Four Baking Soda Masks for Removing Blackheads

In the popular sphere, various masks, and home treatments have been suggested for removing blackheads, however, these aren't 100% effective or reliable.
Four Baking Soda Masks for Removing Blackheads
Karla Henríquez

Written and verified by the doctor Karla Henríquez.

Last update: 25 July, 2022

Removing blackheads and pimples properly means going to a dermatology center for a facial cleansing at least once a month. However, there are those who consider that, in addition to this, they can take advantage of homemade masks with baking soda.

Recipes of homemade face masks for removing blackheads

The homemade masks that we suggest below don’t, by themselves, eliminate blackheads definitively. In any case, they could be a complement to your skin care routine. They’re very easy to prepare, don’t contain ingredients that are difficult to obtain and, in general, have a pleasant texture and smell.

1. Strawberry mask

A plate of fresh strawberries.

This mask to remove blackheads is very simple and combines three ingredients that can be found very easily: Strawberries, honey, and egg white. The first two are attributed with antibacterial properties, while the latter is attributed with moisturizing properties.

Ingredients

  • 5 strawberries
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • Optional: Baking soda

Procedure

  • First, beat all the ingredients until a paste is formed.
  • Then, apply the paste on the face with moistened skin.
  • Finally, leave it on for a few minutes and remove it with lukewarm water.

Read more: Homemade Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin

2. Lemon Juice and Brown Sugar Mask

It’s believed that exfoliating the skin and cleansing it with lemon juice can remove blackheads and, at the same time, prevent their reappearance. While sugar helps remove dead skin cells, lemon has an astringent and antibacterial effect that reduces infections.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsps. of brown sugar
  • ½ cup of lemon juice
  • Optional: Baking soda

How to use it

  • Firstly, mix all the ingredients together and apply the mixture to your face. Make sure your face is clean.
  • Then use your fingertips to massage the mask around your face, paying special attention to your nose and chin.
  • Leave it act for 15 minutes and then rinse it off.

3. Rosemary water

Fresh rosemary sprigs.

Rosemary derivatives are widely used in cosmetics, given the various benefits they are able to provide. According to beliefs, rosemary water softens and moisturizes the skin at the same time that it closes the pores. This would be convenient because the smaller the pores, the less likely they are to accumulate dirt.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsps. of warm rosemary water
  • Optional: Baking soda

How to use it

  • Firstly, clean your face as you usually do or with water and soap.
  • Mix the rosemary water together and then apply the resulting past over the areas where you have blackheads.
  • After that, leave it to act for 15 minutes.
  • Finally, rinse with warm water and dry with a soft towel.
  • Finally, apply your usual moisturizer to remove blackheads.

Read more: Cleanse Your Skin with Almonds and Rosemary Water

4. Egg and lemon

A woman cracking an egg and separating the yolk.

It’s interesting to know that egg white’s an ingredient that has been widely used in cosmetics and, specifically, in skin care. In fact, there’s even been a study on the effect of egg white on the healing of second-degree burns.

It’s said that combining an egg white with lemon juice results in a mask that deeply cleanses the skin and helps remove blackheads more easily.

Ingredients

  • The white of one egg
  • Drops of lemon juice
  • Optional: Baking soda

How to use it

  • First, mix the ingredients.
  • Then apply on clean skin and leave on for 20 minutes.
  • Remove with warm water and circular movements to remove blackheads.

Instead of baking soda, use oatmeal for removing blackheads

It should be noted that although many homemade masks to remove blackheads and pimples include in their preparation ingredients such as citrus fruits, baking soda, vinegar, tea tree oil, and others, dermatologists don’t recommend using them in any way on a daily basis, since they can cause adverse reactions and worsen the problem.

If you still want to try a homemade face mask, at least consider substituting the above ingredients with honey, flour, or oatmeal, which are foods that rarely cause skin problems and have proven benefits.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Mostardeiro, S. C. T. de S., & Pedro, E. N. R. (2011). O cuidado de enfermagem em situações de alteração da imagem facial. Rev Gaucha Enferm. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1983-14472011000200012
  • Cedeño, J. B. (2015). La Cara , sus Proporciones Estéticas. Clínica Central “Cira Garcia.” https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2006.06.585
  • Cerutti, M., & Neumayer, F. (2004). Introducción a la obtención de aceites esenciales de limón. Universidad Del Centro Educativo Latinoamericano.
  • Sayar, R. (1988). Nutrientes del huevo, composición química, buenas prácticas.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.