Your grandmother always sang the praises of baking soda, using it for all kinds of home remedies. And today, you see it everywhere: in the kitchen, for cleaning, for making DIY cosmetics… But is it truly effective for everything? And more importantly, can it be used on stretch marks?
What is baking soda?
Also known as sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate, baking soda is a white, powdery ionic compound. It is an acidic salt that reacts when it comes into contact with other chemical substances. This is why it is used in such a wide range of products. There are three main types of baking soda:
- the kind used in the production of cleaning products and detergents, known as “technical grade“;
- food-grade baking soda, typically the baking soda used in cake recipes as a leavening agent;
- the pharmaceutical-grade version, finer and purer, used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
It is this last version, available at pharmacies and health stores, that is recommended for making DIY cosmetics.
Baking soda: an ally against stretch marks?
But how can this white powder have any effect on stretch marks? On its own, baking soda will not “repair” stretch marks, which are caused by tears in certain elastic fibres that make up the dermis.
Under intense and sudden stretching of the skin, triggered by significant weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or rapid growth (typically during puberty), the skin’s support fibres can give way under the pressure. This leads to the appearance of small streaks on the skin’s surface, initially coloured, then fading to a pearly white. These are stretch marks. They can be prevented with the daily application of a rich cream or oil. But once they appear, it is impossible to make them disappear entirely. However, by caring for your skin consistently, you can visibly fade them and restore a more even, firm, and resilient complexion.
To do this, two key steps are needed:
- exfoliating the skin, to refine its texture and stimulate the production of subcutaneous collagen through mechanical action. This encourages the dermis to generate new elastic support fibres, for a plumper appearance and partial smoothing of the streaks;
- nourishing it, to prevent new stretch marks from forming. Dehydrated, dry, and neglected skin is far more likely to “crack” than skin that is supple, deeply moisturised, and well nourished.
This is where baking soda comes in — at the first step — as it can be used as a natural exfoliant. Its very fine grains and gentle formulation make it a highly appreciated scrub. Safe for the skin, it can be used on stretch marks without risk, with gentle circular massage movements.
How do I use baking soda on my stretch marks?
It couldn’t be simpler! Here are three DIY scrub recipes using baking soda.
The first, a basic recipe: mix 2 tbsp of baking soda with 2 tbsp of water, massage the affected areas using small circular movements, then rinse with water. Use no more than twice a week. And most importantly, always apply a moisturising oil or cream to your skin after exfoliating.
The second, a more nourishing option: mix 2 tsp of baking soda with 1 tsp of liquid honey and a little water, then gently massage the stretch marks with this homemade balm. The benefit of honey: it naturally helps regenerate the skin. You can even leave the mixture on for a few moments to let the active molecules in the honey work their magic. Rinse off with clean water.
The third, a more fluid version: mix a little baking soda with a natural plant-based oil of your choice and massage as described above. When it comes to the oil, the options are plentiful: coconut, avocado, or sweet almond — it all depends on the texture you prefer, as some oils are richer and/or thicker than others.
Are there alternatives to baking soda for treating stretch marks?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a simpler alternative, or want to complement this routine, conventional skincare is well worth exploring. That said, stretch mark products should be chosen carefully… Our stretch mark range, ultra-natural (Yuka score 100/100), is the perfect companion! It includes:
- our Prevention Stretch Mark Oil, a blend of 6 natural plant-based oils, bringing together all the benefits of nature in a single bottle! A lightweight, fast-absorbing texture, a 100% natural formula (no additives or mineral oils), and suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding — to help prevent stretch marks from forming;
- our Repairing Cream, enriched with macadamia oil, cocoa butter and vitamin B5, helps restore the skin’s natural properties (suppleness, resilience) while boosting deep regeneration.
Used daily, it helps prevent stretch marks from appearing or visibly fade existing ones. Just 14 days are enough to see them diminish — even the oldest, white and deeply set ones.