Claims that baking soda removes dark spots, wrinkles, and dark circles are not supported by good scientific evidence. In fact, using baking soda on your face can do more harm than good.
Here’s why:
- Dark spots (hyperpigmentation): There’s no reliable evidence that baking soda fades them. More effective ingredients include vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, retinoids, and sunscreen.
- Wrinkles: Baking soda does not stimulate collagen or reduce wrinkles. Retinoids, sunscreen, and some peptide-containing products have much stronger evidence.
- Dark circles: These can be caused by genetics, thin skin, allergies, lack of sleep, or blood vessels showing through the skin. Baking soda won’t address these causes.
Risks of using baking soda on your face
- It is highly alkaline, while healthy skin is naturally slightly acidic.
- It can damage the skin barrier, leading to:
- Dryness
- Redness
- Irritation
- Increased sensitivity
- For some people, repeated use may actually worsen skin problems.
Better approaches
- For dark spots: Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, plus ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, or retinoids.
- For wrinkles: Sun protection, retinoids, moisturizers, and avoiding smoking.
- For dark circles: Get adequate sleep, treat allergies if present, use sunscreen around the eyes, and consider products with caffeine or retinol formulated for the eye area.
If you have persistent or severe pigmentation or wrinkles and want faster results, a dermatologist can discuss options such as prescription creams, chemical peels, or laser treatments.
Overall, baking soda is better kept for cleaning and baking than for facial skincare.
