Viral skincare trends can be tempting, but not all are safe. One dangerous practice gaining attention is using baking soda on your face. Dermatologists warn that this DIY hack can seriously damage your skin.
Recently, this baking soda face-wash hack has been trending across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where users claim it helps clear acne and reduce oiliness. Dr. Heather Rogers, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, posted her video in response to one such viral clip, warning viewers about the potential harm of applying baking soda directly to facial skin.
Dr. Heather Rogers, MD, emphasizes on her Instagram reel, “I feel it is my responsibility as a physician to speak out. Do not wash your face with baking soda. Do not use it as a mask on your face.”
Skin pH measures how acidic or alkaline your skin is, on a scale of 0 to 14. Healthy skin is slightly acidic, around pH 5.5, which helps maintain its natural barrier, retain moisture, and protect against harmful bacteria. This slightly acidic layer, known as the “acid mantle,” acts as a protective barrier that helps fight off bacteria and environmental damage. When skin pH is disrupted by harsh cleansers, diet, or environmental factors, it can lead to dryness, irritation, acne, or sensitivity.
Chronic conditions like eczema and rosacea are also linked to imbalanced pH. Since pH varies across body areas, monitoring it through gentle skincare and consulting a dermatologist when issues persist is essential for maintaining healthy, resilient skin. 1
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a basic compound. When dissolved in water, it creates an alkaline solution, with a 0.1 molar concentration typically reaching a pH of about 8.3.
Dr. Rogers explains:
"Using baking soda raises the pH, damages the acid mantle, and weakens the skin barrier. This leaves skin more prone to irritation and infection."
This imbalance may result in dryness, overproduction of oil, and increased risk of acne, highlighting the importance of maintaining the skin’s natural acidity for overall skin health.2
Baking soda may temporarily feel cleansing because it removes excess oil and dirt, but doing so also strips away essential natural oils that keep the skin moisturized. Over time, this leads to barrier dysfunction and increased sensitivity. 4
Baking soda’s harsh texture can create microtears in the skin. These tiny injuries cause tightness, stinging, and long-term irritation. Dr. Rogers notes that repeated use can lead to hyperpigmentation, especially in people of color.
Grainy texture of baking soda can act like an abrasive scrub, physically damaging the top layer of the skin. This can worsen existing skin conditions like acne, eczema, or rosacea, rather than improving them. 5
Contrary to viral claims, baking soda does not help with acne. For inflamed or pimple-prone skin, Dr. Rogers advises, “Find a cleanser, find a treatment that works. Clay is fantastic for helping with pores. Glycolic acid can help with hyperpigmentation, but don’t use baking soda.”
Baking soda has mild antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, there is no clinical research proving its effectiveness in treating acne. In fact, its alkaline nature can disturb the balance of acne-causing bacteria, making breakouts worse. 6
pH Level: Approximately 5.0–6.0
Key Ingredients: Tea Tree Oil, Betaine Salicylate
pH Level: Balanced to match skin's natural pH
Key Ingredients: Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E
pH Level: 5.5
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Vitamin B5, Calendula Extract
pH Level: Approximately 6.3
Key Ingredients: Non-irritating, fragrance-free formula
pH Level: Balanced to match skin's natural pH
Key Ingredients: Oat Extract, Fragrance-Free
Caution Note: Dermatologists strongly advise against experimenting with home remedies involving harsh or alkaline ingredients like baking soda. If you are struggling with acne, sensitivity, or irritation, consult a qualified dermatologist before trying any new skincare trend. Personalized guidance from a specialist can prevent lasting damage and help you choose treatments that genuinely suit your skin type.
1. Cleveland Clinic. “What Is Skin pH?” Cleveland Clinic, May 4, 2023. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-skin-ph.
2. Whitestone Family Dentistry. "Health Benefits of Baking Soda and Lemon Juice." Whitestone Family Dentistry, October 4, 2019. Accessed October 8, 2025. https://whitestonefamilydentistry.com/health-benefits-of-baking-soda-and-lemon-juice/.
3. American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). “How to Wash Your Face.” Updated 2024. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/how-to-wash-your-face.
4. “Scaly Skin and Bath pH: Rediscovering Baking Soda.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622%2809%2900493-9/.
5. Newell, Jen (Dr. Jen Newell, ND). “Why You Should Never Use Baking Soda on Your Skin.” NewellND, January 8, 2018. https://newellnd.ca/2018/01/08/baking-soda.
6. Dugué, Carline, Maya Baiyasi, Shanelle Jackson, Starling Tolliver, and Steven Daveluy. “Baking Soda and the Skin: A Review of Baking Soda in Dermatology.” Journal of Integrative Dermatology 1, no. 1 (August 2024). https://doi.org/10.64550/joid.xph19q87.
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