Bicarbonate of soda

What is it bicarbonate of soda?

First of all, to avoid any confusion it is important to say that bicarbonate of soda has many names: sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, baking soda, bicarb soda, bicarb, or NAHCO3

These are all the same thing. Bicarbonate of soda is used for many things including: fireworks, fire extinguishers, fungicides, pesticides, medicine and cleaning products. But most people are most familiar with it in its use as a rising agent in baking. When it comes into contact with an acidic ingredient it reacts to release carbon dioxide. This produces bubbles in the batter or dough giving it that soft, fluffy texture. 

How is it made?

There are two ways in which bicarbonate of soda are produced:

• mining: Trona is mined and then heated to produce soda ash. The soda ash is dissolved and purified and then treated with carbon dioxide to produce bicarbonate of soda. Alternatively a relatively pure form of bicarbonate of soda (nahcolite) is mined and refined.  
• the solvay process: this is a chemical process in which a saturated brine solution is reacted with ammonia and carbon dioxide. The bicarbonate of soda precipitates out due to its low solubility and it can then be filtered and purified. 

Sustainability report

The sustainability of bicarbonate of soda is a complex issue, and depends on how it is produced. 

• From mining: bicarbonate of soda produced from mining is relatively sustainable as there are vast deposits of trona (particularly in Wyoming, USA) and it does not produce chemical waste. However mining itself is disturbing to ecosystems and the purification process is energy intensive. 
• From the solvay process: bicarbonate of soda produced from the solvay process produces chemical waste and is energy intensive. However improvements in the process allow raw materials (ammonia and carbon dioxide) to be reused (in the case of ammonia) and recycled from other industrial processes (in the case of carbon dioxide). A new form of the solvay process is being developed which reduces energy consumption by 50%. 

Is it good for the skin?

Bicarbonate of soda has been demonstrated as an effective product to treat certain dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and microbial infections. It is anti-inflammatory, pH balancing and antibacterial. However, it is important to note that there are rare cases of allergic reactions to bicarbonate of soda. 

Which products contain bicarbonate of soda?

I have used bicarbonate of soda as the main ingredient in my deodorants. It is effective at reducing the smells from sweat because these smells are caused by acidic compounds. When they come into contact with the alkaline bicarbonate of soda and the odours are neutralised.  I use La Baleine food grade bicarbonate of soda.

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