One of the most awesome trends to take over the beauty world is the push for more natural beauty products. Vloggers talk about it, bloggers talk about it and we’re definitely into it too. After all, many of us are totally obsessed with keeping our skin glowing and fresh, so why not keep it healthy too? Take a break from those not-so-good-for-you products (or replace them completely!), because it’s time to try out the magical ingredient that is baking soda.
1. Toothpaste Strengthener: One tried-and-true way of using baking soda is to combine it with your favorite toothpaste. “All of my DIY toothpastes include it,” Katie says. “I love it for teeth.” To freshen your mouth and whiten teeth with ease, just sprinkle on a wet toothbrush and get to scrubbin’.
2. Moisturizing Face Mask:If your skin is feeling dry and dull, use this mask for a pick-me-up. First, grab a handful of fresh strawberries and remove the leaves. Mash them up using the back of a spoon until they form a gritty mixture. Take out any large chunks and toss them on yogurt. Add two tablespoons of honey and a tablespoon of baking soda to the mixture. Apply to your face with your fingers or a brush and let it sit for 15 minutes.
3. Hydrating Facial Scrub: Wet your face with warm water and pour 100% natural, raw honey into your palm. Add two teaspoons of baking soda and rub your hands together to combine the mixture. Use this scrub twice a week to remove dead skin cells and clear out your pores. There really is nothing like a DIY face scrub to brighten your day.
4. Dry Shampoo + Shampoo Booster: If you’re suffering from greasy, dirty hair and don’t have any dry shampoo on hand, you can use baking soda! Katie says to “Just take a tiny bit of it, sprinkle it in your hair, let it sit for a few seconds and then brush through. It will absorb any oil and give you a bit of volume too.” Danielle even uses it in her shampoo: “In the palm of your hand, add one teaspoon of baking soda to your regular shampoo. Mix and apply, rinsing as usual.”
5. Natural Whitening Mouthwash: Get that fresh-from-the-dentist “aah” feeling by mixing a cup of water with one tablespoon of baking soda. Swish for one minute, and imagine all of the grubby particles in your mouth being swept away for less than a dollar.
6. Callous Soother: Anyone who’s ever had a callous knows that the main issue with callouses isn’t how they look — it’s that they hurt. With a combination of vitamin E oil, baking soda and lavender oil, you can help ease the pain by soothing your callouses. Even if you aren’t plagued by callouses, this mix will soften your hands in a jiffy. To make this salve, using baking soda as your main ingredient and add a few drops of vitamin E and a few drops of lavender for a yummy-smelling mix. Rub your hands together for five minutes. Keep the mixture in a mason jar for easy future application.
7. Detox Bath: Glamorganic Goddess Danielle also uses baking soda as a part of her relaxing, detoxifying bath recipe. “Add two cups of Epsom salt, 1/2 cup raw, organic apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda and a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a warm bath,” says Danielle. “Soak for 15 minutes, rinse and relax.”
8. Pre-Shaving Exfoliator: Your secret to a smooth shave? Exfoliation. Pour vitamin E oil in your palm and add an equal amount of baking soda. This gritty mixture will slough away dead skin cells and open your pores, making hair easier to remove.
9. Homemade Natural Deodorant: This trick is perfect for those of us who like to avoid unnatural deodorants. Put coconut oil in a mason jar. Melt the oil by letting it sit in the sun for a bit. Once it’s used its magic powers to morph into liquid, add baking soda, mixing well. Next, add lavender and tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is antifungal and will keep you smelling fresh all day.
10. Natural Microdermabrasion: Finally, the answer to super cheap microdermabrasion. “Sprinkle some Baking Soda in your hand and mix with enough water to form a paste,” recommends Danielle. “Without any pressure, gently exfoliate your hands, feet or face. Rinse and apply a natural moisturizer to damp skin.” Then reveal nice, new skin with your new favorite body scrub.
11. Clarifying Face Mask: If your skin looks like it could use some brightening, try this mask. Combine coconut oil, a natural anti-fungal moisturizer, with baking soda and a teaspoon of lemon juice. The lemon juice has a brightening and tightening effect.
12. The OCM Scrub: Whether you’re a dedicated lover of the oil-cleansing method (OCM) or are new to the trick, you’ll love this twist on the classic face wash. Depending on your skin type, combine the oils, with castor as your base oil. Then add baking soda. Scrub your face using warm water and a wash cloth, and prepare to be amazed at your new baby-soft skin.
13. Makeup Brush Cleanser: If your brushes aren’t in need of a deep clean, this easy mix may just do the trick. Combine baking soda, water and a gentle cleanser like Neutrogena’s Ultra Gentle cream cleanser or Cetaphil. Swirl your brush (just the bristles!) into the mixture and watch as the grime falls away.
What are your favorite baking soda beauty tips? Let us know in the comments below!
