Baking soda—aka sodium bicarbonate, if you want to get scientific—is just one of those things that everyone should have because it is incredibly useful. Adding baking soda to a bath makes it a comforting, relaxing, and health-boosting soak with a boatload of benefits. Although it may not have the glitz and glamor (or the price tag) of many other ingredients in the marketplace, baking soda might just top the charts for the most versatile beauty ingredient.
Don’t get baking soda mixed up with baking powder. While they are similar, baking powder isn’t going to give you the results that you’re looking for. Baking powders usually have weak acids in them, but we need our baking soda to be 100% basic (on the pH scale, obvi), coming from sodium bicarbonate.
The reason baking soda works so well is because it’s alkaline and, when combined with water, makes the water slightly more alkaline, too. You can feel the difference as soon as you add it—the water seems a little more silky without feeling outright slippery on your skin.
Adding baking soda to your bath can reduce skin irritation and itching and also provide detoxifying benefits. Read on to learn when and how to use baking soda in the bath!
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How to Take a Baking Soda Bath
You can add up to 2 cups of baking soda to your bathtub for the perfect soak, but feel free to adjust this to your preferences. You can also do a couple of things to prep your body to make the most of the bath as well.
If you’re not hopping into the tub to sort out your skin issues (further details on this below), you’ll want to use a dry brush all over your body before getting in. Dry brushing helps remove any dead skin cells and other buildup, so you can get the most detoxifying and purifying benefits from your bath. Make sure always to brush in the direction of your heart to boost circulation.
There’s no reason that you shouldn’t light a few candles, put on some tunes, and make it a super blissful experience! If you’re a fan of bath bombs but find the added fragrance and color just too much for your skin, baking soda is a great alternative (plus, it’s actually good for you!)
Baking Soda Bath Benefits
Want to know exactly what baking soda can do for you when added to a warm bath? Here are 13 reasons why you should be doing a baking soda soak on the regular.
1. Soothe Eczema
Eczema is an incredibly common skin condition. Only eczema sufferers know how itchy and horribly uncomfortable it can be (including me!) Studies have found that frequent baking soda baths can help relieve the severe itching that comes with eczema [source].
Eczema is often coined “the itch that rashes,” so controlling the itch is key to soothing flare-ups and healing your skin. Also, it’s super important that you use lukewarm water for eczema rather than steaming hot water, which can dry and inflame your skin further.
Pat skin dry when you get out and apply a soothing eczema cream. You can repeat this baking soda bath 2-3 times a week to relieve itching and soothe irritated skin.
- ½ – 1 cup baking soda
- Oatmeal (place in a muslin bag or sock) and squeeze in the bath water
Fill the bathtub with warm water and add the baking soda and oatmeal. Soak for about 15-20 minutes to soothe irritated skin.
2. Detox Your Body
If you’re feeling sluggish and under the weather for no obvious reason, you might just need a detox bath to perk you up again. Baking soda is amazing for cleansing and removing toxins from your whole body, which boosts your immune system and energy.
Drawing impurities and toxins out of the skin while softening at the same time—is there anything baking soda can’t do?!
- 1 cup baking soda
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- A few drops of your preferred detoxifying essential oil (e.g., lemon, juniper, or grapefruit)
Soak for 20-30 minutes to relax and potentially aid in detoxification. Stay hydrated by drinking water afterward.
3. Relieve Sore Muscles
Another must-have for everyone’s medicine cabinet, Epsom salts (aka magnesium sulfate), when combined with baking soda, make an excellent therapeutic soak for soothing sore muscles after a gym sesh. Recovery is key to making good progress with your workout routine—so be sure to do a therapeutic muscle soak at least once a week.
Dissolve the baking soda and Epsom salt in a warm bath. Add the essential oil for muscle relaxation. Soak for 20-30 minutes to ease muscle soreness.
4. Calm Hives
If you’ve ever had hives, you know that the need to scratch is something terrible. The skin gets raised, raw, and red, and there’s not a lot you can do about it short of applying steroid creams.
If you have already seen your doctor for medical treatment, try taking a cool bath with a little baking soda sprinkled in.
- ½ cup baking soda
- Cool water
Stay in this medicinal bath for about 10–15 minutes, and then get out and gently blot the skin dry with a towel.
5. Soothe Poison Ivy
If you’ve accidentally encountered some poison ivy or poison oak leaves, baking soda is a perfect natural remedy. A 1-2 cups added to a lukewarm bath will help relieve the itching.
- 1-2 cups baking soda
- A few drops of chamomile or tea tree essential oil
- Warm water
Soak for 15-20 minutes to relieve itching and reduce inflammation caused by poison ivy or similar skin irritants.
Or, for a more concentrated treatment, a paste of water and baking soda can be directly applied to the skin to calm the inflammation and itching.
6. Eliminate Odors
Sometimes, that body odor just gets to you, doesn’t it? When you’ve been ill or are fighting a hangover, the detoxification process your body goes through can be overwhelming, especially when you feel like you can’t get rid of that lingering smell coming out of your pores.
Long known for its ability to absorb odors in refrigerators, kitchen waste, and even rooms, baking soda is a perfect addition to your cleansing bath to lift and clear out the smells [source], leaving you feeling clean and refreshed without requiring masking perfumes.
- 1 cup baking soda
- Warm water
Dissolve baking soda in warm bathwater. Soak for 15-20 minutes to help eliminate body odors.
7. Help Fight Skin Fungus
Baking soda has unique antifungal properties that could help resolve skin or nail fungus issues. The fungal infection will sometimes show itself as a discolored nail (girl, I hope you didn’t go to a sketchy nail salon!) or an odd rash.
Along with using the medication your doctor prescribes, regular baking soda soaks can inhibit the growth of the fungus and get your skin back to normal [source].
Give your bath an antifungal boost by adding tea tree essential oil. Mix 6 drops with a tablespoon of carrier oil and swish into the bath to relax tired feet and reduce foot odor.
- ½ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup Epsom salt
- A few drops of tea tree essential oil mixed with carrier oil
Mix baking soda, Epsom salt, and essential oil in warm water. Soak affected areas for 15-20 minutes to help combat fungal skin issues.
8. Soothe Diaper Rash
And baking soda baths aren’t just for adults—they are safe enough for babies’ skin, too. Adding a few teaspoons to a baby’s bath can help soothe and heal their sensitive skin from diaper rash.
Gently clean and pat dry afterward. Consult with a pediatrician for severe or persistent diaper rash.
9. Congestion Relief
When used in a warm bath, baking soda can help relieve congestion by creating a soothing environment. The warm water and steam can help open nasal passages and ease sinus discomfort. The baking soda’s alkaline properties may also help reduce irritation.
Benefit: Eases congestion and sinus discomfort during colds or allergies.
10. Stress and Anxiety Reduction
A warm baking soda bath can have a calming effect on the mind and body, making it a soothing experience that helps reduce stress and anxiety. Baking soda’s alkaline nature combined with lavender can contribute to a sense of well-being and relaxation.
Benefit: Promotes relaxation and helps reduce stress and anxiety.
11. Dry Skin Hydration
Baking soda can help hydrate dry skin by balancing pH levels and promoting moisture retention. When added to a warm bath, it can soften the skin and alleviate dryness. However, it’s essential to follow up with moisturizer after the bath to lock in hydration.
- ½ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
- Warm water
Benefit: Moisturizes and hydrates dry skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
12. Menstrual Cramp Relief
Soaking in a warm baking soda bath may help ease menstrual cramps. The warm water and warming ginger oil can relax muscles and reduce muscle tension, which can contribute to pain relief.
Benefit: May help ease menstrual cramps and provide comfort during menstruation.
13. Sunburn Relief
Baking soda is often used to relieve sunburn symptoms. When added to a bath, it can provide sunburn relief by cooling and soothing the skin. It may help reduce redness, itching, and discomfort associated with sunburn.
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 cup full fat milk or coconut milk
- A few drops of chamomile essential oil (optional)
- Cool water
Benefit: Cools and soothes sunburned skin, reducing redness and discomfort.
Baking Soda Bath Instructions
A baking soda bath can be a soothing and relaxing way to help alleviate skin irritation, such as sunburn, insect bites, or rashes. Here’s how to get the most out of a gentle and calming baking soda bath:
Fill the Bathtub: Start by filling your bathtub with warm water. Ensure that the water temperature is comfortable for you but not too hot, as hot water can be harsh on the skin.
Add Baking Soda: While the bathtub is filling, add the baking soda. The recommended amount is usually ½ to 1 cup of baking soda for a standard-sized bathtub. You can increase to about 2 cups if you’d like.
Stir or Agitate: Gently stir the water with your hand to help dissolve the baking soda. Ensure that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the bathwater.
Soak: Once the baking soda is dissolved and the water is ready, step into the bathtub and soak for about 15-30 minutes. You can relax, read a book, or simply enjoy the soothing experience.
Rinse: After your soak, gently rinse off with clean, lukewarm water to remove any residual baking soda from your skin. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Moisturize: To lock in moisture, apply a moisturizing lotion or cream to your skin immediately after the bath, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.
FAQ
Yes. Always use a clean, high-quality baking soda for your bath.
A baking soda bath is generally effective after soaking for about 15-30 minutes, but if you want to stay in longer, that’s fine.
Typically, you can use ½ to 1 cup of baking soda for a standard-sized bathtub. However, you can adjust the amount based on your preference. But don’t go overboard, as excessive baking soda can leave your skin feeling dry.
Baking Soda Bath Soak
Instructions
Mix the baking soda and Epsom salt together in a bowl and add the essential oils. The oils will be absorbed into the baking soda and salt, instead of sitting on top of the water in your bath.
Add to a warm bath, and soak for 20–40 minutes.
Can repeat up to twice a week.
Notes
More Baking Soda Baths
Congestion Relief
Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Dry Skin Hydration
Benefit: Moisturizes and hydrates dry skin, leaving it soft and smooth.Menstrual Cramp Relief
Benefit: May help ease menstrual cramps and provide comfort during menstruation.Sunburn Relief
Benefit: Cools and soothes sunburned skin, reducing redness and discomfort.This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than 20 years of practice experience. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
Photos by Ana Stanciu
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