Baking soda

Bicarbonate of soda was known as far back as ancient Egypt, around 3500 BC, where it was used in the form of natron, a natural mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, mainly for mummifying the dead. Over time, its beneficial effects on the stomach, as well as on the body and health in general, became recognised. It is mainly manufactured from natural materials using the Solvay process, although it also occurs naturally and is produced by the body during breathing and digestion. Bicarbonate of soda has excellent skin-cleansing properties. It reduces inflammation and removes dead skin cells. It is great for tackling blackheads, as it can thoroughly cleanse pores. Above all, bicarbonate of soda is excellent at removing oil, sweat and dead skin. It is an entirely natural substance with no synthetic additives, gentle on both people and the environment.

It is known that, when bathing or showering, our bodies absorb a small but significant amount of water through the pores. Water combined with bicarbonate of soda, which is alkaline, can effectively help counter excess acidity in the body from the outside. Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, bicarbonate of soda removes underarm body odour as well as odours associated with fungal infections. Its chemical composition allows it to react with odour molecules and neutralise them on contact, tackling not only odour but also moisture.

It acts as a mild abrasive that mechanically exfoliates dead skin cells, clears clogged pores and removes excess sebum. Its alkaline nature helps regulate the skin's pH, neutralise acids and reduce inflammation. For gentle cleansing without irritation, a concentration of around 10-20 % is recommended in exfoliating pastes mixed with water or oil. It absorbs impurities and sweat, helping to restore the skin's balance. A study in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry showed that toothpaste containing 40-65 % bicarbonate of soda removed significantly more plaque and surface stains than toothpaste without it after 4 weeks of use. Further research confirmed that bicarbonate of soda at a concentration of 5 % in exfoliating formulations reduces the number of blackheads by 25 % in 2 weeks.

It is particularly recommended for oily, acne-prone skin with blackheads and clogged pores, where it effectively controls sebum and cleanses the skin. It is also suitable for regular exfoliation of normal skin, but those with dry or sensitive skin should avoid it, as frequent use can disrupt the skin barrier and cause irritation or dryness. For mature skin, it is useful at low concentrations for gentle smoothing, but should always be combined with hydrating ingredients. Do not use daily; ideally, use in scrubs 1-2x a week.