The itch we get from insect bites comes from the sting or venom, which is acidic. As baking soda is alkaline, it quickly neutralises the acid and relieves the itch.

Baking soda is great for a number of things, including relieving itchy skin from insect bites or a rash from cosmetics and other irritants.

Why it works: Your skin feels itchy from insect bites because of the insect’s acidic sting/venom. As baking soda is alkaline, it quickly neutralises the acid, thus soothing the itch. Baking soda is also a great at drying any itchy bumps or a rash on the skin if your itchiness is caused by allergies or cosmetics. (This drying effect is what makes it so good for cleaning oily skin!)

How to do it: Just apply some baking soda mixed with a tiny bit of water to turn it into a paste and apply to your itching skin and bumps.

[Note: For pet owners, using baking soda on itchy skin is also much better than over the counter ointments as baking soda is not harmful if your pet licks you.]