Baking soda is that cheap little box sitting in your kitchen, probably half-empty and ignored.
But trust me, it’s best for your skin—if you use it right.
Over the years, I’ve tried every DIY mask you can think of. Some left me glowing, some had me looking like a tomato. (My husband, who’s a dermatologist, still laughs at my “experimental phases.”) But that’s how we learn!
Today I’m sharing my all-time favorite baking soda face mask recipes. These are easy, budget-friendly, and most importantly—they actually work.
10 Baking Soda Face Masks to Try
1. Classic Baking Soda + Water Mask
This is the mask that started it all for me in my broke college days. It’s stupidly simple but works like magic.
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp baking soda, ~1 Tbsp water (adjust to make a thick paste)
Instructions:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
- Mix baking soda and water in a small bowl until it’s a spreadable paste.
- Apply evenly to your face, avoiding eyes and lips.
- Relax for 5–15 minutes (shorter if your skin’s sensitive).
- Rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry, and slather on moisturizer or a splash of diluted apple cider vinegar (1:4 ratio with water) as a toner.
Benefits: Sucks up oil, softens blackheads, and calms inflammation. It’s a gentle exfoliant that leaves your skin feeling fresh.
Best for: Oily or combo skin. My husband calls it “the go-to for when your face looks like a fryer.”
Pro Tip: If it stings, rinse immediately—your skin might not vibe with it.
2. Expert Baking Soda + Water Mask
I stumbled on this gentler version when I wanted a spa-like vibe without the price tag. It’s perfect for a quick refresh.
Ingredients: 1 tsp baking soda, 1 Tbsp warm water
Instructions:
- Cleanse your face and pat dry.
- Mix baking soda with warm water until smooth.
- Gently massage the paste onto your skin in small circles for 1–2 minutes.
- Leave it on for 8–10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Follow with your favorite moisturizer.
Benefits: Targets blackheads, mattifies oily skin, and has antimicrobial properties to keep breakouts at bay. It’s less intense than the classic mask.
Best for: Acne-prone or oily skin. My husband says, “This one’s safe for teens with stubborn pores.”
Pro Tip: Warm water helps the paste spread easier—don’t skip it.
3. Baking Soda + Honey Mask
This mask feels like a hug for your skin. Honey makes it luxe, and it’s my go-to when acne’s acting up.
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp baking soda, ~1 Tbsp honey (aim for a 1:1 ratio)
Instructions:
- Cleanse your face and pat dry.
- Mix baking soda and honey in a bowl until it’s a sticky, smooth paste.
- Apply evenly with clean fingers or a brush, avoiding sensitive areas.
- Leave for 10–12 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Moisturize to lock in hydration.
Benefits: Honey’s a natural humectant, so it hydrates while fighting bacteria. Baking soda exfoliates for a smooth, clear complexion.
Best for: Acne-prone or combo skin. I used this before a big date night, and my skin was flawless.
Pro Tip: Raw honey works best, but any pure honey will do. Warm it slightly if it’s too thick.
4. Baking Soda + Honey + Cinnamon Scrub/Mask
This mask smells like a cozy bakery and gives your skin a glow. But cinnamon can irritate, so test it first.
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp baking soda, 1 Tbsp honey, pinch of cinnamon (less is more!)
Instructions:
- Wash your face and pat dry.
- Mix baking soda, honey, and a tiny pinch of cinnamon into a paste.
- Apply gently to your face, avoiding eyes and lips.
- Let it sit for 8–10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Follow with moisturizer.
Benefits: Cinnamon boosts blood flow for a rosy glow and fights bacteria. Honey soothes, and baking soda exfoliates. It’s a triple threat for clear skin.
Best for: Normal or oily skin. My husband groaned, “Cinnamon’s risky!” but agreed it’s fine if you’re cautious.
Pro Tip: Patch test on your wrist 24 hours before. If it burns, skip it.
5. Baking Soda + Orange Juice + Honey
This mask is like a citrusy wake-up call for dull skin. I prefer orange juice over lemon—it’s gentler.
Ingredients:
- Version A: 1 Tbsp baking soda, 1 tsp orange juice, 1 tsp honey
- Version B: 1.5 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp orange juice, splash of water to adjust
Instructions:
- Cleanse your face and pat dry.
- Mix ingredients in a bowl until you get a smooth paste.
- Apply to your face with clean fingers, avoiding eyes.
- Leave for 10–20 minutes (start with 10 if you’re new to citrus).
- Rinse thoroughly and moisturize.
Benefits: Orange juice’s vitamin C brightens dark spots. Honey kills bacteria, and baking soda exfoliates for a polished look.
Best for: Dull or oily skin. My husband warns: “Citrus can make your skin sun-sensitive, so use this at night if you’re wearing sunscreen.”
Pro Tip: Freshly squeezed orange juice is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
6. Tone-Balancing Baking Soda + Coconut Oil Mask
This one’s for my dry-skin girls who still want that exfoliated glow. Coconut oil keeps things hydrated.
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp baking soda, ½–1 tsp coconut oil (adjust for a spreadable paste)
Instructions:
- Wash your face and pat dry.
- Mix baking soda and coconut oil until smooth.
- Apply to your face, massaging gently for 1 minute.
- Leave for 5–10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Pat dry and moisturize.
Benefits: Coconut oil nourishes dry patches; baking soda smooths rough texture. It evens out combo or dry skin beautifully.
Best for: Dry or combo skin. I use this in winter when my face feels like the Sahara.
Pro Tip: If coconut oil clogs your pores, swap it for jojoba oil.
7. Coffee + Baking Soda + Sugar + Honey Scrub/Mask
This mask is like a morning latte for your face. It’s gritty, so don’t go overboard with scrubbing.
Ingredients: 1 tsp coffee grounds, 2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 Tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Cleanse your face and pat dry.
- Mix all ingredients into a thick paste.
- Gently massage onto your skin in circular motions for 1–2 minutes.
- Leave for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Moisturize to seal the deal.
Benefits: Coffee and sugar scrub away dead skin; honey soothes; baking soda deep-cleans pores. It’s energizing and smoothing.
Best for: Normal or oily skin. My husband says coffee’s “mostly for texture,” but I love the glow it gives.
Pro Tip: Use fresh coffee grounds, not instant. They’re gentler.
8. Baking Soda + Coconut Oil Exfoliant
This is a spin on #6, but it’s so good it deserves its own spot. It’s my lazy-day scrub.
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp baking soda, ½–1 tsp coconut oil
Instructions:
- Wash your face and pat dry.
- Mix into a paste and apply to your skin.
- Massage gently for 1 minute, then let sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and moisturize.
Benefits: Hydrates while exfoliating for soft, smooth skin. It’s a quick fix for dry patches.
Best for: Dry or combo skin. I keep a jar of this in my shower for emergencies.
Pro Tip: Melt the coconut oil slightly if it’s solid for easier mixing.
9. Oat-Flour + Baking Soda Gentle Exfoliant Mask
This mask is a lifesaver for sensitive skin. It’s so calming, even my fussy face loves it.
Ingredients: 1 tsp baking soda, 1 Tbsp warm water, 2 tsp oat flour (blend rolled oats if you don’t have flour)
Instructions:
- Cleanse your face and pat dry.
- Mix ingredients into a smooth paste.
- Apply as a gentle scrub, massaging for 1–2 minutes.
- Leave for 3–5 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Follow with a soothing moisturizer.
Benefits: Oats calm redness and irritation; baking soda gives a mild polish. It’s perfect for a low-drama glow.
Best for: Sensitive or normal skin. My husband calls this “the safest bet for touchy skin.”
Pro Tip: If you have rosacea, skip this or use even less baking soda.
10. Peach & Yogurt Mask (with Baking Soda Boost)
This mask feels like a fancy spa treatment. Peaches are seasonal, but canned works in a pinch.
Ingredients: 1 ripe peach (mashed), 2 Tbsp plain yogurt, ½ tsp baking soda
Instructions:
- Wash your face and pat dry.
- Blend ingredients until smooth (a fork works fine).
- Apply evenly to your face, avoiding eyes.
- Let it dry for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Moisturize for extra hydration.
Benefits: Peaches have AHAs to renew skin; yogurt’s probiotics hydrate; baking soda refines texture. It’s a glow-up in a bowl.
Best for: Dry or dull skin. I made this for my sister’s bridal shower, and everyone raved.
Pro Tip: Use full-fat yogurt for extra moisture.
Safety Tips (Read These, Seriously!)
- Patch test always: Dab a bit on your inner arm and wait 24 hours. No itching or redness? You’re clear to go.
- Don’t overdo it: Stick to 1–2 times a week. My husband says, “Too much baking soda strips your skin’s defenses.”
- Rinse thoroughly: Leftover baking soda can irritate. Double-check your hairline and jaw.
- Citrus caution: Orange or lemon juice can make your skin sun-sensitive. Use these masks at night, especially if you’re religious about sunscreen.
- Sensitive skin?: Go for masks with oats or honey. If your skin’s super reactive, talk to a derm first.
- Moisturize after: These masks can dry you out, so lock in hydration with a good cream.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—my ultimate lineup of baking soda face masks. Affordable, fun, and easy to make right at home.
These masks make you feel like a kitchen chemist without risking your skin’s health. Let me know which one you try first!
