Is Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) Safe? What You Need to Know
Safety Score
Concern Level: low
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) is generally considered safe for use in household and personal care products.
What Is Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)?
A mild alkaline compound used for cleaning, deodorizing, and as a gentle abrasive in oral and household care products.
Commonly found in: cleaning products, toothpaste, deodorant, laundry
Safety Research & Evidence
A mild alkaline compound used for cleaning, deodorizing, and as a gentle abrasive in oral and household care products.
Regulatory status: GRAS by FDA; no restrictions
Sources
Health Concerns
No significant health concerns have been identified.
Safer Alternatives
| Alternative | Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Washing Soda | 8/10 |
| Citric Acid | 9/10 |
How to Avoid Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
- Read ingredient labels carefully for "Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)" or its chemical synonyms
- Choose products with third-party certifications (EWG Verified, Made Safe)
- Consider alternatives like Washing Soda or Citric Acid
- Check the EWG Skin Deep database for product ratings
- Look for "Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)-free" labels on product packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) safe for babies?
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) is generally considered acceptable for use around babies at typical concentrations in consumer products.
What are the safest alternatives to Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)?
Safer alternatives include Washing Soda (safety score: 8/10), Citric Acid (safety score: 9/10).
Is Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) banned in other countries?
Regulatory status: GRAS by FDA; no restrictions
How do I know if my product contains Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)?
Check the full ingredient list on the product label. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) may also appear under different chemical names. Using apps like EWG Healthy Living or Think Dirty can help identify it.
Related Safety Guides
References
- Putt MS et al. (2008). Clinical efficacy of sodium bicarbonate in dentistry PMID: 28573742