Sodium borate, also known as borax, is a naturally occurring mineral that it widely used as a household cleaning agent and laundry booster. It also possesses several properties that make it a compelling addition to beauty routines. From soothing irritated skin to promoting healthy hair, the potential benefits of borax are diverse and intriguing. It’s important to note, however, that when incorporating borax into skincare and haircare formulations, maintaining a concentration of no more than 1% is crucial for safety and effectiveness.
Clean Ingredient
At Clover Aroma, we exclusively source the purest, cosmetic-grade sodium borate for our formulations, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety for our customers’ skin.
Products with Sodium Borate
Skin Benefits of Sodium Borate
Sunburn Relief:
Borax has been traditionally used in certain formulations to soothe sunburned skin. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed that its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate the redness and discomfort associated with sunburn.
Acne Treatment:
Sodium borate’s antiseptic properties may also play a role in reducing redness associated with acne. By inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria and helping to unclog pores, borax-containing products could potentially reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne breakouts.
Skin Irritations:
Products containing borax, due to their purported soothing and antiseptic properties, may help calm the skin and reduce redness.
Eczema and Dermatitis:
Although more research is needed, some individuals with eczema or dermatitis have reported finding relief from redness and inflammation when using skincare products containing borax. Its ability to help maintain the skin’s pH balance and reduce microbial growth may contribute to its potential effectiveness in managing these skin conditions.
Sodium Borate as a Cosmetic Ingredient
Natural Preservative Properties:
Borax serves as a natural preservative, extending the shelf life of skincare and haircare products. Its antimicrobial properties inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold, thereby preventing product spoilage. By reducing microbial contamination, Borax helps maintain product integrity and safety over time.
Solubilizing Agent:
Borax acts as a solubilizing agent, enhancing the solubility of certain ingredients in water-based formulations. This property allows for the incorporation of hydrophilic actives and botanical extracts that might otherwise be challenging to dissolve in water. By improving ingredient dispersion, borax ensures uniform distribution throughout the product, maximizing efficacy and performance.
Enhanced Stability and Texture:
When included in formulations, borax contributes to the stability and texture of products. It acts as a buffering agent, helping to maintain the pH balance of formulations and prevent pH fluctuations that could compromise product efficacy. Additionally, sodium borate aids in controlling viscosity, improving the texture and consistency of creams, lotions, and shampoos for a more pleasant application experience.
Eco-Friendly Option:
Sodium borate’s biodegradable nature makes it an environmentally friendly choice for beauty products. Its sustainability aligns with eco-conscious consumer preferences, contributing to greener beauty practices.
Do-it-yourself
DIY with Sodium Borate
These DIY projects use borax at a safe concentration of no more than 1%, making them gentle and suitable for cosmetic use. Remember to conduct a patch test before use of borax, particularly if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Additionally, we’ve included household DIYs with borax featuring a higher concentration.
Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoon finely ground oatmeal
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon almond oil
- 1/8 teaspoon borax
- 4 tablespoons water
Steps:
- In a small bowl, mix finely ground oatmeal, honey, and almond oil until well combined.
- In a separate container, dissolve borax in water.
- Slowly pour the borax solution into the oatmeal mixture and stir until you achieve a smooth paste.
- Gently massage the scrub onto damp skin in circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Pat dry and follow with moisturizer.
Natural Laundry Detergent
Ingredients:
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup grated castile soap
- 1/4 cup borax
Steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine washing soda, baking soda, grated castile soap, and borax.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container for storage.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons of detergent per load of laundry, depending on the size and soil level of the load.
Enhanced Soothing Bath Soak
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon borax
Steps:
- In a mixing bowl, combine Epsom salt, baking soda, and dried lavender buds (if using).
- Add borax to the mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
- Store the bath soak in an airtight container.
- To use, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the mixture to warm bathwater and soak for 20-30 minutes to relax and soothe the skin.
Craft Glue for Paper Projects
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon borax
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a glue-like consistency.
- In a separate container, dissolve borax in a small amount of warm water.
- Slowly add the borax solution to the cornstarch mixture while stirring continuously until well combined.
- Remove from heat and allow the glue to cool before using it for your paper projects.
While sodium borate may offer benefits in certain skincare scenarios, it should always be used cautiously and in accordance with recommended concentrations to avoid potential irritation or adverse reactions. If you experience persistent or severe skin redness, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.