How to Get Rid of Pimples with Baking Soda

Co-authored by Eric McClure Medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Last Updated: July 20, 2024 Approved

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A pimple may be unsightly, but luckily, there are plenty of options out there when it comes to combatting these blemishes. While it’s understandable that you’re seeking out treatment options that will get rid of this zit as fast as possible, baking soda may not be the solution you’re looking for. However, there are plenty of other potential answers to the issue you’re facing. If you want to learn more about how you can handle that annoying pimple, you’re in the right place!

Question 1 of 5:

Can baking soda remove pimples?

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It may help dry it out a bit, but it’s not a particularly good solution. Baking soda will certainly dry out your skin, which may help if your pimple is caused by oily skin. However, there are better options out there when it comes to combatting oily skin and pimples. The main problem is that baking soda is a skin irritant, and while it’s not the world’s most dangerous thing to put on your skin, it’s definitely not the best option if you’re spot-treating pimples since the irritation cause make the problem worse.^{[1]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Baking soda baths might be helpful for some skin issues, like psoriasis.^{[2]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
  Go to source} However, some studies suggest that baking soda won’t even help with that.^{[3]
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  PubMed Central
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  Go to source} All things considered, there just isn’t enough evidence that baking soda is going to be healthy or helpful for your skin.

Question 2 of 5:

Is it safe to use baking soda on your face?

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It’s probably not super dangerous, but it may irritate your skin. Baking soda is alkaline, and it has a pH of 8-9 which makes it moderately basic.^{[4]
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Research source} However, human skin has a natural pH of 4.5-5.3, meaning that it’s naturally acidic.^{[5]
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Research source} As a result, skin treatments that are slightly acidic or neutral is going to be much safer for your skin.^{[6]
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PubMed Central
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Go to source} Baking soda may help your pimple a bit if it’s caused by oily skin, but it’s just as likely to irritate your skin which may cause more pimples in the future.
- This is why scary-sounding ingredients like glycolic acid and alpha-hydroxyacid are commonly found in skincare products. The word “acid” conjures all kinds of fear-inducing ideas, but many acidic compounds are actually awesome for your skin.^{[7]
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Question 3 of 5:

Is baking soda and lemon good for pimples?

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No, this combination can seriously damage your skin. Baking soda on its own is capable of irritating your skin, but lemon juice is seriously going to damage your skin barrier, which is the outermost layer of your skin. While many slightly acidic ingredients are safe for skin, lemon juice is not one of them; it has a pH of 2, which is wildly acidic.^{[8]
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Go to source} If you just think about it in this context, combining one skin irritant with another skin irritant isn’t going to create a winning combination that’s safe for your skin.^{[9]
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- Your skin barrier is really important when it comes to protecting your skin from damage, disease, and dehydration, so you really don’t want to wear it down with something caustic, like citrus.^{[10]
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- Lemon juice may also cause discoloration in your skin; it’s a popular (albeit unsafe) skin whitening agent for this reason.^{[11]
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When you combine multiple ingredients at home, it’s very hard to know how the different chemicals will react with another, let alone how those reactions will impact your skin.^{[12]
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Research source} You’re always better off keeping it simple and using packaged products that have been tested, approved, and regulated by the government.^{[13]
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Question 4 of 5:

How can I get rid of pimples?

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1
Spot treat a single pimple with benzoyl peroxide. Go to your local pharmacy and pick up an acne-fighting cream that contains benzoyl peroxide. After you clean your face, simply work a pea-sized dollop of the cream into the pimple and leave it alone. The benzoyl peroxide will reduce inflammation and kill any bacteria that’s clogging your pores, which is the most effective way to clear up any pimples.^{[14]
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- There are also benzoyl peroxide patches and gels out there. If you want to use one of these, go for it!
- Benzoyl peroxide creams come in concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%. If you have sensitive skin, opt for the weaker concentrations. If you want to combat the pimple as aggressively as possible, pick up the stronger stuff.
- Don’t reapply the benzoyl peroxide multiple times a day. If you keep using it over and over again in the same spot, you may irritate your skin.
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Wash your face daily and don’t mess with your skin too much. You don’t need any fancy treatments or life hacks to get clear and healthy skin. Use an over-the-counter face wash once or twice a day, don’t go to bed with makeup on, and don’t scrub your facial skin too hard or too often. If you have a pimple, leave it alone. Don’t pop it or mess with it. Your skin is at its healthiest when you leave it alone, so just keep it clean and let it be!^{[15]
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- Eating a healthy diet and avoiding large amounts of sugars and carbohydrates may also minimize the odds that pimples occur.^{[16]
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  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  
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- Never pop your pimples. This can lead to scarring, and you may make the area more inflamed and noticeable.^{[17]
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  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  
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See a dermatologist to explore treatments for chronic acne. If you find yourself fighting pimples regularly, see a dermatologist. They’ll take a look at your skin and give you insight into what’s triggering your pimples. There could be an underlying issue you haven’t identified yet that may be causing your acne, like a hormonal issue or some irritant in your skincare products. Depending on their analysis, they’ll be able to recommend the ideal treatment for you.^{[18]
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American Academy of Dermatology
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- There are certain medications your doctor may be able to prescribe to combat issues with hormonal acne.
- Light therapy may be something your doctor will be able to perform to treat your acne.
- A doctor may be able to perform a chemical peel to treat a large area and reduce inflammation.

Question 5 of 5:

Can you get rid of pimples overnight?

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Treating your pimple with a benzoyl peroxide cream is the fastest way to get rid of it, but it’s not a miracle cure. In most instances, you’ll need to apply it multiple times over the course of multiple days and give your skin time to heal. If you want to hide your pimple, pick up a benzoyl peroxide patch or cover it up with a bandage.^{[19]
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Question

Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda?

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Registered Nurse
Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

No; good question because this is a common misconception! Baking powder does have baking soda mixed in it, but it also has a powdered acid, such as cornstarch or cream of tartar.

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Warnings

Baking soda can be toxic for young children and infants.^{[20]
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Research source} It has even proven lethal in some instances, so don’t use it as a home remedy.^{[21]
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