If your goal is smoother, brighter, or younger-looking skin, ingredients with stronger scientific support include:
- Niacinamide to improve skin tone and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Vitamin C to brighten the complexion and protect against environmental damage.
- Retinol to reduce the appearance of fine lines over time.
- Hyaluronic acid to increase hydration.
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every day to help prevent premature aging.
The Bottom Line
Baking soda can provide temporary exfoliation, but it is not a miracle skincare ingredient. It won’t erase wrinkles, permanently shrink pores, or remove dark spots. Because it can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, it should be used very sparingly—if at all. For long-term skin health, a gentle skincare routine, daily sunscreen, and evidence-based ingredients are safer and more effective choices.
