Social media is full of DIY skincare hacks, and one trend making the rounds is the claim that mixing Vaseline and baking soda can rejuvenate your skin, reduce wrinkles, and provide a youthful glow. While this might sound tempting, the science behind this combination isn’t quite as magical as it’s portrayed—and, in fact, it could do more harm than good. Let’s explore what really happens when you mix Vaseline and baking soda, and whether it’s worth adding to your skincare routine.
What Is Vaseline?
Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, is a thick, occlusive substance that forms a barrier on the skin. It’s great for locking in moisture, soothing dry or cracked skin, and protecting against external irritants. However, Vaseline doesn’t penetrate the skin deeply or actively “hydrate” it—it simply seals moisture in.
What Is Baking Soda?
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a highly alkaline substance, often used in baking and cleaning. It has a gritty texture that gives it mild exfoliating properties, which is why some people use it in DIY scrubs. However, baking soda’s pH level of 8-9 is significantly higher than your skin’s natural pH (which is about 4.5-5.5). This means baking soda can disrupt your skin’s barrier, leaving it vulnerable to irritation, dryness, and even long-term damage.
What Happens When You Mix Vaseline and Baking Soda?
When Vaseline and baking soda are mixed, the combination creates a paste-like texture that can be used as a scrub. Here’s what happens:
- Exfoliation from Baking Soda: The gritty texture of baking soda helps remove dead skin cells when you massage it onto your skin. However, its high alkalinity can strip your skin’s natural oils, disrupt its protective barrier, and lead to irritation or dryness.
- Occlusion from Vaseline: Vaseline forms a layer over the skin, which might lock in some moisture after exfoliation. But on its own, it does not treat wrinkles, hydrate skin deeply, or reduce fine lines—it simply prevents water loss.
- No “Overnight Miracle”: The claim that this combination can reduce wrinkles or dramatically transform your skin overnight is unsubstantiated. Vaseline and baking soda lack the active ingredients needed to target wrinkles, such as retinol, peptides, or hyaluronic acid.
The Risks of Using Baking Soda on Your Skin
While baking soda might seem harmless because it’s a common household item, it’s not ideal for skincare, especially on sensitive or delicate areas like your face. Here’s why:
- Disrupts Skin’s pH: Your skin’s natural acidity protects it from harmful bacteria and maintains hydration. Baking soda’s alkalinity can throw this balance off, leading to redness, irritation, or dryness.
- Causes Microtears: The gritty texture of baking soda may feel like it’s exfoliating, but it can create tiny tears in your skin, making it more prone to inflammation and infections.
- Dries Out Skin: By stripping away natural oils, baking soda can leave your skin feeling tight and dry, which is the opposite of what most people want from a skincare routine.
Should You Use This DIY Hack?
The short answer is no. While the Vaseline and baking soda mixture might provide temporary exfoliation, it’s not a safe or effective long-term skincare solution. The risks of irritation and damage outweigh any short-term benefits.
Safer Alternatives for Exfoliation and Hydration
If you’re looking to improve your skin’s texture and hydration, consider these safer alternatives:
For Exfoliation:
- Chemical Exfoliants: Products with AHAs (like glycolic acid or lactic acid) or BHAs (like salicylic acid) gently dissolve dead skin cells without harming your skin’s barrier.
- Gentle Scrubs: If you prefer physical exfoliation, look for scrubs with fine, round particles (like jojoba beads) that won’t damage your skin.
For Hydration:
- Hyaluronic Acid: This humectant draws water into the skin, leaving it plump and hydrated.
- Moisturizers with Ceramides: Ceramides help strengthen the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture.
- Oils or Occlusives: If you love Vaseline for sealing in moisture, apply it as the final step in your routine, over a hydrating serum or cream.
For Wrinkles and Fine Lines:
- Retinoids: Retinol and prescription-strength retinoids promote collagen production and smooth out fine lines over time.
- Vitamin C: A good vitamin C serum brightens the skin and helps protect against environmental damage.
Final Thoughts
The Vaseline-and-baking-soda trend might sound like an easy skincare hack, but it’s not backed by science or dermatology. While Vaseline can help with moisture retention, baking soda is too harsh for regular use on your skin and can cause more harm than good. Instead, stick to products specifically formulated for exfoliation and hydration to achieve healthy, glowing skin—no risky DIY experiments needed!