People are using baking soda and vinegar to 'cure' their acne

As far as TikTok trends go, we tend to focus our energy on easy beauty hacks that elevate our makeup game.

In the last six months we've tried boyfriend blush and sunset blush, and subsequently come to understand that we developed blush blindness in the process.

The app has even helped us to decipher the high visual weight versus low visual weight debate, forcing us to unlearn the heavy handed makeup techniques of our youth.

However, when we learned of a sect of content creators disseminating scary information about homemade skin care concocted from kitchen essentials such as baking soda and apple cider vinegar, claiming it could 'cure' acne overnight, we became concerned. 

As folks who live and breath beauty (and who've made a wealth of mistakes too), we know all too well that playing the mad skin care scientist at home can often do more harm than good. 

The skin on the face possesses a delicately-balanced microbiome that can easily be thrown out of whack by improper use of skin care or harsh ingredients, potentially causing irreparable damage. 

However, we also know that you're more likely to heed our warnings if they're backed up by skin experts with knowledge in the field.

BEAUTYcrew enlisted the help of Samantha Appel (Owner and Founder of The Skin Bar) and Holly Holub (Co-Founder of Glow Culture Skin Care) to debunk the at-home acne remedies you've no doubt seen on your 'For You' page, whilst scrolling through TikTok.

What do apple cider vinegar and baking soda do for skin?

Baking soda isn’t something The Skin Bar founder, Samantha Appel, has ever used or recommended due to it's high PH level, which can irritate the skin's natural barrier, resulting in a dry, imbalanced and angry complexion. 

The same goes for apple cider vinegar.

Although, it's antibacterial and potentially exfoliating, Appel raises concerns that the incorrect amount could lead to irritation and poor skin health. The imperfect nature of self-administered dosage is also a concern for Glow Culture's co-founder Holly Holub, who says that although diluted vinegar can technically be used on the skin, that doesn't mean it should — especially if you don't know what you're doing.

"Look, I can see why people are talking about these two ingredients as a home remedy. I say proceed with caution, both options should be considered as the home remedy alternative, which in my professional opinion is always high risk," warns Appel. "There is also a huge risk here of self prescribing and completely ruining your skin. I highly recommend using only skincare developed by professionals." 

Instead of following TikTok trends, Appel recommends finding professional grade skin care suitable for at-home use that contains exfoliating and pore-refining ingredients such as salicylic acid.

"If you have acne, I would always consult a professional for help," Appel advises. "As you can often do more damage than good — don’t follow trends on TikTok for acne — everybody’s skin is different."

What are the benefits of fermentation in skin care?

Although we wouldn't advise you to use fermented food products on your skin like vinegar, there are ways to reap the benefits of fermentation in your skin care routine. 

"Fermentation transforms ingredients into supercharged and skin-friendly versions of themselves," says Holub, who has studied the effects of fermentation on the skin to develop her own skin care brand, Glow Culture.

The fermentation process breaks down ingredients into smaller molecules, which can then be more easily absorbed, penetrate deeper, and provide additional benefits, she tells BEAUTYcrew. It can also enhance an ingredient's bioavailability and potency, and reduce the potential risk of irritation. They have also been shown to positively impact the skin’s ability to maintain a healthy pH, barrier and microbiome, and to retain moisture. 

2024's top 3 best fermented skin care products

1. MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule 5X, $34.45, Beauty Amora
2. FRESH Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence, $130, Sephora
3. Glow Culture Super Boost 3-in-1 Microderm Facial, $38.99, Chemist Warehouse

MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule 5X
from $34.45 at Beauty Amora

This powerful ampoule has been formulated with tired, dull skin in mind. It contains 77.2 per cent Extreme Biome™ complex, which is comprised of 10 moisturising and nourishing fermented ingredients, and Extreme Ferment α™ technology, which enhances product absorption to revitalise, fight signs of fatigue, and protect the skin's moisture barrier.

FRESH Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence
from $130 at Sephora

Recently reformulated to absorb quickly, penetrate deeper into the skin and deliver more efficacious results, this kombucha-infused essence works to protect the skin from environmental aggressors, enhance radiance and improve texture.

Glow Culture Super Boost 3-in-1 Microderm Facial
from $38.99 at Chemist Warehouse

This three-minute facial treatment combines the effects of an exfoliator, peel and hydrator in one easy-to-use product. Enhanced with fermented collagen, lactic acid and papaya extract, pre and postbiotics, micro-nutrients, caffeine, bamboo spheres and jojoba beads, this microdermabrasion treatment in a jar targets dull skin, rough texture, lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and clogged pores.

Main image credit: @madelame

This isn't the only viral TikTok trend that's inspired us to do our own research. We've found affordable alternatives for cult-favourites like the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask, the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist, and the Dyson Airwrap.