Dermatologists Panic Over Viral Baking Soda Craze

A couple smiling at their reflections in a bathroom mirror while applying skincare products

Millions have watched influencers rub baking soda on their faces, but dermatologists warn these viral hacks may leave your skin worse off than when you started.

Story Snapshot

Baking soda skin care hacks exploded online, but experts say the risks are real and significant.
Dermatologists warn baking soda’s high alkalinity disrupts the skin’s protective barrier.
Social media algorithms amplify unsafe DIY trends faster than experts can debunk them.
Despite repeated warnings, these hacks remain popular among young, cost-conscious consumers.

How Baking Soda Became a Viral Skin Care Sensation

Baking soda’s journey from the kitchen to the bathroom mirror began with DIY beauty blogs in the early 2010s. The platform shift to TikTok and Instagram between 2019 and 2021 turbocharged its popularity, as influencers showcased cheap, accessible hacks for acne, exfoliation, and skin brightening. These short, energetic videos racked up millions of views, seducing viewers with the promise of instant results and low cost. Dermatologists soon noticed a spike in patients complaining of unexplained irritation and dermatitis, often linked to these trending treatments.

Influencers positioned baking soda as a miracle fix, boasting personal anecdotes and before-and-after photos. The trend fit perfectly into the pattern of “kitchen sink dermatology,” where household products are repurposed with little regard for safety. The democratization of beauty advice online allowed anyone—regardless of expertise—to broadcast skin care routines, shifting the power away from evidence-based professionals to charismatic amateurs focused on engagement.

Expert Warnings and the Science Behind the Risks

Medical professionals responded with urgency. Dermatologists and organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology issued repeated statements emphasizing the mismatch between baking soda’s chemistry and the skin’s biology. Human skin maintains a slightly acidic barrier, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5, which defends against irritation and infection. Baking soda, with its pH near 9, can rapidly disrupt this barrier, leading to inflammation, dryness, and heightened sensitivity. Peer-reviewed studies corroborate that alkaline substances compromise skin integrity and encourage the growth of harmful microbes.

Pharmacists and skin care professionals echoed these concerns, warning that even a single application can cause measurable damage. No reputable clinical trials support baking soda’s safety or efficacy for skin care. Professional organizations recommend sticking to products specifically formulated for skin—those robustly tested for safety and effectiveness. Despite these warnings, the sheer volume and virality of social media content outpace expert corrections, creating a persistent disconnect between popular advice and sound science.

The Social Media Machine: Why Bad Ideas Go Viral

Social media platforms play a decisive role, with algorithms designed to maximize user engagement rather than promote accuracy. Content that promises cheap fixes and dramatic transformations routinely outruns sober, fact-based warnings. Influencers gain millions of followers—and lucrative brand deals—by showcasing hacks that sound too good to be true. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have begun to flag or remove medically misleading content, but enforcement remains inconsistent. The result: risky advice circulates faster and wider than ever before.

Dermatologists and content creators have started collaborating to produce “myth-busting” videos, but their reach still lags behind viral hacks. The enduring popularity of baking soda treatments among teens and young adults highlights a broader challenge: the normalization of unsafe DIY practices and the erosion of trust in expert guidance. Economic pressures—especially among younger, cost-conscious consumers—fuel the desire for simple, affordable solutions, regardless of long-term risks.

Consequences and Industry Response

The consequences are mounting. In the short term, dermatologists report increased cases of irritation, dermatitis, and barrier damage, especially among social media users drawn to viral hacks. Long-term risks include chronic skin conditions, rising healthcare costs, and diminished faith in professional advice. The beauty industry faces pressure to address misinformation, as consumers seek alternatives that balance affordability and safety.

Calls for greater regulation of health-related content on social media are growing, with regulatory bodies and professional organizations advocating stricter oversight. Meanwhile, collaborations between experts and influencers represent a new front in the fight against misinformation—one where credibility and engagement must work hand in hand. The lesson: popular does not mean safe, and when it comes to your skin, expert consensus matters more than viral enthusiasm.