Have you ever felt like you’ve tried every skincare or body-cleansing remedy under the sun—and still haven’t found the one that really makes a difference? I came across something simple the other day that caught my interest: a gentle mix of castor oil and baking soda. It’s not glamorous or trendy—it’s just two everyday ingredients—but I found the idea really compelling.
Here’s the gist: Castor oil is a rich, deeply moisturizing oil known for its fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E. It’s been used for skin and hair care because it can help soothe inflammation, nourish dry patches and support healing of minor skin issues. Baking soda is also familiar—used in cleaning, deodorising and sometimes in skin-care because it has a mild abrasive quality and can help remove dead skin cells and surface impurities. The thought is: when you mix them, the baking soda helps clear away the “old” or rough surface cells, and the castor oil helps sink in moisture and repair. The result: smoother, clearer skin in a natural, low-cost way.
Here’s how you might give it a try: Mix about 1 tablespoon of castor oil with 1 teaspoon of baking soda until you have a paste. Gently massage it onto your face or body (carefully around the eyes!) for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with warm water and follow with your usual moisturizer. Do this 2–3 times a week if your skin tolerates it (always patch-test first!). One wellness educator I came across, Barbara O’Neill, talks about this combination as a way to embrace more natural, gentle skincare rather than relying solely on synthetic chemicals. (Just a reminder: this is her viewpoint; you should check with a dermatologist or health professional if you have skin conditions or medical concerns.)
If you’re looking to refresh your routine with something simple—something that feels a little bit like going back to basics—this might be a nice experiment. It’s gentle, affordable, and gives you the chance to nurture your skin rather than just treat it. If you try it, I’d love to hear how your skin responds!