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Sodium Bicarbonate

What Sodium Bicarbonate is & what it does

Baking soda, used as a mild physical exfoliant and pH adjuster. It buffs and refreshes but can be drying if overused.

What does Sodium Bicarbonate do in skincare?

Sodium Bicarbonate, common baking soda, is used in cosmetics mainly as a pH adjuster and buffering agent to help keep a formula at a target acidity. It can also be found in some cleansing and effervescent products. It is a functional ingredient rather than an active.

Is Sodium Bicarbonate safe?

Sodium Bicarbonate is a familiar, widely used ingredient that is generally considered safe in cosmetics at the small amounts used for pH adjustment. Because it is alkaline, very high concentrations could be more drying or irritating for some people, so formulas use it in controlled amounts. For specific skin concerns, consult a qualified professional.

Is Sodium Bicarbonate natural or synthetic?

Sodium Bicarbonate can occur as a natural mineral and is also produced industrially, with the manufactured form being most common in cosmetics. Either way it is the same simple, well-characterized compound.

Sunscreens with Sodium Bicarbonate

We rate 8 sunscreens that contain it:

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