Quick Take
A social media post suggests that applying a mixture of honey and baking soda can whiten the skin and remove blemishes. Our fact check found this claim to be false.
The Claim
A YouTube video claims that combining honey and baking soda can make the skin noticeably fairer and remove blemishes.
Fact Check
Does this mixture whiten skin in one use?
Absolutely not. A paste made from honey and baking soda cannot whiten the skin, nor can it significantly lighten the skin at all. Each ingredient is commonly found in households, but none has properties that can alter melanin, the pigment that controls skin tone.
Honey, although known for its moisturising and soothing effects, does not contain compounds capable of bleaching or lightening the skin. It may help calm irritation or support healing, but it has no impact on melanin production.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is another risky ingredient. Because of its alkaline nature, it disrupts the skin’s natural acidic pH balance. This barrier imbalance may lead to dryness, sensitivity, irritation, and even micro-damage. None of these effects contribute to skin lightening.
There is also no scientific research that supports the idea that combining these ingredients can have any bleaching effect. Skin colour is largely determined by genetics and melanin pathways, which cannot be changed with home remedies or daily pantry items.
Similarly, another circulating social media remedy claiming that a mixture of shampoo, toothpaste, and coffee can turn the skin “super white” after one use is also untrue and medically baseless.
Can any product make skin permanently fair?
No home remedy or cosmetic product, natural or chemical, can permanently change skin tone, let alone for 150 years. The claim itself is unrealistic and biologically impossible.
Your skin colour is regulated by melanin, genetics, and environmental factors like sun exposure. Even if a product temporarily reduces pigmentation, it cannot permanently stop melanin production. The skin constantly renews itself. In younger adults, this cycle takes about 28–30 days, while in older adults, it may take 45–50 days. Any temporary brightening fades as new cells form.
The idea of permanently fair is scientifically absurd, especially considering that humans do not live that long. No product, professional treatment, or DIY mixture can override the skin’s natural turnover cycle.
Another viral claim suggests that combining toothpaste, lemon juice, and ENO powder can shrink pores instantly. This is also incorrect. Pore size is influenced by genetics, skin type, and age, and cannot be permanently changed by any kitchen-based remedy.
Will this mixture stop the skin from darkening forever?
Definitely not. Skin darkening happens primarily due to UV exposure. When the skin senses sunlight, it increases melanin production as a form of protection. This mixture contains no SPF, which means it offers no defence against UV rays.
Without sunscreen or physical protection, the skin will naturally tan or darken when exposed to the sun, no matter what DIY remedy is used.
Is this mixture safe for skin application?
Using this mixture on the skin is not recommended and may do more harm than good. Dermatologists strongly caution against applying toothpaste, baking soda, shampoo, or lemon juice on the skin due to their harsh, irritating nature.
To clarify the potential risks, we consulted multiple dermatology experts:
Dr Swati Watwani, Medical Director at Persianlily Clinic, explains that baking soda is overly alkaline and disrupts the skin’s natural acidity. This can lead to rashes, dryness, and increased sensitivity. Its rough texture can also over-exfoliate and cause micro-tears.
Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist at Rashi Hospital, Mumbai, states that shampoo is formulated for the scalp and hair. Many shampoos contain surfactants and fragrances that strip the skin of moisture and damage the protective barrier.
Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, warns that lemon is highly acidic and can cause severe irritation. When exposed to sunlight, lemon can trigger phytophotodermatitis, a painful condition that leads to burning and dark patches.
When combined, these harsh ingredients greatly increase the risk of irritation, redness, allergic reactions, and long-term skin damage.
Some natural remedies, such as mulethi (liquorice) with honey, may help to mildly brighten the skin over time. However, their effects are limited, vary with skin type, and require consistent, careful use.
So this viral claim is false. Skin colour depends on genetics and melanin, neither of which can be permanently altered by DIY remedies. The claim ignores essential factors such as sun exposure, melanin pathways, and the skin’s natural renewal cycle.
More importantly, these ingredients can damage the skin barrier and trigger irritation, burns, or long-term pigmentation issues. They are not safe or effective skincare solutions.
For genuine skin brightening or pigmentation concerns, consult a dermatologist. Scientifically backed ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, AHAs, and daily sun protection are far safer and more effective than social media myths.
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