Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a staple in most households for its versatility in cooking, cleaning, and even personal care.

This white powder has long been a go-to ingredient for solving common household problems, but did you know that it can also work wonders for your beauty routine? In this article, we’ve rounded up 30 of the most surprising ways you can use baking soda to enhance your beauty regimen, from hair and skin care to teeth whitening and more.

1. Exfoliate your Skin

Baking soda is an excellent natural exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin smoother and brighter. Simply mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste, and gently massage it onto your skin in circular motions.

Rinse off with warm water and follow up with your favorite moisturizer.

2. Soothe Sunburned Skin

If you’ve spent too much time in the sun and your skin is feeling the burn, baking soda can come to the rescue. Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste, and apply it to the affected areas.

This will help to soothe the burn and reduce inflammation.

3. DIY Deodorant

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can be used as a DIY deodorant to keep you smelling fresh all day long. Mix equal parts baking soda and arrowroot powder, and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for scent.

Dust a small amount onto your underarms to stay odor-free.

4. Remove Buildup from Hair

If you use a lot of hair products, you may notice that your hair starts to feel weighed down and greasy. Baking soda can help to remove buildup and leave your hair feeling clean and refreshed.

Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with your regular shampoo, or create a paste with baking soda and water and use it as a shampoo alternative.

5. Brighten Yellow Nails

If your nails are yellowed from constant use of dark nail polish, baking soda can help to brighten them up. Mix baking soda and enough hydrogen peroxide to form a paste, and use a nail brush to massage the mixture into your nails.

Rinse off with warm water and repeat as needed.

6. Soothe Bug Bites

Baking soda can help to reduce inflammation and itching from bug bites. Create a paste with baking soda and water, and apply it directly to the affected area. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.

7. DIY Facial Scrub

Baking soda is gentle enough to use as a DIY facial scrub, but effective enough to leave your skin feeling smooth and glowing. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with your favorite facial cleanser, or create a paste using baking soda and water.

Gently massage onto your skin, then rinse off with warm water.

8. Teeth Whitening

Baking soda is an effective and natural way to whiten your teeth. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste, and use it as a toothpaste. Brush your teeth as you normally would, then rinse out your mouth with water.

9. Soothe Dry Feet

Baking soda can help to soothe dry, cracked feet. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with warm water in a foot bath, and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and follow up with a moisturizer.

10. DIY Dry Shampoo

Baking soda can be used as a DIY dry shampoo for those days when you don’t have time to wash your hair. Simply rub a small amount of baking soda into your scalp, then brush out any excess powder.

Not only will it absorb excess oil, but it will also leave your hair smelling fresh.

11. Remove Stains from Teeth

Baking soda can also help to remove stains from your teeth. Mix a small amount of baking soda with lemon juice, and use it as a toothpaste. The citric acid in the lemon juice helps to break down stains, leaving your teeth looking brighter.

12. Soothe Razor Burn

If you’re prone to razor burn, baking soda can help to soothe the affected area. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to form a paste, and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.

13. DIY Bath Soak

Baking soda can be used as a DIY bath soak to help relax and soothe your muscles. Add a cup of baking soda to your bathwater, along with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Soak for 15-20 minutes to help relieve stress and tension.

14. Body Scrub

Baking soda can also be used as a DIY body scrub to help remove dead skin cells. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with your favorite body wash, or create a paste using baking soda and water. Gently massage onto your skin, then rinse off with warm water.

15. DIY Mouthwash

Baking soda can be used as a natural mouthwash to help freshen your breath and fight against oral bacteria. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with warm water, swish it around in your mouth for a minute or two, then spit it out.

16. Underarm Whitener

If you’re looking to lighten dark underarms, baking soda can help. Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste, then rub it onto your underarms. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.

17. DIY Body Powder

Baking soda can also be used as a DIY body powder to help absorb moisture and keep you feeling fresh. Mix equal parts baking soda and cornstarch, and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for scent. Dust a small amount onto your skin as needed.

18. Remove Blackheads

Baking soda can help to remove blackheads by exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to form a paste, and apply it to areas of the skin where blackheads are present.

Gently massage in circular motions for 1-2 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

19. Soothe Poison Ivy

If you’ve come into contact with poison ivy, baking soda can help to soothe the irritation and reduce inflammation. Create a paste with baking soda and water, and apply it directly to the affected area.

Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.

20. DIY Cuticle Softener

Use baking soda as a DIY cuticle softener to help keep your nails looking healthy and strong. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to form a paste, and apply it to your cuticles.

Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

21. DIY Lip Scrub

Baking soda can be used as a DIY lip scrub to help remove dead skin cells and leave your lips feeling soft and smooth. Mix equal parts baking soda and honey, and use your finger to gently massage the mixture onto your lips.

Rinse off with warm water and follow up with your favorite lip balm.

22. DIY Facial Mask

Baking soda can be used as a DIY facial mask to help purify and detoxify the skin. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to form a paste, and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

23. DIY Toothpaste

Baking soda can be used as a natural toothpaste to help remove plaque and whiten your teeth. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste, and use it as you would your regular toothpaste.

24. Soothe Dry Hands

If your hands are feeling dry and cracked, baking soda can help to soothe and moisturize them. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to form a paste, and apply it to your hands.

Massage the mixture in for a few minutes, then rinse off with warm water and follow up with a moisturizer.

25. DIY Body Wash

Baking soda can be used as a natural body wash to help cleanse and refresh your skin. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with your favorite body wash, or use it on its own with water. Gently massage onto your skin, then rinse off with warm water.

26. DIY Foot Scrub

Baking soda can be used as a DIY foot scrub to help remove rough skin and leave your feet feeling soft and smooth. Mix equal parts baking soda and coconut oil, and gently massage onto your feet. Rinse off with warm water and follow up with a moisturizer.

27. DIY Shower Gel

Baking soda can also be used as a natural shower gel to help cleanse and moisturize your skin. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with your favorite body wash or shampoo, or use it on its own with water.

Gently massage onto your skin, then rinse off with warm water.

28. Soothe Eczema

Baking soda can help to soothe the itchiness and inflammation associated with eczema. Create a paste with baking soda and water, and apply it directly to the affected area. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.

29. DIY Bath Bombs

Baking soda can be used as a key ingredient in DIY bath bombs that fizz and dissolve in your bathwater. Mix baking soda with citric acid, Epsom salt, and your favorite essential oils, and mold the mixture into bath bombs.

Drop one into your bathwater and enjoy a relaxing and aromatic soak.

30. DIY Shaving Cream

Baking soda can be used as a DIY shaving cream to help moisturize your skin and prevent razor burn. Mix baking soda with coconut oil, or your preferred shave oil or lotion, and use it as you would your regular shaving cream.