Ingredient decoder

Sodium bicarbonate: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Sodium Bicarbonate

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Baking soda, alkaline and can disrupt the skin barrier.

  • Abrasive
  • Buffering
  • Deodorant
  • Oral care
  • Skin protecting

Sodium bicarbonate in plain English

Sodium bicarbonate is baking soda, used to adjust pH, neutralize odor or add a gritty texture. In small amounts in a formula it is fine, but it is alkaline, so it can disrupt the skin's naturally acidic barrier when used as a DIY scrub or mask. That can lead to dryness and irritation for acne-prone skin.

Is sodium bicarbonate bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Sodium bicarbonate is not a proven pore-clogger, but it can bother some breakout-prone or sensitive skin. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Sodium Bicarbonate
  • Baking soda
  • Sodium hydrogen carbonate
  • Bicarbonate of soda

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Frequently asked questions

Is sodium bicarbonate comedogenic?

Sodium bicarbonate has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does sodium bicarbonate do in skincare?

In short: baking soda, alkaline and can disrupt the skin barrier. In formulas it is used for abrasive, buffering, deodorant, oral care and skin protecting.

What else is sodium bicarbonate called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, sodium bicarbonate can also appear as Baking soda, Sodium hydrogen carbonate or Bicarbonate of soda.

Sources