Two everyday ingredients… and one surprisingly powerful skincare combo.
Kitchen ingredients have a way of sneaking into our beauty routines — and coconut oil and baking soda are two that people love to experiment with. You’ve probably seen countless DIY videos showing glowing skin after using this combo.
But what actually happens when you wash your face with coconut oil and baking soda?
The truth is: it can be helpful for some people, too harsh for others, and interesting to understand no matter what your skin type is. Here’s a clear, friendly breakdown of what really goes on when these two familiar ingredients meet your skin — the good, the not-so-good, and how to use them safely.
🥥 1. Coconut Oil Melts Away Makeup and Sunscreen
Coconut oil works like a natural makeup remover. The moment you massage it onto your skin, it breaks down:
- foundation
- mascara
- long-wear makeup
- sunscreen
- dirt and oil buildup
It feels silky, comforting, and gentle — especially for dry or irritated skin. Coconut oil acts like a soft “melter,” loosening whatever has collected on your face throughout the day.
If your skin is naturally dry, this step often makes your face feel calmer and more nourished before you even wash it off.
✨ 2. It Leaves a Temporary Glow
Right after using coconut oil, your skin may look:
- smoother
- dewier
- brighter
This is because coconut oil sits on the skin surface, reflecting light and softening the appearance of dryness or flakiness. It’s not a permanent change — more like a short-term “glow filter.”
For some people, this glow feels hydrated and healthy. For others (especially those with oily or acne-prone skin), it can feel too heavy.
Everyone’s skin reacts differently, which is why listening to your skin is key.
🧂 3. Baking Soda Gently Lifts Away Dead Skin (But Very Quickly)
Baking soda is coarse enough to act as a light exfoliator. When you mix it with coconut oil, it becomes a paste that helps:
- loosen dead skin cells
- smooth rough patches
- unclog some surface debris
- soften areas like the chin, around the nose, and forehead
It works fast because the tiny grains do most of the work.
But here’s the important part: it’s strong. And because baking soda is alkaline (your skin is naturally a bit acidic), it can throw off your skin’s natural pH if used too often.
Used sparingly and gently, some people enjoy the soft, fresh feeling afterward. Used daily or aggressively, it can make skin irritated or dry.
🧼 4. Your Pores May Look Clearer — Especially After Makeup Days
Coconut oil is great at loosening makeup and sunscreen, and the baking soda helps lift away the leftover debris. Together, they can make pores look cleaner temporarily.
This is especially noticeable:
- around the nose
- on the chin
- near the hairline
- after a long day of makeup
It’s similar to what happens after a deep cleansing balm — except with a little more exfoliation.
Your skin may feel freshly polished for the rest of the day.
🌿 5. Some People May Notice Calmness or Redness, Depending on Skin Type
Coconut oil is softening, but baking soda is strong. So this combo can go two different ways depending on your skin:
You may notice calmness if your skin is:
- dry
- flaky
- irritated from weather
- sensitive to foaming cleansers
The coconut oil adds a layer of comfort that feels nourishing and relieving.
You may notice redness if your skin is:
- naturally sensitive
- easily irritated
- acne-prone
- reactive to scrubs
The exfoliating action from baking soda can be too much for delicate skin, causing temporary pinkness.
This doesn’t mean the combo is “bad” — it just means this DIY works best for certain skin types and not for others.
✨ 6. Your Skin’s Texture Might Feel Softer for a Day or Two
Right after using coconut oil and baking soda, many people notice that their skin feels:
- softer
- smoother
- less flaky
- more even
This is because exfoliation removes surface dryness and allows your moisturizer to absorb more easily afterward.
For a lot of people, the main appeal of this combo is this freshly buffed, soft texture — like a quick reset for tired skin.
⛅ 7. But Your Skin May Feel Dry If Used Too Often
Because baking soda can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier when used frequently, some people experience dryness or tightness afterward.
This usually happens when the mixture is:
- used daily
- scrubbed too aggressively
- left on too long
- applied on already-irritated skin
This is why most DIY lovers use it once a week at most, and always follow up with moisturizer.
It’s not about avoiding the combo — it’s about using it gently.
🧴 8. Your Moisturizer Works Better After This Combo
After exfoliating the top layer of dead skin, moisturizers and serums tend to sink in more easily.
This means:
- products glide on smoother
- skin absorbs them faster
- hydration lasts longer
If you want maximum benefit, apply your moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp — this helps lock in the softness.
🔍 9. Some People With Acne May Break Out, Others May Clear Up
This part is very individual. Coconut oil is nourishing, but it’s rich — and some skin types love it, while others react.
If your skin is dry or normal:
You may find that coconut oil keeps your skin balanced and comfortable.
If your skin is oily or acne-prone:
You may notice clogged pores or breakouts afterward, because rich oils can sometimes trap bacteria for this skin type.
This doesn’t mean the mixture is unsafe — it just means your skin type determines the results.
🌸 10. It Leaves Your Skin Feeling “Reset,” But Not Something to Use Every Day
Most people describe the result as:
- refreshed
- polished
- smooth
- lightly exfoliated
It’s very similar to the feeling after a sugar scrub — satisfying, but not something to do daily.
Using it once in a while can feel like a nice, simple DIY spa moment. Using it too often can lead to irritation.
When used gently and occasionally, many people enjoy the glow, softness, and clean-skin feeling afterward.
Coconut oil and baking soda are two ingredients almost everyone has at home — and when mixed together, they create a simple DIY cleanser-exfoliator that can leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed.
It’s not a magic formula, and it’s not right for every skin type, but used gently and occasionally, many people enjoy the glow it gives right afterward.
The key is paying attention to how your skin reacts because every face is unique. If you love easy, natural beauty tips, save this article for later — Pinterest readers adore simple DIY beauty moments. 💛✨