It's nice and gentle, and the price can't be beat, but I need a little more power in my exfoliation--scrubs with stiffer grains.


Packaging wise, it's a little tricky not getting the cardboard box wet. The alternative is to pour it onto a surface and then mix with water, but then you have to clean it up.

I'm afraid I'm going to have to save the Arm & Hammer for baking and cleaning out my kitchen sink. continued >>

I've tried baking soda as a scrub, and I haven't seen any great benefits from doing so. It's just as well - I'm not entirely okay with washing my face with the same stuff I scrub my sink with. :D

I do understand the appeal of using baking soda and admit to using it myself a few years ago but I found out the hard way how bad it is for skin. Actually, as a biochemist I KNEW it was bad for my skin but I couldn't help myself. Yoiu guys, this really is harsh on the skin whether it appears that way or not. It's very disruptive to the skin and it's just not a good idea at all.

I just got to see Dr. Rodan (yes, THAT Dr. Rodan) and when I asked her about what she thought about baking soda as a scrub she just rolled her eyes, lol. It was pretty funny.

My dermatologist created a very popular and expensive skin care line, and when I told her I was using baking soda and water to exfoliate she totally approved. She uses it too!

I keep a tupperware container of it in the shower and just mix with water, if I'm feeling up to it I'll mix with honey. I do not recommend mixing this with soap, it will be too harsh. Just a little water or cetaphil will do.

It would be virtually impossible at this point to have missed the memo that baking soda is a mighty strong deodorizer. Most of us by now know that baking soda can be placed in the refrigerator and even the trunk of our vehicles to absorb residual odors and keep things smelling fresh. After reading about alternatives to Aluminum-laden anti-perspirant/deodorants, I heeded the advice of the author and not only switched to an organic natural deodorant free of aluminum components, but I also began using baking soda in the shower as a natural deodorizer.

Every morning, I sprinkle baking soda into my palm and hop into the shower. I add a tiny bit of water to the baking soda and then rub it into my armpits to exfoliate and remove any odor-causing particles. This gives me *added* protection from odor all day. It has really worked and it really is too easy for me to do.

I feel really good about my choice to give up anti-perspirants since they are inherently disruptive to our body's natural process of sweating to release toxins. Anything that physically AND chemically blocks and alters this process is not healthy. I can rest assured that I'm minimizing direct risk to my body's glandular process.

At 79 cents a box, this stuff will last several months. Baking soda is also a staple in our household as we turn more and more green. With white vinegar, it works as a nontoxic household cleanser and a fruit wash. With water, it forms a paste for cleaning silver jewelry cleaner per the recommendation at Tiffany & Co. jewelery. A non-toxic must-have item in our home and a part of my every day life. continued >>

Wow, spent years looking for a face wash/scrub that actually took off my makeup and exfoliated. This is dirt cheap... $5 for Olay face wash/ 50cents for bs. Put a nickle sized amount on palm and add some baking soda lather and wash. I love it. Can't get any less expensive for a non-drying makeup remover/face cleanser.

UPDATE: Feb.2009 - doesn't exfoliate that well (still love the honey/aspirin face mask for that), but cleans very well and I still use this combination.

broke me out like crazy after combining it with my cleanser and using it as a scrub.....horrible breakouts!!!!

Great as a scrub or mask! Definitely a beauty must-have!

Again, it was you wonderful MUA'ers who turned me on to the idea of using baking soda to cleanse my face. I ran out to a local organic chain to get some aluminum free baking soda, and tried it. Even though I've used a lot of scrubs, I was shocked at how coarse and scratchy this is. To paraphrase the advice of the founder of Sage Skin Care, rub very lightly, as if you were polishing the wings of a butterfly. Even through I used a gentle touch, I worried the entire time if I were damaging my face.


The baking soda did clean nicely, but left my skin stripped, feeling dry and tight. I was using toner and moisturizer right afterwards to ameliorate that sensation. I will use it again, but probably not even once a week. I have other products that, yes, they cost more, but they produce an overall better result.


I do think the kitchen chemistry from baking soda and othe products is a wonderful concept to pursue, and I continue to look for new ideas.

Ok, I jumped on the baking soda bandwagon. I first tried it 2 weeks ago. I added a pinch (a large pinch) to my regular foaming cleanser, massaged it around my face, gently, and rinsed. I then moisturized. My skin felt extremely soft and smooth. It stayed that way. I'll admit I was afraid of breakouts after something that seems fairly harsh. But, no breakouts to speak of. I've since used it 2 more times. I have switched to using it with a creamy cleanser. Still no breakouts, and nice, smooth skin. I have to use a moisturizer afterward, or it would be way to drying. I will continue using baking soda once or twice a week as long as it continues to keep my skin smooth and soft. Like other reviewers have noted, massage LIGHTLY, you don't want to rub it in too much or damage will ensue.