quick take
Social media posts claim that a mixture of flour, lemon juice, baby oil, toothpaste and baking soda can permanently remove body hair. We fact-checked and determined this claim to be false.
claim
According to a video on Facebook, you can permanently remove body hair using a DIY recipe. The post suggests making a paste by mixing 1 tablespoon flour, 2 tablespoons baking soda, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon baby oil, and toothpaste. Additionally, it suggests that applying this mixture to the skin may permanently remove hair. The video claims that this mixture not only removes hair, but also prevents regrowth and makes the skin soft and smooth.
fact check
Can baking soda effectively remove hair?
No, you can’t do that. Baking soda is popular as a natural exfoliant, but there is no scientific evidence that baking soda can remove hair. Baking soda may help remove dead skin cells (there is no data to support this), but it cannot penetrate hair follicles or affect hair growth. In fact, baking soda is highly alkaline and can cause irritation and dryness when used on the skin. Therefore, it is not suitable for sensitive skin, especially areas that require hair removal. Baking soda is a commonly used ingredient in home remedies. There are claims such as that baking soda restores vision or that baking soda treats prostatitis. However, these claims lack scientific evidence.
We spoke to Dr. Ekansh Shekhar, a dermatologist, cosmetologist, trichologist and aesthetic medicine consultant in Lucknow, for his views on baking soda for hair removal. She says, “This DIY hair removal mixture has no scientific basis and is ineffective. Ingredients such as baking soda, flour, lemon juice, baby oil, and toothpaste have no hair removal effect. In fact, baking soda is an exfoliant. And baby oil is a moisturizer, and lemon juice may only temporarily lighten hair. Permanent hair removal requires targeting the hair follicles, and this combination doesn’t do that. , using such combinations can cause skin irritation, clogged pores, and undesirable reactions due to the mixing of unrelated ingredients.
Does lemon juice brighten the skin or help with hair removal?
not much. Lemon juice is sometimes used as a natural remedy to reduce age spots, but its effectiveness is limited. Also, it has no effect as a hair removal agent. The citric acid in lemon juice slightly exfoliates, but does not dissolve the hair or affect the growth cycle. Additionally, applying lemon juice to your skin and exposing it to sunlight increases the risk of inflammation and can also cause hyperpigmentation (skin darkening). That being said, lemon juice has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. However, this does not justify the claim that lemon juice can permanently remove hair.
Will using baby oil make my skin super soft after hair removal?
Yes, but the hair does not fall out. Baby oil has a moisturizing effect on the skin, making it soft and smooth. However, baby oil has no hair removal effect. It is helpful to use other methods to soothe the skin after hair removal. However, this recipe has no real purpose other than moisturizing.
Does toothpaste reduce redness and soothe the skin after hair removal?
No, there is no scientific evidence to suggest this. Some people believe that toothpaste can reduce redness because it contains menthol, but it is not a scientifically proven skin treatment. In fact, toothpaste can cause irritation, especially on sensitive skin. Applying toothpaste to the bald area can cause redness, irritation, and even chemical burns. That makes it a poor choice for any skin care routine. Similarly, I’ve seen posts claiming that toothpaste can heal keloid scars. But I want to make this clear: this is not the case.
Will this mixture permanently stop hair growth?
Absolutely not. There is no evidence that any of the ingredients in this mixture (flour, baking soda, lemon juice, baby oil, toothpaste) can prevent hair regrowth. Hair removal techniques with proven long-term effects, such as laser hair removal and electrolysis, work by targeting the hair follicle, but this DIY mixture doesn’t do that.
Is it possible to permanently stop body hair growth?
No, not completely. Permanent hair removal methods such as laser hair removal and electrolysis can significantly reduce hair growth by targeting and destroying hair follicles. However, hair regrowth cannot be completely prevented. These methods also often require multiple sessions and maintenance treatments. Over time, some hair may regrow, but it is generally thinner and lighter. Permanent hair removal cannot be achieved with natural or DIY remedies as claimed.
Dr. Rashi Soni, a dermatologist at Rashi Hospital in Hingoli, Maharashtra, says, “Many people aim for permanent hair removal, but it is not possible to completely stop all hair growth.” states. Laser hair removal and electrolysis are the most effective options available, but even they require regular sessions to control hair regrowth. When hair grows back, it is usually much thinner and lighter. Natural and home remedies such as baking soda and lemon juice do not penetrate deep enough to affect the hair follicles and stop them from regrowing. ”
Claims that this DIY mixture can remove hair and prevent it from coming back are false. Some of the ingredients may have some benefits for the skin, such as exfoliating and moisturizing, but they cannot permanently or effectively remove hair. To ensure hair removal, we recommend scientifically proven methods such as shaving, waxing, and laser treatments. To avoid potential skin damage, always consult a dermatologist or health care professional before trying any new hair removal technique.
