Ingredient review
Sodium Bicarbonate
INCI: SODIUM BICARBONATE
Sodium bicarbonate can gently exfoliate and adjust pH, but its alkalinity may disrupt the skin barrier if used too frequently or at high concentrations.
In plain English
Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is a fine white powder that can be used in skincare to help balance pH or as a mild physical exfoliant. However, because it is alkaline (high pH), it can temporarily raise the skin's pH, which might irritate sensitive or dry skin. It's best used in rinse-off products like scrubs or bath bombs rather than leave-on formulas.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Main practical flags: irritation is moderate; clogging risk is low.
- Source
- natural
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- moderate
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Sodium Bicarbonate can be useful, but watch for some irritation potential.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Sodium Bicarbonate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
moderateCan bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Sodium bicarbonate is a naturally occurring mineral salt composed of sodium and bicarbonate ions. In cosmetics, it is often used as a buffering agent to adjust the pH of a product or as a mild abrasive in exfoliating scrubs.
How it works
When applied to the skin, sodium bicarbonate can help neutralize acids and maintain a stable pH. As an abrasive, its fine crystals physically slough off dead skin cells when massaged. However, its alkalinity (pH around 8-9) can temporarily disrupt the skin's natural acidic barrier, which is why it's typically used in small amounts or in rinse-off products.
Pros
Gentle exfoliation
The fine crystals provide a mild physical scrub that can help smooth skin texture without harsh abrasion.
pH buffering
It helps stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations, ensuring they stay within a safe range for skin.
Cons and cautions
Alkalinity risk
Sodium bicarbonate has a high pH (around 8-9), which can temporarily raise skin pH and weaken the protective acid mantle, leading to irritation or dryness.
Not for sensitive skin
Frequent use or high concentrations can cause redness, stinging, or flaking, especially for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Best for
- People with normal to oily skin looking for a mild exfoliant
- Those who enjoy DIY bath products like bath bombs
Use caution if
- Individuals with sensitive, dry, or compromised skin barriers
- Anyone with active eczema, rosacea, or open wounds
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sodium bicarbonate is generally safe for cosmetic use, but its alkalinity requires careful formulation. It is best used in rinse-off products and at low concentrations to avoid skin irritation. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has deemed it safe when formulated to be non-irritating.
Research notes
Studies show that sodium bicarbonate can effectively buffer pH and provide mild exfoliation. However, research also indicates that prolonged exposure to alkaline pH can disrupt the skin barrier, supporting the recommendation for limited use in leave-on products.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 5% in leave-on products; higher in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and EU CosIng database as a safe ingredient when used as intended.
- Common uses
- Exfoliating scrubs, Bath bombs, Deodorants, Toothpastes
- Environmental note
- Sodium bicarbonate is naturally occurring and biodegradable, making it a low-impact ingredient for the environment.
Good to know
- Sodium bicarbonate is the same ingredient as baking soda used in cooking.
- It is often combined with citric acid in bath bombs to create fizzing action.
- In deodorants, it helps neutralize odor by altering the pH of the skin surface.
Common questions
What is Sodium Bicarbonate in beauty products?
Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is a fine white powder that can be used in skincare to help balance pH or as a mild physical exfoliant. However, because it is alkaline (high pH), it can temporarily raise the skin's pH, which might irritate sensitive or dry skin. It's best used in rinse-off products like scrubs or bath bombs rather than leave-on formulas.
What does Sodium Bicarbonate do in a beauty product?
When applied to the skin, sodium bicarbonate can help neutralize acids and maintain a stable pH. As an abrasive, its fine crystals physically slough off dead skin cells when massaged. However, its alkalinity (pH around 8-9) can temporarily disrupt the skin's natural acidic barrier, which is why it's typically used in small amounts or in rinse-off products.
Is Sodium Bicarbonate safe for most people?
Sodium bicarbonate is generally safe for cosmetic use, but its alkalinity requires careful formulation. It is best used in rinse-off products and at low concentrations to avoid skin irritation. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has deemed it safe when formulated to be non-irritating.
Who should be careful with Sodium Bicarbonate?
Individuals with sensitive, dry, or compromised skin barriers Anyone with active eczema, rosacea, or open wounds
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.