Beauty Uses

Baking soda has been a kitchen staple for generations, but it’s also a major player in the beauty realm. The inexpensive product is amazing for tons of DIY beauty and hair treatments. Here’s how you can put it to use:

Mix baking soda with a little bit of water to turn it into a moist paste, then apply it under your arms for an all-natural deodorant.

Every now and then, hair needs some relief from product buildup. Add a small amount of baking soda to your shampoo, then use it as you normally would. It will give your products a fresh slate so they can work the way they’re supposed to again.

“To make a teeth-whitening solution, mix one tablespoon of baking soda and five drops of hydrogen peroxide in a small container until a consistent paste develops. Add a few drops of water if necessary,” says Dr. Jessica Emery, owner of Sugar Fix Dental Loft Chicago. Apply the solution to your teeth evenly with a toothbrush, and let it sit for five minutes. Then, brush it off with normal toothpaste and rinse thoroughly with water. For best results, repeat this process once a week. “If you’re not satisfied with the results, leave the mixture on for 10 minutes at a time,” says Emery. “No more though, because you may get an uneven application and your teeth may get sensitive.”

Have you been getting way too many gel manicures? Are your cuticles looking like they’ve been through a war? Create a paste out of baking soda and warm water, and rub it on your cuticles to soften the skin. If you have enough, you can also treat the rest of your hands.