How to Remove Blackheads (Baking Soda and Water Method)

Co-authored by Chloe Goldman

Last Updated: October 12, 2024

Baking soda can be used as an exfoliant to clean out pores and reduce the appearance of blackheads and acne. ^{[1]
X
Research source} Baking soda is also mildly anti-bacterial, so it could potentially kill off bacteria that causes acne. ^{[2]
X
Research source} Mixing baking soda and water is a popular method for removing blackheads and the protocol is fairly simple to follow.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing to Cleanse

Download Article

1
Mix baking soda and water together to form a paste. Baking soda is a powerful exfoliant and can help with the treatment of blackheads when applied properly. In order to use baking soda and water, you will first have to mix the two together to form a paste.
- In general, you should mix equal parts baking soda and lukewarm water. How much you use depends on how many areas of your face you need to cover. ^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- If you want to add a dash of apple cider vinegar to the mixture, this can serve as a toner. It's optional, however. ^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- Mix the ingredients together until they form a paste-like substance. ^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
2
Wash your hands. Before you use the mixture, you should wash your hands. You want to make sure you don't get any outside debris into your pores while you're washing your skin.
- Wet your hands with clean running water and then apply an antibacterial hand soap. Work the soap into a lather.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, making sure to wash the back of your hand, under your fingernails, and between your fingers. To keep track of time, you can try humming the "Happy Birthday" song twice.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly and dry them off using a clean towel.
Advertisement
After you've washed your hands, splash your face with clean, warm water. This will open your pores and help with the cleansing process. You can also wet a washcloth with hot water and drape it over your face until it cools. ^{[6]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Using Baking Soda and Water

Download Article

1
Apply the paste to the affected area. Once your face is washed and dried, you can apply the mixture to the blackheads.
- Use your hands to gently rub a thin layer of the mixture to all your blackheads. ^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
- Gently massage the paste into your skin as this aids in the exfoliating process. ^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
Once you've applied the mixture, wait 2 to 3 minutes or until it dries completely. Ideally, it should be dry enough that it's hard to the touch and feels somewhat like dried glue. ^{[9]
X
Research source}
3
Rinse the paste off with warm water. After the paste has dried, rinse with warm water.
- Use cool water to completely rinse off the mixture.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel. ^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
- Baking soda can dry out skin, so make sure you use an oil free moisturizer after rinsing and drying your face. ^{[11]
  X
  Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Trying Other Methods

Download Article

1
Add other liquids to baking soda. Baking soda and water is not always as effective as expected. If the method does not work for you, you can try adding different liquids in place of or in addition to water to the paste.
- Baking soda and honey, which is naturally antibacterial, can be added to wet skin for an exfoliating cleanse.
- You could dry dabbing a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol on your skin before applying baking soda and water. Rubbing alcohol disinfects the skin, which may increase the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
- Adding salt to baking soda and water can help dry out oily skin. You can also try adding a bit of honey to the mixture.
2
Try a baking soda bath. Baking soda is not only effective at treating blackheads. Overall skin acne can be lessened by using baking soda. If baking soda worked on your blackheads, you might want to try a baking soda bath to treat acne of the back, thighs, and face.
- Add half a cup of baking soda to a tub of warm bathwater. Mix thoroughly and get in. ^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
- This can be an especially good treatment is your skin is irritated after being exposed to the chemicals in pool water. ^{[13]
  X
  Research source}
If you have acne at your hairline, adding 2 to 3 grams of baking soda to your shampoo can help with acne reduction. However, it's a good idea to talk to a hair stylist before attempting this to make sure it won't damage your hair. ^{[14]
X
Research source}

Join the Discussion...

How do I get rid of blackheads on my nose?

35

WikiBirdWatcher823

I have a basic skincare routine and wash my face, apply toner, and moisturize every single day. Nothing I do has gotten rid of the blackheads on... Read More

2

Chloe Goldman
Board-certified Dermatologist

Cleansers with salicylic acid are great at removing debris and clotting, helping to clear out pores and get rid of blackheads. And there are a va... Read More

WikiCheetahGlider673

Try products with these active ingredients: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide. azelaic acid, retinoids, and lactic acid. It may take some trial an... Read More

See all 4 Replies and

Read Discussion

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do dermatologists recommend getting rid of blackheads?

Chloe Goldman
Board-certified Dermatologist
Dr. Chloe Goldman, MD is a Dermatologist based in Miami, Florida, who currently works at Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute and Upper East Side Dermatology. She specializes in cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatology. She earned a Doctor of Medicine from New York University and a BA in Biology, Neurobiology, and Behavior from Cornell University. She completed her dermatology training at University of Miami, where she was awarded the prestigious position of Chief Resident. She has won grants from the American Skin Foundation and the Melanoma Research Foundation.

Chloe Goldman

Board-certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Use washes and cleansers with salicylic acid, which are great at removing debris and can help clear out your pores. There are a variety of medications (most famously, medications with retinoids in them), both over-the-counter and prescription that are great for pore reduction.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 4

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Always use a clean towel when drying your face before or after a cleanse. You don't want any bacteria to get into your pores so you should never use the hand towel in your bathroom household members and guests use to dry their hands.

Thanks
Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
Never use towels that others have already used.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Although baking soda might facilitate a drying type of drying environment that is good to remove oiliness, it can be too abrasive. You might end up with an impaired skin barrier that can cause more acne or blackheads.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

Log in

How to Remove Blackheads (Baking Soda and Water Method)

Steps

Preparing to Cleanse

Using Baking Soda and Water

Trying Other Methods

Join the Discussion...

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories