Baking soda on the face: benefits, risks, and how to use it safely (plus 4 gentle recipes).

You’ve probably seen videos promising that a simple kitchen ingredient like baking soda can eliminate blemishes, brighten dull skin, and give it a smooth, glass-like appearance—all in a single use. The promise of a natural and affordable solution to common skin problems is initially tempting. However, many people who try it later complain of tight, red, or even more irritated skin than before. The main problem usually lies in the alkaline nature of baking soda, which counteracts the skin’s naturally acidic protective layer. If, despite the warnings, you’re still considering