You’ve probably seen the TikToks. People dumping white powder from a green box—the kind usually sitting in the laundry aisle—right into their steaming bathwater. It’s controversial. Honestly, the internet is divided between people who claim it cured their chronic skin issues and medical professionals who worry you’re going to give yourself a chemical burn.
Borax is sodium borate. It’s a naturally occurring mineral, not some synthetic lab creation, but that doesn't automatically mean it belongs on your skin. People have been bathing in borax for decades, long before social media existed. They do it for the supposed detox benefits, to soften hard water, or to tackle stubborn fungal infections like athlete’s foot. But there is a massive difference between "natural" and "safe for a long soak."
The Science of Soft Water and Your Skin
Hard water is a nightmare for your skin barrier. If your tap water is full of calcium and magnesium, your soap doesn't lather; it turns into "soap scum" that clings to your pores. This is where the benefits of bathing in borax usually start. Borax is a water softener. By neutralizing those minerals, it allows your cleanser to actually wash away.
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When the water is softer, your skin feels slipperier. Some people mistake this for "detoxing," but it’s mostly just the chemistry of the water changing. Dr. Sandra Lee (widely known as Pimple Popper) and other dermatologists often point out that while borax can soften water, it has a high pH. We’re talking around 9.0 to 9.5. Your skin, on the other hand, is slightly acidic, usually hovering around 4.5 to 5.5.
Throwing off that pH balance is a gamble. If you stay in too long, you risk stripping the "acid mantle," which is your body's first line of defense against bacteria.
Is Borax Actually Anti-Fungal?
One of the most cited benefits of bathing in borax is its ability to kill fungus. This isn't just a "crunchy mom" myth. Boric acid, a derivative of borax, is a gold-standard treatment for chronic yeast infections and certain types of tinea.
Research published in journals like Clinical Microbiology Reviews has documented the antimicrobial properties of boron compounds. It disrupts the cell walls of fungi. For someone struggling with persistent toenail fungus or Candida overgrowth, a concentrated foot soak might feel like a miracle. But—and this is a big but—borax is not boric acid. They are related, like cousins, but they aren't identical. Borax is more alkaline.
If you use it for a full-body soak to treat a skin condition, you might kill the fungus but end up with contact dermatitis. It’s a trade-off. Some users swear by a quarter-cup in a full tub to soothe psoriasis. They claim the alkalinity helps slough off dead skin scales. It's similar to how some people use baking soda baths, though borax is significantly more potent.
The "Detox" Myth vs. Reality
Let's be real: your liver and kidneys do the detoxing. Your skin is a one-way street for the most part. However, the idea of bathing in borax to "draw out" heavy metals or toxins is incredibly popular in alternative health circles.
There is no peer-reviewed evidence that sodium borate pulls toxins through the dermis. What is likely happening is that the borax is reacting with the oils and dead cells on your skin surface. It’s an exfoliant. You step out feeling cleaner because you’ve basically given yourself a mild chemical peel.
Why the FDA and ECHA are Wary
In the European Union, borax is classified as a "Substance of Very High Concern" because of its potential impact on reproductive health. The US FDA hasn't gone that far for topical use, but they don't exactly give it a thumbs up for your Sunday night soak either.
The risk is absorption.
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While healthy skin is a great barrier, if you have a cut, a rash, or broken skin from eczema, the borax can enter your bloodstream. Boron toxicity is rare but real. Symptoms look like a bad flu: nausea, vomiting, and "boiled lobster" rash. You don't want that.
How People Actually Use It (The "Safe" Way)
If you're dead set on trying it, don't just dump half the box in. Less is more. Most proponents of the practice suggest starting with no more than a tablespoon or two in a standard tub.
- Dissolve it fully. Granules can be abrasive. Stir the water until it’s clear.
- Limit your time. Ten to fifteen minutes max. Don't prune.
- Rinse like your life depends on it. You need to get that high-pH residue off your skin.
- Moisturize immediately. Use a pH-balanced lotion to help your skin barrier recover.
Some people use it specifically for "alkalizing" the body. The theory is that most of us are too acidic due to diet and stress. While the "alkaline diet" is largely debunked by biology (your blood pH is tightly regulated), a temporary shift in skin pH can occasionally help with certain types of inflammation. It's why people go to the Dead Sea. The mineral content there is incredibly high, including boron.
Borax for Inflammation and Joint Pain
Surprisingly, some of the most interesting anecdotes about bathing in borax come from the arthritis community. There’s a long-standing theory, championed by the late researcher Rex Newnham, that boron deficiency is linked to bone and joint degradation.
Newnham observed that in areas where boron levels in the soil were high, arthritis rates were low. While most people get boron through food (like raisins, nuts, and avocados), some believe transdermal absorption through a bath can help.
Is it a placebo? Maybe. But the heat of a bath combined with mineral salts does increase circulation. If nothing else, the borax helps the water retain heat longer, which is a godsend for achy knees.
The Verdict on the Green Box
Bathing in borax isn't the poison some make it out to be, but it’s also not the magic cure-all promised by influencers. It’s a powerful mineral. It’s a tool.
If you have sensitive skin, stay away. If you have a compromised immune system or are pregnant, definitely stay away. But if you’re dealing with hard water issues, minor fungal irritations, or just want to see if the mineral soak helps your joints, proceed with extreme caution and a very small dose.
Actionable Next Steps for a Mineral Soak
If you want the benefits of a mineral bath without the potential harshness of laundry-grade borax, consider these alternatives:
- Pharmaceutical Grade Borax: If you must use it, look for USP-grade (United States Pharmacopeia) powders. These are tested for purity and don't contain the trace contaminants that laundry boosters might have.
- Magnesium Flakes: Often more effective for muscle relaxation and skin hydration than borax, with a much safer pH profile.
- Test the pH: Buy a pack of cheap pH test strips. If your bath water is hitting 10 or 11, you’re basically soaking in mild bleach. Aim for a slightly more buffered 8 or 8.5 if you’re going for an alkaline soak.
- Patch Test First: Soak just your arm or foot for 10 minutes. Wait 24 hours. If you aren't red or itchy, the rest of your body might handle a full-sized tub.
- Consult a Professional: Especially if you are treating a specific condition like psoriasis. A dermatologist can help you balance the "natural" approach with science-backed barrier protection.