What benefit does sodium bicarbonate provide in skincare formulations?

Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, serves as an effective pH balancer in skincare formulations. The skin has a natural pH that typically ranges from 4.5 to 5.5, which is slightly acidic. When formulated with sodium bicarbonate, the product can help adjust and stabilize the pH of other ingredients, ensuring they work effectively and are less irritating to the skin.

Maintaining a balanced pH in skincare is crucial because an overly acidic or alkaline product can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to issues such as irritation, dryness, or increased sensitivity. Thus, incorporating sodium bicarbonate helps create a more stable environment for the skin, promoting overall health and enhancing the efficacy of various active ingredients in the formulation.

While options like exfoliation, moisturization, and antiseptic properties are beneficial in their own right, they do not directly relate to the primary role of sodium bicarbonate in skincare products, which is to aid in pH management.