Sodium Bicarbonate
Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Baking Soda
A synthetic inorganic salt more commonly known as baking soda | Used as a pH adjuster, buffering agent, and abrasive in cosmetics
At a glance
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Sodium Bicarbonate?
A synthetic inorganic salt more commonly known as baking soda. It has many functions in cosmetics, including pH adjuster, buffering agent, and abrasive, such as in face or body scrubs. When used in small amounts to adjust and maintain the pH of cosmetic products, baking soda is not a problem for skin; however, when used among the main ingredient in scrub products, it’s simply too abrasive and an ingredient we don’t recommend. The rating for this ingredient pertains to its benefit as a pH adjuster and buffering agent.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Pubchem, Accessed November 2021, ePublication [https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sodium-Bicarbonate]
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Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, May 2010, pages 885-886 [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20398816/]
How widely it's used
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- SODIUM BICARBONATE
- INN Name
- sodium bicarbonate
- EC Number
- 205-633-8
- Pharmacopoeia Name
- natrii hydrogenocarbonas
- Function
- Abrasive, Buffering, Deodorant, Oral Care, Skin Protecting
From the Clinic
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