Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) USP/Kosher — Versatile Natural Ingredient for Personal Care, Food, Pharmaceutical and Industrial Formulations

Product Overview

Sodium Bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is a white, odorless, crystalline powder with the chemical formula NaHCO3. It is produced through the Solvay process or through the mining and purification of natural trona ore (sodium sesquicarbonate). The INCI name is Sodium Bicarbonate, and it carries a CAS number of 144-55-8. The USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and Kosher certifications designate this grade as meeting the highest purity standards required for pharmaceutical, food, and personal care manufacturing applications.

Sodium Bicarbonate is one of the most widely used and chemically versatile ingredient compounds across industry. Its mild alkalinity (pH approximately 8.3 in aqueous solution), excellent water solubility, carbon dioxide-releasing reactivity with acids, natural odour-neutralizing capability, and gentle abrasive properties collectively make it an indispensable ingredient across personal care, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cleaning, pet care, industrial, and craft manufacturing sectors. It is GRAS-classified by the FDA, Kosher certified, and approved internationally across all of its primary application industries.

Key Features & Benefits

  • USP and Kosher certified — meets the highest purity standards for pharmaceutical, food-grade, and personal care manufacturing.
  • Mildly alkaline (pH approximately 8.3) with excellent buffering and acid-neutralizing properties across diverse formulation systems.
  • Natural leavening agent that reacts with acids to release carbon dioxide, enabling rising in baked goods and effervescence in bath and personal care products.
  • Effective natural deodorizer — neutralizes acidic and alkaline odor molecules through chemical reaction rather than masking.
  • Gentle abrasive suitable for mild polishing and exfoliation applications in personal care and cleaning formulations.
  • GRAS-classified by the FDA; approved as food additive E500(ii); accepted across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial regulatory frameworks globally.
  • Water-soluble, free-flowing powder compatible with a wide range of cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulation systems.

Applications

Sodium Bicarbonate USP/Kosher is one of the most broadly applicable ingredients in the EZ Elements range, used across seven industry categories.

Personal Care:

  • Bath bomb and bath fizz formulations as the primary CO2-releasing agent that creates the characteristic effervescent fizz when combined with citric acid
  • Natural deodorant formulations where its alkalinity neutralizes odor-causing bacteria metabolites on the skin
  • Toothpaste and oral care products as a gentle abrasive and pH-balancing agent for tooth cleaning and whitening
  • Exfoliating scrubs, body polishes, and facial cleansers where its mild abrasive texture supports physical exfoliation
  • Foot soaks and foot care products for odor neutralization and mild skin softening
  • Shampoos and scalp care formulations as a mild clarifying agent to remove product build-up
  • Natural and DIY personal care formulations where it functions as a pH adjuster and buffering agent

Food & Beverages:

  • Leavening agent in baked goods including bread, cakes, cookies, muffins, and pancakes when combined with acidic ingredients
  • pH regulation and buffering in food processing to control acidity in products such as cocoa, dairy, and fruit preparations
  • Vegetable blanching and food preparation to preserve colour and reduce bitterness in green vegetables
  • Washing agent for fresh fruits and vegetables to remove pesticide residues and surface contaminants
  • Meat processing as a tenderizing agent and pH modifier in marinated and processed meat products
  • Beverage carbonation aid and pH adjustment in soft drink manufacturing

Pharmaceutical:

  • Oral antacid for the temporary relief of heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach — one of its oldest pharmaceutical applications
  • Systemic alkalinizing agent in the treatment of metabolic acidosis, uric acid kidney stones, and certain drug toxicity protocols
  • Oral rehydration and electrolyte supplement formulations for fluid and pH balance restoration
  • Pharmaceutical tablet and capsule excipient as a disintegrant, effervescent base, and pH-adjusting agent
  • Topical pharmaceutical preparations for skin pH adjustment and mild antiseptic cleaning of minor skin irritations
  • Mouthwash and oral care pharmaceutical preparations for reducing oral acidity and supporting gum health

Cleaning & Sanitation:

  • All-purpose household cleaner, surface deodorizer, and mild abrasive for kitchens, bathrooms, and general surface cleaning
  • Laundry booster that whitens fabrics, removes odors, and enhances the performance of conventional laundry detergents
  • Dishwasher rinse aid and grease-cutting additive in manual and automatic dishwashing cleaning products
  • Drain deodorizer and mild drain-clearing treatment when combined with hot water or vinegar
  • Refrigerator, freezer, and food storage area deodorizer absorbing airborne odour molecules
  • Industrial parts cleaning and pH neutralization in manufacturing facility housekeeping applications

Pet Care:

  • Dry pet shampoo and waterless coat deodorizer for dogs and cats applied topically and brushed out
  • Pet litter box deodorizer sprinkled beneath or mixed with litter to neutralize ammonia and organic odors
  • Pet paw cleaning powder for mild deodorization and light cleaning of paws between baths
  • Natural ingredient in pet grooming product formulations where mild, non-toxic odor control is required
  • Aquarium and fish tank water pH buffer for maintaining stable alkalinity in freshwater tank systems

Industrial Supplies:

  • Fire suppression dry chemical agent in Class B and Class C fire extinguisher systems for electrical and flammable liquid fires
  • Flue gas desulfurization agent in coal-fired power plants and industrial boiler emission control systems
  • Blowing agent in polymer, rubber, and foam plastic manufacturing where CO2 release creates cellular structure
  • pH control and buffering agent in textile dyeing, leather processing, and paper manufacturing operations
  • Water treatment pH adjustment and alkalinity control in industrial water systems and wastewater treatment

Components:

  • Primary reactive ingredient in bath bomb, bath fizz, and effervescent tablet crafting kits and DIY cosmetic formulations
  • Leavening base in home baking, cooking, and food science educational kits
  • Volcano and effervescent science experiment component in educational and laboratory demonstration kits

Technical Specifications

PropertySpecification
INCI NameSodium Bicarbonate
CAS No.144-55-8
Chemical FormulaNaHCO3
Common NameBaking Soda, Bicarbonate of Soda, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
AppearanceWhite, odorless, free-flowing crystalline powder
Assay (Purity)99.0% to 100.5% (USP specification)
pH (0.1M Solution)Approximately 8.3 (mildly alkaline)
SolubilityFreely soluble in water (9.6 g/100 mL at 20 degrees C); practically insoluble in ethanol
Molecular Weight84.01 g/mol
Loss on DryingMaximum 0.25% (USP)
Heavy MetalsMaximum 5 ppm (USP)
OriginSolvay process (synthetic) or mined and refined from natural trona ore
Recommended Use LevelVariable by application; 1% to 50% in personal care; up to 100% in cleaning applications
Regulatory StatusGRAS (FDA); E500(ii) (EU food additive); USP/NF grade; Kosher certified

Why Choose EZ Elements as Your Supplier

EZ Elements supplies USP and Kosher certified Sodium Bicarbonate with verified purity, consistent quality, and complete documentation to support manufacturing across personal care, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cleaning, pet care, industrial, and components applications in Canada and North America.

We supply personal care formulators, food manufacturers, pharmaceutical producers, cleaning product developers, pet care brands, and industrial clients, providing:

  • Full documentation including Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), and Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
  • USP and Kosher certification documentation for regulated manufacturing environments
  • Bulk supply with transparent, competitive pricing per kilogram across all pack sizes
  • Technical support on formulation uses levels, pH management, effervescence design, and compatibility guidance

Safety & Storage Guidelines

  • Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources.
  • Keep containers tightly sealed after use to prevent moisture absorption and caking of the powder.
  • Avoid combining with strong acids in concentrated form without appropriate ventilation as rapid CO2 release can occur.
  • Wear protective gloves and avoid inhalation of fine powder dust when handling in large quantities.
  • Sodium Bicarbonate is generally recognized as safe; however, avoid ingestion in large quantities and follow recommended use levels for each application.
  • Shelf life is typically 2 years from manufacture date when stored correctly in original sealed packaging.

Complete handling, first aid, and disposal instructions are provided in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available from EZ Elements upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which industries use Sodium Bicarbonate USP/Kosher?

Sodium Bicarbonate is one of the most broadly applicable ingredients at EZ Elements, used across seven industries: Personal Care (bath bombs, deodorants, toothpaste, scrubs), Food and Beverages (leavening, pH control, vegetable blanching, meat processing), Pharmaceutical (antacids, alkalinizing agents, tablet excipient), Cleaning and Sanitation (all-purpose cleaner, laundry booster, deodorizer), Pet Care (dry shampoo, litter deodorizer, aquarium pH buffer), Industrial (fire suppression, flue gas treatment, polymer blowing agent, water treatment), and Components (bath bomb crafting kits, baking kits, educational science experiments). Its versatility across all these sectors reflects its unique combination of mild alkalinity, CO2 reactivity, odour neutralization, and abrasive properties.

Q2: What is the difference between USP grade Sodium Bicarbonate and regular baking soda?

Regular baking soda (food grade) meets FDA food-grade standards and is suitable for cooking, baking, and general household use. USP grade Sodium Bicarbonate meets the stricter purity specifications of the United States Pharmacopeia, including tighter controls on assay, heavy metals, chloride, sulfate, and loss on drying. USP grade is required for pharmaceutical manufacturing and is also the preferred grade for personal care and cosmetic formulations where the highest ingredient quality and regulatory documentation are expected. The Kosher certification adds a further layer of compliance for manufacturers serving markets where Kosher-certified ingredients are required.

Q3: How does Sodium Bicarbonate work in bath bombs?

In bath bomb formulations, Sodium Bicarbonate is combined with citric acid in a dry mixture. When the bath bomb is dropped into water, the water triggers a rapid acid-base reaction between the sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, producing carbon dioxide gas. This CO2 release creates the characteristic fizzing and effervescent effect. The typical ratio is approximately 2 parts Sodium Bicarbonate to 1-part citric acid by weight. Additional ingredients such as carrier oils, fragrance, color, and skin-conditioning actives are incorporated into the base to create a complete bath bomb formulation.

Q4: Is Sodium Bicarbonate safe for use on pets?

Yes, in topical pet care applications. Sodium Bicarbonate is widely used in dry pet shampoos, grooming deodorizers, and litter box treatments for its safe, non-toxic odor-neutralizing properties. It is applied externally and brushed or wiped away rather than left on the skin in large amounts. It should not be ingested by animals in significant quantities. For aquarium use, it is a recognized and safe pH buffering agent for freshwater fish tanks when used at appropriate concentrations.

Q5: Can Sodium Bicarbonate be used as a natural deodorant ingredient?

Yes. Sodium Bicarbonate is one of the most commonly used active ingredients in natural deodorant formulations. It functions by neutralizing the acidic and alkaline compounds produced by odor-causing bacteria on the skin, rather than masking odor with fragrance. It is typically used at 5% to 20% in natural deodorant sticks, creams, and powders. However, some individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation at higher concentrations due to the mild alkalinity of sodium bicarbonate; formulators often reduce the concentration or combine it with skin-soothing ingredients for sensitive-skin deodorant products.

Q6: Where can I buy Sodium Bicarbonate USP/Kosher in bulk in Canada?

Sodium Bicarbonate USP/Kosher is available for bulk purchase directly from EZ Elements, with supply options for personal care brands, food manufacturers, pharmaceutical producers, cleaning product developers, and industrial clients across Canada and North America. Contact our team for current pricing, documentation, and product samples.

Related Ingredients

The following EZ Elements ingredients are commonly paired with Sodium Bicarbonate in personal care, food, and cleaning formulations:

  • Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) Food Grade  — Antioxidant and pH-modifying acid that reacts with Sodium Bicarbonate to create effervescence in bath bombs, personal care, and food formulations.
  • Potassium Sorbate  — Mild preservative used alongside Sodium Bicarbonate in personal care and food formulations requiring microbial protection alongside pH buffering.
  • Aloe Vera Juice  — Natural soothing botanical commonly incorporated in bath and personal care formulations alongside Sodium Bicarbonate to offset its mild alkalinity with skin-conditioning and anti-inflammatory properties.

Order or Enquire

Looking to buy Sodium Bicarbonate USP/Kosher in bulk? Contact EZ Elements for current pricing, full product documentation, and supply options across personal care, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cleaning, pet care, industrial, and components applications. We supply brands, formulators, and manufacturers across Canada and North America. Reach out today to request a sample, Technical Data Sheet, or a bulk pricing quote for your next project.

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