the mold into your palm.
In the same way, extract all the bath bombs.
Let the bath bombs dry in a well-ventilated area away from the moisture for at least 1 to 2 days. The drying time will last in accordance with the local climate.
Pack the bombs tightly in each plastic wrap and store them in an air-tight container.
When you already stored it, these baking soda bath bombs will last for up to 4 to 5 months. Nevertheless, they will eventually lose some of their fizz over time.
METHOD 10: Use as Face Wash
If you actually fell like ditching your current facial wash in favor of a homemade alternative, which is known to be natural and easy to whip up, this DIY baking soda facial wash might be just what you really need.
Both of baking soda and coconut oil are known for their skin cleansing properties. Coconut oil also maintains the skin from drying out due to baking soda.
Essential oils are extremely nourishing and it contains both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which makes your face so fresh.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons of baking soda
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
8 to 10 drops of tea tree essential oil
3 to 4 drops of lemon essential oil
Step 1: Mix all of the ingredients
Grab 3 tablespoons of baking soda and pour out the tablespoon of coconut oil in it.
Add the8 to 10 drops of tea tree oil and the 3 to 4 drops of lemon essential oil.
Step 2: Combine well, store and use as needed
Mix all of the ingredients thoroughly.
Transfer the baking soda face wash into an air-tight jar for storage.
For usage, take at least 1 to 2 teaspoons of this paste and gently massage your face with it in a circular motion.
Use as often as you usually wash your face.
METHOD 11: Use as Face Scrub
This gentle face scrub recipe utilizes baking soda along with green tea and oatmeal for a thorough exfoliation. While baking soda has the ability to unblock the pores, oatmeal on the other hand gently exfoliates the skin and green tea hydrates the skin. Both of green tea and oatmeal have a relieving effect on the skin.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of baking soda
¼ cup of powdered oatmeal
¼ cup of green tea
Step 1: Mix all of the ingredients
Place 2 tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl.
Add the ¼ cup of powdered oatmeal in it.
Add the ¼ cup of tea, as well.
Step 2: Combine, store and use as needed
Combine the entire ingredients well.
Transfer the scrub into an airtight container for good storage.
Use baking soda face scrub for at least once or twice a week in order to get clear and problem-free skin.
METHOD 12: Use to Eliminate Greasy Hair
If the sebaceous glands in your hair go into an overdrive, it will result to a greasy hair that is not good for styling. Baking soda treatment can actually help you in degreasing your hair so that your mop will no longer appear greasy and limp.
Baking soda also get rids the product accumulation in the hair, which provides a squeaky clean feel.
Single Step Treatment: Degrease your hair with baking soda paste
Place some of the baking soda in a bowl and add some amount of water in it.
Combine the ingredients all together in order to create a paste.
Apply the paste on your scalp with the help of a hair dye brush or simple with your fingers.
Leave it for a couple of minutes before washing it off with water.
Do this remedy for at least twice a week in order to manage a greasy hair.
METHOD 13: Use as Dandruff Treatment
When baking soda is mixed with lemon juice, it creates an effective remedy in order to get rid of dandruff. Altogether, they have the ability to remove the flakes on the scalp. They also prevent further fungal growth in the scalp, thus preventing dandruff from returning.
Ingredients:
Baking soda
Lemon
Single Step Treatment: Use baking soda and lemon paste to cure dandruff
Take some amount of baking soda in a small bowl and squeeze lemon in it.
Allow the fizzing and bubbling subsides and combines the ingredients into a spreadable paste.
Apply the paste on your scalp with the use of cotton balls, massaging the paste into the roots.
Leave it for a couple of minutes before washing off with water.
Repeat this remedy for at least once a week for the entire month in order to get the best result.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Test some of these baking soda remedies against skin sensitivity before actually following all of it.
When you follow the baking soda remedies that contain lemon in its ingredients, always put on the good quality sunscreen before going out in the sun because lemon has a tendency to make the skin photosensitive. You can also learn on how to create your own sunscreen at home here.
While making the bath bombs, keep all of the ingredients measured and ready. Once you begin combing the ingredients, you will need to be fast in your efforts for best results.
The amount of water should be adjusted with respect to the atmosphere that you are in.
You can also utilize a glass of mixing bowl. Do not use a plastic one because it absorbs smells.