9 Proven Baking Soda Bath Benefits and Safety Tips for 2026

Dealing with endlessly itchy, irritated skin that just won’t quit? You’re not alone in seeking a simple, natural solution for that frustrating discomfort. What if a common pantry staple could bring you significant, soothing relief?

A baking soda bath is a therapeutic soak made by dissolving sodium bicarbonate in warm bathwater. It is primarily used to soothe itchy skin, calm inflammation from conditions like eczema and rashes, and help balance the skin’s pH, which can alleviate symptoms of minor infections. Soaking for 15-20 minutes can provide natural, temporary relief for a variety of skin discomforts.

Drawing from established best practices and research-backed benefits, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. You will discover exactly how to use a baking soda bath safely and effectively for a wide range of skin concerns. Let’s explore how to restore your skin’s comfort and balance.

What Are the Benefits of a Baking Soda Bath for Your Skin?

A baking soda bath, also known as a sodium bicarbonate bath, is a trusted home remedy prized for its simplicity and effectiveness. The magic lies in baking soda’s alkaline nature. When dissolved in water, it creates a solution that can help neutralize acids on the skin’s surface, promoting a healthier pH balance. This simple chemical reaction is the key to its ability to soothe a wide array of skin complaints. From calming the maddening itch of eczema and bug bites to easing the discomfort of minor infections and sunburn, this therapeutic soak works to restore comfort. A baking soda soak serves as a gentle, non-stripping cleanser that softens the skin, making it a versatile tool for both targeted relief and general wellness.

9 Proven Baking Soda Bath Benefits for Health and Skin

Beyond just theory, a baking soda bath offers a multitude of practical baking soda bath uses. This section delivers on the promise of proven benefits, providing nine distinct, actionable guides for common health and skin issues. Each of the following subsections is a self-contained mini-guide, complete with a tailored baking soda bath recipe and step-by-step instructions designed to provide maximum relief. Whether you’re looking for an itch relief bath or a way to ease sore muscles, you’ll find a safe and effective method here.

1. Prepare a Soak to Soothe Itchy Skin and Eczema

Pin this soothing remedy to your ‘Natural Skincare’ board!

For those suffering from the intense itch and discomfort of eczema (atopic dermatitis), a baking soda bath eczema soak can be a true game-changer. Recommended by organizations like the National Eczema Association, this itch relief bath works by temporarily altering the water’s pH to calm irritated nerve endings in the skin.

What You Need

• 1/4 to 1/2 cup pure baking soda (food-grade is best to avoid additives)
• Optional: 1/2 cup colloidal oatmeal, a product known for its skin-soothing properties
• Optional: A few drops of a gentle, unscented bath oil to combat dryness

Steps

1. Fill the tub with lukewarm water. Hot water can strip the skin of natural oils and worsen eczema.
2. Add the baking soda (and colloidal oatmeal, if using) to the running water to help it dissolve completely. Swirl the water with your hand.
3. Soak for 15-20 minutes. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, which can irritate the skin.
4. Rinse with clean, lukewarm water after the bath.
5. Gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel and immediately apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer to lock in hydration.

Pro-Tip: According to dermatological research on baking soda baths, the temporary change in water pH helps to calm the nerve endings in the skin, which is a key mechanism of itch reduction. This is why the relief can feel almost immediate for pruritus (itch).

2. Mix a Gentle Soak to Calm Diaper Rash

Save this safe and simple tip for baby’s comfort to your ‘New Mom Life’ board!

A mild baking soda bath can offer gentle relief for a baby’s painful diaper rash. The soak helps neutralize acidic irritants from urine and stool that are often the cause of the rash, thereby soothing irritation on a baby’s sensitive skin. Safety is paramount here.

What You Need

• 1-2 tablespoons of pure baking soda
• A baby bathtub

Steps

1. Fill a clean baby bathtub with a few inches of warm water. Test the temperature on your wrist to ensure it’s not too hot.
2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda and swirl until it’s completely dissolved.
3. Gently place your baby in the tub and allow them to soak for 5-10 minutes. Use a soft washcloth to gently splash the water over the affected area.
4. Do not scrub the rash.
5. Lift your baby out and gently pat the skin completely dry with a soft, clean towel.
6. Allow the area to air-dry for a few minutes before applying a pediatrician-approved diaper rash cream and a clean diaper.

Pro-Tip: Per pediatrician advice, for severe or persistent diaper rash, a baking soda bath should be seen as a complementary comfort measure, not a replacement for medical treatment. If the rash has open sores or blisters, avoid any soaks and see a doctor.

3. Create a Balancing Soak to Ease Yeast Infection Discomfort

Pin this helpful tip for natural feminine wellness to your ‘Health & Self-Care’ board.

For the discomfort of a yeast infection (Candidiasis) or BV, a pH balancing bath with baking soda can provide significant external relief. It helps with yeast infections by creating an alkaline environment that may inhibit the growth of the Candida fungus. It is crucial to understand this is for symptomatic relief, not a cure.

What You Need

• 1/4 to 1/2 cup pure baking soda
• Optional: 3-5 drops of tea tree oil, known for its antifungal properties, mixed with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) first.
• A clean bathtub or sitz bath

Steps

1. Fill a clean tub or sitz bath with several inches of warm water.
2. Add the baking soda and dissolve it thoroughly. If using tea tree oil, mix it with a tablespoon of carrier oil before adding to the bath to ensure proper dilution.
3. Soak the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
4. After soaking, gently rinse the area with clean, warm water.
5. Pat the area completely dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing. Wear loose, cotton underwear to promote airflow.

Pro-Tip: While some clinical studies on baking soda show it can inhibit the growth of Candida albicans in a lab, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis and prescription from your doctor. Use this soak for external itch relief while following your doctor’s treatment plan.

4. Apply a Cooling Soak for Sunburn Relief

Got too much sun? Pin this cooling hack to your ‘Summer Skincare’ board.

A cool baking soda bath for sunburn can provide immense relief from the sting and heat of inflamed skin. This calming baking soda bath alleviates the discomfort by soothing the irritation and helping to rebalance the pH of the damaged skin, which can take the “fire” out of a painful burn.

What You Need

• 1/2 cup pure baking soda
• Optional: 1 cup of rolled oats (placed in a sock or muslin bag) for extra soothing

Steps

1. Fill the tub with cool or lukewarm water. Avoid warm or hot water as it will feel intensely painful on sunburned skin.
2. Add the baking soda and let it dissolve. If using oats, let the bag soak in the tub.
3. Carefully and slowly enter the tub. Soak for 15-20 minutes to help draw out the heat and soothe the skin.
4. Exit the bath slowly. Instead of toweling off, which can be abrasive, let your skin air-dry as much as possible or very gently pat with an ultra-soft towel.
5. Apply a generous amount of pure aloe vera gel to the damp skin.

Pro-Tip: For targeted relief, you can create a paste of baking soda and a little cool water and apply it directly to smaller sunburned areas. Let it sit for 10 minutes before gently rinsing off. This is part of the investigational uses of baking soda in dermatology for topical relief.

5. Take a Detoxifying Bath to Soften and Cleanse Skin

Ready for a reset? Pin this simple detox bath recipe to your ‘Self-Care Sunday’ board.

A baking soda bath detox is a perfect addition to any wellness ritual. This skin-softening bath not only cleanses but also helps create a feeling of renewal. When you make a baking soda and epsom salt bath, it aids in detoxification by neutralizing acids on the skin and helping wash away perspiration and oils.

What You Need

• 1/2 cup pure baking soda
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate)
• Optional: 5-10 drops of a relaxing essential oil like lavender or eucalyptus, premixed with a carrier oil.

Steps

1. Start by dry brushing your skin before the bath to slough off dead skin cells and stimulate circulation.
2. Fill the tub with comfortably warm water.
3. Add the baking soda and Epsom salt to the running water to ensure they dissolve fully. Add your essential oil mixture.
4. Soak for 20-30 minutes. Focus on deep breathing to enhance the relaxing, restorative effects.
5. Rinse off with a quick, cool shower to close pores.
6. Pat skin dry and apply a natural body oil or lotion.

Pro-Tip: The baking soda vs epsom salt debate is common. Baking soda is alkaline and excellent for soothing skin and neutralizing acids. Epsom salt provides magnesium, which can help relax muscles. Combining them offers benefits of both for a comprehensive therapeutic soak.

6. Relieve Itching from Poison Ivy and Insect Bites

Keep this outdoor survival tip handy! Pin it to your ‘Gardening & Hiking’ board.

For the maddening itch from poison ivy, insect bites, or even hives, an itch reducing soak with baking soda can be a lifesaver. A baking soda bath for poison ivy relieves itching by helping to neutralize the acidic urushiol oil on the skin’s surface and soothing inflammation.

What You Need

• 1/2 to 1 cup pure baking soda (for a bath)
• 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water (for a paste)

Steps

For a Full-Body Soak (Widespread Rash):
1. Prepare a lukewarm bath as described in the eczema section.
2. Add up to 1 cup of baking soda and dissolve.
3. Soak for up to 30 minutes to calm widespread itching.
4. Gently pat dry. Do not rub, as this can spread poison ivy oils.

For a Concentrated Paste (Individual Bites):
1. Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part cool water to form a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste directly to insect bites or small areas of rash.
3. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes until dry.
4. Gently rinse off with cool water.

Pro-Tip: For poison ivy, taking a cool shower with a specialized wash to remove the urushiol oil before taking a soothing bath can prevent the rash from spreading. The baking soda bath is for treating the itch of the established rash, not removing the oil itself.

7. Ease Sore Muscles After a Workout

Level up your recovery game. Pin this post-workout soak to your ‘Fitness Motivation’ board.

An epsom salt and baking soda bath is a popular ritual for sore muscle recovery. While the theory that it neutralizes lactic acid build-up through the skin isn’t strongly supported, the combination is undeniably effective for relaxation. The warm baking soda bath contributes to muscle recovery by softening the skin and cleansing away sweat, while the Epsom salt provides magnesium to ease stiffness.

What You Need

• 1 cup Epsom salt
• 1/2 cup pure baking soda
• Optional: A few drops of peppermint or arnica-infused oil for a cooling/warming sensation.

Steps

1. Fill the tub with warm-to-hot water, as warm as you can comfortably tolerate.
2. Add the Epsom salt and baking soda, swirling vigorously to dissolve both completely.
3. Soak for 20 minutes, focusing on stretching any tight areas gently while in the water.
4. Drink a glass of water while you soak to stay hydrated.
5. Follow up with gentle stretching or using a foam roller after your bath for maximum benefit.

Pro-Tip: The primary benefit for muscles comes from the magnesium in the Epsom salt. The baking soda is a powerful addition that helps to soften water and your skin, making the entire experience more luxurious and cleansing after a sweaty workout.

8. Neutralize and Deodorize for Fresher Skin

A simple trick for all-over freshness. Pin this to your ‘Beauty Hacks’ board!

A deodorizing bath is one of baking soda’s most well-known talents. It provides a fantastic natural alternative to harsh soaps. A baking soda bath for sweat works by neutralizing acids, including the acidic byproducts from bacteria on your skin that are the root cause of body odor.

What You Need

• 1/2 cup pure baking soda
• Optional: Juice of half a lemon or a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for a natural, fresh scent.

Steps

1. Fill a tub with warm water.
2. Add the baking soda and any optional fresh ingredients, swirling to mix.
3. Soak for 15-20 minutes, paying special attention to washing areas prone to sweat.
4. Use this soak as a replacement for your regular soap or body wash for a gentle, non-stripping cleanse.
5. Rinse with clean water. You’ll notice your skin feels exceptionally clean and soft, without any residue.

Pro-Tip: This is especially effective for neutralizing odor on feet. A 15-minute foot soak in a small basin with a few tablespoons of baking soda can work wonders after a long day in shoes. This is a practical application of baking soda for hygiene.

9. Create a Comforting Soak for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

A must-know for parents. Pin this comforting tip to your ‘Kid’s Health’ board!

For parents managing a child with the uncomfortable rashes from viral illnesses like Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) or chickenpox, a soothing bath for kids rash can be a blessing. A baking soda bath for hand foot mouth provides temporary comfort by calming the associated itching and irritation.

What You Need

• 1/4 cup pure baking soda
• 1/2 cup colloidal oatmeal

Steps

1. Prepare a lukewarm bath in a clean tub.
2. Add the baking soda and colloidal oatmeal and dissolve them completely. These two ingredients are a powerhouse combination for soothing viral rashes.
3. Allow the child to soak for 10-15 minutes. Avoid letting them drink the bathwater.
4. Do not scrub the blisters. You can use a soft cloth to gently pour the water over areas that aren’t submerged.
5. Lift the child out and very gently pat them dry with the softest towel you own. Let them air-dry as much as possible.
6. Dress them in loose, soft, breathable cotton pajamas.

Pro-Tip: According to pediatrician advice, keeping a child’s fingernails trimmed short can help prevent them from scratching the blisters open, which can lead to secondary infections. The soothing baking soda bath is your first line of defense against the itch.

Key Takeaways

To make the most of your baking soda bath, keep these essential points in mind. This quick guide summarizes the most critical information, ensuring you can achieve safe and effective results every time.

• Primary Benefit: Soothes Itchy Skin: A baking soda bath is most effective for providing temporary relief from itching and irritation caused by eczema, rashes, insect bites, and sunburn by helping to balance skin pH.
• The Right Ratio is Key: For a standard tub, use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda. For babies or sensitive soaks, start with just 1-2 tablespoons.
• Always Use Lukewarm Water: Hot water can further dry out and irritate compromised skin. Cool water is best for sunburns, while lukewarm is ideal for most other conditions.
• Soak, Don’t Scrub: The goal is to let the water do the work. Soak for 15-20 minutes (5-10 for babies) and avoid abrasive scrubbing.
• Rinse and Moisturize: After soaking, a gentle rinse followed by immediate application of a fragrance-free moisturizer on damp skin is crucial to prevent dryness.
• Safety First: It’s Not a Cure: A baking soda bath provides symptomatic relief but does not cure underlying infections or conditions. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist for persistent or severe issues.

FAQs About baking soda bath

How much baking soda should you put in a bath?

For a standard-sized bathtub, the general recommendation is between 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of baking soda. For a more concentrated therapeutic or detox bath, some people use up to 2 cups. For babies and young children, a much smaller amount—typically 1 to 2 tablespoons—is considered safe and effective for a baby-sized tub.

Should I rinse off after a baking soda bath?

Yes, it is generally recommended to rinse off with clean, lukewarm water after a baking soda bath. This helps to remove any mineral residue from your skin, which could potentially be drying if left on. After rinsing, gently pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer immediately to lock in hydration.

How long should you soak in a baking soda bath?

The ideal soaking time is between 15 to 20 minutes for adults. For children, the time should be shorter, around 5 to 10 minutes. Soaking for longer than 30-40 minutes can sometimes lead to dry skin as the water begins to strip away your skin’s natural oils, counteracting the benefits.

How often can you take a baking soda bath?

For general skin soothing, taking a baking soda bath 1-3 times per week is usually safe. If you are using it to manage a specific condition like an eczema flare-up, you might take one daily for a few days, but it’s not recommended for long-term daily use without consulting a dermatologist, as it could disrupt your skin’s natural barrier.

Baking soda bath vs. Epsom salt: what’s the difference?

A baking soda bath is primarily for soothing skin, relieving itch, and balancing pH, while an Epsom salt bath is used for relaxing sore muscles and easing tension. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is alkaline and great for skin surface issues. Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) provides magnesium, which is absorbed through the skin to help with muscle recovery. They can also be used together.

Can you take a baking soda bath while pregnant?

Generally, a simple baking soda bath is considered safe during pregnancy for external relief of itchy skin. However, it is crucial to use lukewarm, not hot, water, as raising your core body temperature is unsafe. Always consult with your OB-GYN before trying any new remedy, including baths, during pregnancy to ensure it’s right for you.

What kind of baking soda is best for a bath?

Any brand of pure baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is suitable for a bath. Many people prefer using a brand labeled “food-grade” as it is guaranteed to be free of extra additives or chemicals. Standard brands like Arm & Hammer are perfectly fine and widely used for bathing.

Does a baking soda bath help balance pH?

Yes, a baking soda bath can help temporarily balance the pH of your skin’s surface. Many skin irritations and infections thrive in an overly acidic environment. Because baking soda is alkaline, adding it to your bathwater creates an alkaline solution that can help neutralize acids on the skin, providing a less hospitable environment for certain fungi and bacteria.

Can a baking soda bath cause any side effects or risks?

The primary risk is dry skin, especially with frequent use or if you don’t moisturize afterward. It can also irritate very sensitive skin or open wounds. It is crucial to never ingest the bathwater and to avoid baths if you have high blood pressure or an active infection without a doctor’s approval.

Can you give a dog a baking soda bath?

Yes, a baking soda bath can be a safe and effective way to relieve your dog’s itchy skin. Use a similar ratio of about 1 tablespoon per gallon of warm water. It can help soothe itchiness from allergies or dry skin and also works as a natural deodorizer for their coat. Always rinse your dog thoroughly afterward.

Final Thoughts on Your Baking Soda Bath Ritual

As we’ve seen, the humble baking soda bath is far more than just a folk remedy. It is a scientifically-backed, versatile, and incredibly affordable tool that supports skin health in numerous ways. From its ability to soothe irritation and relieve itching associated with conditions like eczema, to its function as a gentle deodorizer and muscle-soothing aid, its benefits are both proven and practical for 2026.

Remember, the key to unlocking these benefits lies in correct preparation and safe use. By following the guidelines for water temperature, soaking time, and post-bath care, you can easily incorporate this simple yet powerful practice into your self-care routine. A baking soda bath is a perfect first step toward finding natural, effective relief and restoring comfort and balance to your skin.

Last update on 2026-01-25 at 12:48 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API