Sodium Bicarbonate
A pH adjuster and mild abrasive. It sets the formula acidity and gives gentle exfoliation in scrubs. Well tolerated.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) is an alkaline mineral salt. INCI: Sodium Bicarbonate. In a formula it works as a pH adjuster and buffer, a mild abrasive in scrubs and toothpastes, and in effervescent products it creates bubbles. It also neutralizes odors in deodorants. It is a functional component, not a skincare active. Pregnancy safety. At cosmetic concentrations topical use is systemically negligible, with no evidence of harm. It can be used during pregnancy and lactation. Tolerance. Baking soda has an alkaline pH that does not match the skin's naturally mildly acidic pH, so at high concentrations and with frequent use it can irritate and disrupt the barrier. Dry and sensitive skin should avoid concentrated baking-soda products.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Bicarbonate safe during pregnancy?
Sodium Bicarbonate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sodium Bicarbonate for?
Sodium Bicarbonate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Sodium Bicarbonate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A pH adjuster and mild abrasive.
What's the INCI name for Sodium Bicarbonate?
The INCI name is Sodium Bicarbonate.
See Sodium Bicarbonate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
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