Is Borax Safe For Your Skin?

Pros, cons, and all you need to know before using this abrasive salt for exfoliating.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Priya Gill, MBBCH, MRCP
July 18, 2022 By Jyotsana Rao

Borax is a natural mineral present in many skin care products. But is borax safe for your skin? The safety of borax is a never-ending debate. And before you use products with borax in it, you must know whether it is safe to use these products or not. In this article, we examine the pros and cons of using borax for skin and help you determine if you should use products with borax or not. But, before we dive into the safety concerns regarding borax, let us read what borax is. Scroll down to find out the potential risks associated with the ingredient, how to use it, and more.

In This Article

What Is Borax?

Borax is a salt of boric acid, but its chemical composition is entirely different from that of an acid. Scientifically called sodium tetraborate, borax is mined from the depths of the earth and also found as deposits in lake beds and mountain runoffs.

The use of borax by humans dates back to 4000 years ago when it was first discovered in Persia. It has a white chalk-like appearance, and its powdered form consists of tiny colorless crystals.

So now, we get to the important question.

Is Borax Safe For Your Skin?

Borax, combined with wax, is used in many cosmetic products like creams, gels, and lotions. It is famously used in hand soaps to help wash off the oil or grease from the hands.

Borax is alkaline in nature, making it a perfect ingredient in cleansers and toners. But this same property can cause skin irritation and rashes (1).

Exfoliating borax soaps eradicate skin bacteria and remove dead skin cells and excess oil (2). Borax is a natural mineral; it is even used as an ingredient in many homemade remedies for cleansing and moisturization .

Since borax is also a component in many detergents, fertilizers, and other chemical products, many are skeptical of its use on the skin. And as it is difficult to quantify the limit, it is best to avoid borax on the skin. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin as they would be more vulnerable to skin infections.

But if your skin is not so sensitive, you can go ahead and use borax – but with extreme caution. Make sure you rinse your skin thoroughly after each use.

Borax does not penetrate deep into the skin, and this makes it safe to use in limited quantities. This property also makes it an easy cure for skin problems.

And talking about its use, how do we use borax on the skin?

How To Use Borax For Your Skin

Borax is used in soaps, creams, lotions, and gels. If you are keen to use it on your skin, you can try skin care products that contain borax as an ingredient.

Borax can treat acne. You can mix 1/2 teaspoon of borax powder with 1 teaspoon of glycerine, 1 cup of distilled water, and 1/2 teaspoon of camphor lotion to form a paste. Apply this paste to the problem areas.

Keep the mask on until it dries and rinse your face with warm water. Splash cold water over your face and pat dry with a clean towel. The mask works well to maintain the pH balance of your skin and absorbs the excess oil.

All good – but where can you get borax?

Where Can I Buy Borax?

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Natural borax (in the powdered form) is readily available in supermarkets and online shopping websites. Some famous brands that sell borax are 20 Mule Team Borax, Hovex, and Bare Essentials. Keep in mind to never pick borax that has additional ingredients or fragrance. And there’s something else.

What Should You Keep In Mind Before Using Borax On The Skin?

Like we discussed – though we don’t recommend using borax on skin, you can use it in limited quantities if you are keen.

But remember that the toxins in borax have adverse effects on the reproductive health of men – borax can decrease male sperm count.

Pregnant women must avoid borax at all costs as it may lead to congenital disabilities. Exposure to borax during pregnancy might lead to abnormal fetal development and brain abnormalities in the child.

But wait, what determines if borax can be toxic or not?

Is Borax Toxic Or Not?

Similar to essential oils, how you use borax and the quantity matter in determining its toxicity. If you choose to use borax on the skin, you must do so carefully.

Studies have proven that exposure (by inhaling and ingesting) to borax for a long period can lead to liver cancer, liver failure, and skin peeling. Borax can also disrupt hormone balance when used in high doses.

As the skin can absorb borax into the system, make sure you do not apply more than the normal dosage.

Borax, also known as sodium tetraborate, is a mineral salt commonly used in cosmetic products for years to remove excess oil, dirt, dead skin, and bacteria. You can mix borax with glycerin, camphor, and distilled water to make a paste and apply it to your face. Exercise caution when applying borax as excess borax may lead to skin irritation. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid using borax. If you are not sure about using borax, consult your dermatologist to know if borax is safe for your skin or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I use borax on my skin?

Use borax on your skin only when it is necessary, and you have no other alternative. As sparsely as possible.

Are borax and boric acid the same?

No, they are not. Borax is a salt derived from boric acid, and chemically, both are entirely different.

Sources

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