Did you know you can use baking soda for blackheads? Make this super easy baking soda paste to exfoliate your skin and get rid of those pesky blackheads!
Last week, I shared with you my no-soap facial cleanser: The Oil-Cleansing Method (OCM). Honestly, I didn’t expect that post be so popular, mostly because it’s been discussed so many times by so many other blogs! But it just goes to show time and time again, it’s the post that you never expect, that are the ones to take off. 🙂
So this week, we’re tackling blackheads. Yeah, I said it – black. heads. We all have them. We don’t like to talk about them. But they’re there, nuzzled ever so comfortably in our pores. Some more visible than others. And honestly, they’re more annoying than harmful when you really think about it.
Crunchy Betty gives a pretty good run down of what exactly those little black things are:
Blackheads are just pimples that don’t have skin over them. That’s all they are. Because there’s no skin, and they’re exposed to the air, the top layer of gunk in your pores oxidizes and turns that darkish black color. (Source)
Alright, easy enough. So now that we know what they are, let’s get to the real point of this post and talk about how were going to get rid of those bad boys once and for all – or at least as best as we can.
I present to you, the cheapest, homemade skin exfoliant/blackhead warrior:
Baking soda! Yep, that good old box of baking soda that we talk about so often here at Nature’s Nurture. The box says it’s for baking, cleaning, and deodorizing, but I’d like to add yet another use for this stuff: exfoliant.
This stuff is awesome at not just scrubbing away dead skin cells, leaving your skin soft and smooth; it’s also an excellent contender against those nasty, pesky blackheads. And because baking soda helps neutralize your skin’s pH, your skin will start to produce less oil, and eventually, with regular treatment, your blackheads will be a thing of the past!
So here’s the super easy “recipe” for fighting black heads with baking soda. There are also some helpful notes at the bottom with extra tips and pointers to help make this method work better for you. And finally, I’ve included some other sources, which provide some extra information on fighting blackheads.
Baking Soda for Blackheads
Equipment
- 1 Wash cloth optional
Ingredients
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp water (or enough to make a paste
- apple cider vinegar (dilute with water to use as toner afterwards)
Instructions
- Mix the baking soda and water to form a paste.
- Splash your face a few times with warm water to open up your pores. Or wet a wash cloth with very hot water and drape it over your face until it cools down. This helps open up your pores to loosen up the dirt and impurities.
- Apply the baking soda paste to your face, concentrating on the blackhead areas (usually the T-zone).
- Gently massage (don't rub too hard!) the paste into your skin to exfoliate and loosen up dead skin, blackheads, and any other dirt lurking underneath the surface.
- Leave the paste on your skin for at least a minute.
- Rinse off the paste with warm water.
- Give your face a final splash with cold water to help restrict the pores, preventing more dirt from entering.
- To help bring your skin back to its natural pH, apply a little diluted apple cider vinegar to a cotton pad and apply to your skin as a toner afterwards.
Extra Notes
- If you are allergic to baking soda (or have sensitive skin), your skin may become irritated and red after using baking soda. Please take extra precaution, and stop using it immediately if you feel you are damaging your skin.
- Splashing your face with warm water beforehand is very important, as it helps open up your pores to loosen the dirt and impurities. For extra pore-opening action, you may wish to do a mini-facial steam for a few minutes. Just hold your face over a pot of boiling water while draping a towel over your head to keep the steam in.
- Although this post is about blackheads, I still use this all over my entire face, because it’s just such a great exfoliant! I used to use the St. Ives Apricot Scrub, but it’s been replaced with simple baking soda.
- I use this just once a week, which is perfect for a good deep cleaning at the end of a long week.
More Resources
- 5 Natural Ways to Remove Blackheads by Crunchy Betty
- Could Jojoba Oil Be Your Cure for Blackheads? from Holistic Health Herbalist
- How to Remove Blackheads Naturally by LifeSanity
- Pore Refining Mask with Egg Whites by The Sprouting Seed
- Garlic and Oatmeal Scrub for Blackheads by Holistic Saffron
- How to Get Rid of Blackheads Naturally by Health Ambition
Hi. I will definitely be trying the baking soda. But what will you suggest a person use as a daily cleanser?
Some soaps dry to much and others just causes more breakouts. So I am also desperate to try new things as I have been buying a lot of products. Would appreciate any help. Thanks
Hey Roselen,
Honestly I don’t even use a daily cleanser. I do the Oil Cleansing Method, which you can read about here: https://naturesnurture.co/oil-cleansing-method/
But I do understand the need for a daily cleanser that some may have, and for that, I really like this avocado facial bar from The Olive Tree Soap Co.
What exactly is supposed to happen when using this? Will it make the blackheads completely disappear?
If that’s the case, I’m guessing some people it may take longer for it to make them disappear?
Baking soda acts as an exfoliant so it helps scrub away the dead skin cells. It also neutralizes your skin’s pH which helps it produce less oil, leading to less blackheads. It’s not going to work from the first time (although your skin will definitely feel much smoother after the first time), but with regular use (once or twice a week), your skin should show signs of improvement.
After I tone the skin, can I moisturize?
You could if you feel the need; just make sure it’s not something that will clog up those freshly cleaned pores 😉
Hi. Can i use other vinegar instead of apple vinegar as toner?
No, only raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar should be used. If you can’t find it near you, you can try diluted lemon juice or witch hazel.
Is it okay if I don’t tone my face ? Like massage my face with baking soda then rinse it .. Coz I really dont
The baking soda changes the ph of your skin, so the toner helps bring it back to a balanced ph. You shouldn’t be using this scrub more than once a week or so, so you’d only be toning once a week, really. 🙂
I’ve recently discovered that my son has a really bad case of back blackheads. Think this would work for him?
Hey Judie,
I’m not sure if this alone will help, but you can check out this great post from Crunchy Betty which has more tips that can help: http://www.crunchybetty.com/5-natural-ways-to-remove-blackheads
My mum told me NOT to use pore strips. They strip and enlarge your pores and do more harm to your pores than help.
I would like to try lemon/honey though.
Can i use this method everyday? and instead of cider vinegar, can i use calamansi juice extract?
I wouldn’t use this more than once or twice a week because baking soda is pretty abrasive. I’ve never heard of calamari juice so I wouldn’t know about that – sorry.
You should be aware that in different countries baking soda has different names. In the UK baking soda is bicarbonate of soda and baking powder is not baking soda it can cause confusion. I’m always getting them the wrong way round 😉
We spent thousands of dollars on facial scrubs and dermatologists for our daughter who had acne as a teen & finally did my own research and baking soda & honey cleared up her face & was much cheaper 🙂
Amazing, Tabitha – thanks so much for sharing!
In the aesthetics world we call this desincrustation,. Appetizing word, huh?! Baking soda as a mask and exfoliant for oily and acneic works wonders. It can be drying, so more than once a week is not advised. Use a pH balancing toner (diluted acv or witch hazel would work) and a moisturizer after. Yay baking soda! In an aesthetic office we add a galvanic machine to the service for even better results.
Awesome, thanks for sharing, Jenne!
What works best for toner, acv or lemon juice?
My personal preference is ACV 🙂
very informative.thnx maybe i should try this.
Is it safe to use baking soda everyday ? Thanks.
No, a couple times a week should be ok. Make sure to tone afterwards with diluted apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
You have to dilute the acv, correct?
Yes, I do a 50:50 dilution. Just added that part to the directions. Thanks for pointing that out!
hey guys, i tried this and it didn’t work well for me at all… the baking soda paste is a great exfoliate, but make sure you rinse it ALL off good, especially us that wear glasses, the grittiness can become a real bother lol trust me, I found out the hard way. It also took way more than a teaspoon of baking soda to make the “paste”… I made it per instructions and it didn’t even dry on my face because it was too wet. It also didn’t do anything for my blackheads, save making them slightly more noticeable lol I’ve also heard that using baking soda and honey was a viable alternative, any ideas on that one?
Hey Zach, I actually have another post on using baking soda and honey to wash and exfoliate: https://naturesnurture.co/exfoliating-honey-mask-scrub/
What are your thoughts on using the clarasonic Mia for exfoliating with the baking soda? Do I still need to cleanse before using the baking soda?
I have tryed this and it works . My face looks and feels great.thank you
Great! You’re very welcome!
Last question 🙂 do you apply moisturiser after using this method?
I like to dab a small amount of coconut oil on as a moisturizer. 🙂
Could i use this method once everyday?
Using this daily would be too harsh on the skin, since although baking soda is fairly gentle, it’s still an abrasive. I wouldn’t do more than once or twice a week at most.
Can we use any toner after using baking soda & after that moisturizer.
I would use either apple cider vinegar or witch hazel as a toner. And then I usually use coconut oil to moisturize.
So i only use this once a week? and I’ve also saw were people use a toothbrush toothpaste baking soda and water then scrub it with the toothbrush. Or I’ve seen were they just mix water and baking soda then let it dry.
Scrubbing the face with a toothbrush? No, I think that’s a bit harsh on the skin. Just using your fingers is fine. And yes, you can also just let it dry on the skin after you’ve scrubbed, and let it act as a mask, then wash with warm water. Yes, only once a week is enough, as baking soda can be quite abrasive, especially for sensitive skin. Just remember to tone afterwards!
The oil method was a NIGHTMARE for me! I am still trying to recover from it! Going to try BS and water, someone said milk but I will try this first!
I have been using baking soda as a facial cleanser for the last few months and cannot
believe the difference in my skin! My only regret-I wished I would have used it sooner. I
alternate in between with an olive oil/sugar scrub but my skin has never felt or looked
better. baking soda is inexpensive and a miracle worker on the skin.
That’s awesome, Tracy!
I have been amazed when i open this website i have been starting using baking soda since from January 2013, what i have done is to observe first a hand sanitation so i have seen that it smoothies my skin, so i planned to use as a bathing cleanser so it was great i feel comfortable, i feel younger i am 45 years old now i feeling back as early 30 years of age, i did not look the internet how to use as it what i did i have made a study with, Baking soda is a miracle healing power for the past four months i have using it every taking a bath even without using a bath soup. My experience in using soda is too long to tell here because there is so many result as what i have get while using the baking soda. every taking a bath i used baking soda even i used it for a toothpaste so great. even in an insect inside the ear of my son i used it about two hour he sleep as well,what i did i used a cotton bud deep in the water and deep into the baking soda and wait the soda dissolved and i dip inside into ear my son just like cleaning your ear that is it. I have many more thing to tell you just email me misael_ordenal@yahoo.com thank you.
Thanks for all the useful tips! I’ve been looking for an easy, natural, homemade exfoliant. Baking soda is a miracle! Dirt cheap, and cleans everything from bathroom mildew to odiferous laundry to pimples! My husband has been using baking soda as a dandruff shampoo–he loves it, but I find it dries my scalp out too much. (I’m doing the coconut oil massage instead.)
I just wanted to add: some people find success treating acne with dietary changes. For me, for example, dairy products reliably make me break out. (Sometimes I just can’t resist, and know I’m going to pay the price for that yummy cheese plate with pimples later.) Wish I’d known about that when I was a teenager!
My husband had atrocious acne when he was a teen–the dermatologist told him it was the worst case he’d ever seen. He was prescribed strong antibiotics that led to chronic health problems for years later. In his quest to heal from those, he discovered that he is extremely sensitive to gluten–probably undiagnosed celiac sprue. What if he had known to try a gluten-free diet back when he was a pizza-faced kid? Certainly acne of that severity is a sign of some internal imbalance. After all, our skin is the body’s means of excreting toxins–whatever our particular body finds toxic.
Ah, life. A journey of self-knowledge. Thanks for your blog.
Some great reflections, Dawn. Thanks for sharing. And yes, when we know better, we do better!
will definitely share and try.
Great post. I just used baking soda a while ago after cleansing my face.
It sure makes your skin fresh & cleansed. I’m really convinced. 🙂
How often is it safe to use?
Sarah
PrettyGloss – beauty, makeup & a lil life
Once or twice a week is enough!
I love this ! And i absolutely love that you are so friendly. Thanks for the help, my face looks absolutely softer and no blackheads with one use ! 🙂
You’re very welcome, Yella!
Thanks for the advice I’ll try it out and if it works you girls/guys are stars to me!
🙂 thanks!
This is a very useful article. I think that this is this the best remedy of all. have been using this formula for at least 6 months and I have seen less than 5 pimples in that time.
I just tried the baking soda mixed with pure honey (didn’t have the raw kind) and lemon (the vitamin C is good for your skin). Unfortunately, my face itched like crazy for after using the scrub. Will probably try using an oatmeal scrub instead.
I’ve also heard that because baking soda is alkaline, it will destroy the acidic mantle (your body’s natural protective coating of oil) on your skin, and therefore should never be used as a skin cleanser. Has anyone else heard this as well?
Hey Heather, I’m so sorry this made you itchy! As I’ve mentioned in the notes, your skin may be sensitive to baking soda, so you’re advised to stop using it if it causes irritation. And yes, baking soda is alkaline, which is why I also say to use some apple cider vinegar as a toner to help balance the pH after using it. Wait, I just realized that you said you did the honey scrub (but you’re commenting on the baking soda for blackheads post), so I’ll go ahead and add those to disclaimers to the notes section on the honey scrub post. 🙂
And an oatmeal scrub sounds lovely!
I’m confused. is it safe to use the baking soda in the mentioned blackhead cleanser or not?
Yes, it is safe! Everyone’s skin is different, however, so if you experience irritation or sensitivity, then it’s not for you.
If you didn’t have baking soda, would it be safe to replace it with baking powder? Or is it not the same..?
No, they’re not the same.
Yes, baking soda works wonders for cleansing and tightening pores! Afterwards, I usually apply a thin layer of vitamin E ointment.
Nice. Love the vit E addition!
is it okay if you use baking soda, honey, and olive oil everyday or baking soda everyday? are you suppose to use any face lotion after you wash your face with the baking soda, because my face is oily and has a lot of acne and sunburn and i would like to try this and if it works for my acne and sunburn. Thank you
The honey is ok to use everyday. The baking soda, however, is a bit harsh to be using it everyday. I only use it about once or twice a week at most. After the baking soda scrub, it’s best to use a toner to help tone the skin. Either apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or witch hazel are great for this.
Baking soda works for me but I feel like it’s only short term like before a big day or something. I’m looking for more long term solutions. My friend recommended off with those heads by b.liv she says it works like magic, in two weeks or so, she said it even closed up her pores. I’m doing a little more research on the product. http://www.cellnique.com/cellnique/off-with-those-heads-45m.html
It has a guarantee so I’m thinking it’ll work. I’ll let you know the results!
Great! I’d love to hear the results on that, Marcie!
After exfoliating with the baking soda, how long before you can cleanse your face using the OCM? Can you do it immediately following the exfoliation to help moisturizer your skin?
Hey Ashley, actually right after the baking soda scrub, it’s best to neutralize your skin’s pH with something like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, etc Then I you feel the need to moisturizer afterwards, you can use a little coconut oil (or oil of choice).
What I do is I do the baking soda scrub in the morning (about once a week or so) and the OCM.
Hope that helps!
Can I use baking powder instead of using baking soda? is it safe?
No, they are not the same thing.
never use baking powder on your skin.
Thanks for sharing these tips. I’ve battled with blackheads for 2 decades now, yikes! I’m not even forty but want to get my skin to look healthy and feel better.
Thanks Ash! You’re absolutely right, I can’t believe I forgot to put that in the post, as I usually do tone with either ACV or some lemon juice. I’ll update the post now. Thanks again! 🙂
CAN YOU USE BAKING POWDER INSTEAD OF BAKING SODA?!
No, they are not interchangeable like that. It must be baking soda.
How long does it take to see results, and I use a lot of make-up.. It wouldn’t help to put make-up on afterwards, would it?
Really depends on a lot of factors, but it’s always a slow, gradual process. Yes, putting on makeup afterwards is probably not going to be helpful. You can add this to your nightly routine (not every single night though), so at least your pores can rest overnight. Best of luck!
Hi there,
How would you pair this up with the oil cleansing method? I just started using the oil method (75% jojoba, 25% castor). I don’t want to overload my skin but this sounds too good to pass up. If I did it once a week- would I do this before oil method or after?
Thanks!
Hi Mauri!
I just do it about once a week and on a day (or night) that I’m not doing OCM, since I don’t do that everyday. Hope that helps and good luck! 🙂
Hello =D Just tried this trick on hubby yesterday and it works! However, next time I will try to perform mini-facial steam that you recommended, before applying the baking soda paste. Even though we managed to get rid of some blackheads, but there are still a lot to clean. They are quite deep in the skin. Plan to do it again next week =) Can’t wait to see my hubby’s blackheads-free face =D
Thanks for the tips!!!
Hi Sofia – I have not tried this method, but it looks interesting and might be a good option for your husband – a DIY pore strip using gelatin. http://petitelefant.com/how-to-pore-strips/
Going to try this right away. Thx! Do you also have anything that helps tighten pores? (Perhaps this will!) I have developed a few large pores around my nose, which just ages the look of my skin.
I love this – sending the post to my son :). Visiting from Deep Roots at Home
I love this! My oldest son even tried it on his greasy hands (car part grease), and it worked great!
Thanks for sharing with my Super Link Party! 🙂
Oh, my! Would you link this one up, too?? I think we have a use for it here 😉 I would like to feature it next week on ‘Encourage One Another’ Wednesday, please 🙂 Thank you!!
Haha, of course! Thanks so much!
I just used baking soda the other night as an exfoliant. My skin definitely felt better but I didn’t let it sit in for a minute. I’ll definitely try that next time. And I’ve heard of the OCM too – I really want to try it. Do you have a homemade moisturizer recipe?
I would definitely let it sit for a minute, Tracey, since it helps kill any lurking bacteria beneath the surface. But when I’m in a hurry, I just exfoliate and go 😉 OCM is amazing, you should definitely try it out for at least a week and see what you think! As for moisturizer, I just rub a tiny dab of coconut oil between my fingers and apply it to my face – a little goes a long way!
I had no idea! Thanks for sharing! I’m loving your Natural Skin Care series and i’m looking forward to your next post =)
Thanks, Trisha! Glad you’re enjoying the series so far 🙂
Great post! I am definitely going to try this! Would you be interested in sharing this post or a short version of it on my blog with a link back to your blog? Let me know! You can email me at lrbroach@gmail.com or drop me a line on facebook 🙂
Thanks Laura, of course I’d be interested! I’ll email you 🙂
is it safe to do this everyday?…i plan to do this to my whole body…i wish to have a smoother and whiter skin…if baking soda is not the answer..can you suggest any other home made solution for me?thank you in advance
I definitely wouldn’t use this everyday – it’s much to abrasive for everyday use. I would probably use a sugar scrub for the whole body, which is better for everyday use: https://naturesnurture.co/homemade-coconut-lavender-body-scrub/
I would have never thought to use baking soda! Thanks for the walk through of how to do this…
You’re very welcome, Audrey 🙂 It’s amazing how simple most things are when we really try to get back to the basics!
I use this all the time and it really works! I like to mix mine with a little honey instead of water, because honey has natural antibacterial properties. Thanks for your post 🙂
You’re ahead of the ball, Laura! Next week’s post will be all about honey! 🙂
Please tell me that what i can used to baking powder on my face to get rid blackheads.
What if I apply lotion does that create more grease or what?? please answer if you can : )
Lotion? Like body lotion? I wouldn’t put that on my face unless it was made specifically for the face. Either way, I just dab a little bit of oil if I need a moisturizer. Coconut oil or jojoba oil are my oils of choice.
I add coconut oil and baking soda in a ziplock bag and keep it in the shower. I rub it onto my face in am and pm. I have seen a change for the better. Good luck!
Thanks for the tip about the honey! Genius, I will be trying that later tonight.