Ancient Rituals, Modern Skin: The Power of Fruit Acids vs. Baking Soda

When it comes to DIY skincare, baking soda often pops up in beauty rituals-promising to smooth, brighten, and detoxify. But beneath that gritty texture lies a harsh truth: baking soda can seriously disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, leaving it dry, irritated, and vulnerable.

Luckily, Mother Earth has always offered us something softer and wiser.

Long before modern exfoliants, beauty icons like Cleopatra soaked in lactic-acid-rich milk baths, while Empress Wu Zetain turned to fermented fruit and rice wine to keep her skin luminous. These weren’t harsh treatments-they were rituals rooted in nature. Today we can return to that gentler wisdom. Products like FarmHouse Fresh’s Illumination Fruit™ Professional Strength Peel results with gentle fruit acids, echoing ancient beauty traditions while supporting something truly modern-ethical skincare that helps rescue animals.

Let’s explore why fruit acids are a magical, skin-loving alternative, and why baking soda simply can’t compare.

This post contains affiliate links and professional skincare commentary. For full details, please read my disclaimer.

The Problem with Baking Soda in Skincare

Why It Seems Like a Good Idea… But Isn’t

Baking soda may look innocent in your kitchen cabinet, but when applied to your skin, it can cause:

• Disruption of your acid mantle, the protective barrier that keeps moisture in and bacteria out
• A harsh alkaline pH (~9), far too high for healthy skin (which thrives between pH 4.5–5.5)
• Microtears and irritation, especially when used as a scrub

The result? Dryness, breakouts, inflammation, and long-term barrier damage. It may feel like your skin is “clean” or “tight,” but that’s often the sign of a skin barrier crying for help.

Why Fruit Acids Are the Better Choice

AHAs: Nature’s Gentle Resurfacers

Fruit acids—specifically alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic, lactic, malic, and citric acid—offer a gentle, chemical exfoliation that dissolves dead skin cells rather than scraping them away.

Benefits of using fruit acids:

• Promotes cell turnover without harsh scrubbing
• Brightens dull, uneven skin tone
• Helps fade dark spots and acne scars over time
• Maintains healthy pH balance of your skin
• Enhances collagen production and skin texture

While modern skincare bottles these acids into serums and peels, the love affair between fruit and beauty began long before the lab. Across centuries and cultures, these natural exfoliants were revered not just for their results-but for the ritual. Let’s take a step back in time and see how historical figures like Cleopatra and Empress Wu Zetian embraced these fruit-based elixirs to soften, brighten, and honor their skin.

A Timeless Elixir: The History of Fruit in Beauty Rituals 

Ancient Civilizations & Their Fruit Secrets

Fruit has long been part of sacred beauty rituals across cultures:

• Egyptians used milk (lactic acid) and citrus to soften and brighten skin
• Greeks and Romans bathed in fruit-infused oils and lemon juice to enhance glow
• Chinese empresses used fruit vinegars and rice wine for a luminous complexion
• In Ayurveda, fruit and herb-based ubtans were mixed for purification and radiance

More Than Milk: The Ingredients in Cleopatra’s Baths

It’s true Cleopatra is said to have bathed in sour donkey’s milk, which contains lactic acid—a naturally exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps soften and smooth the skin. But she didn’t stop there.

Historical and herbal records suggest her beauty blends may have also included:

• Fresh citrus juice (lemon or orange), which adds natural citric acid to enhance skin brightness
• Crushed strawberries or grapes, sources of malic and tartaric acid that lightly exfoliate
• Neroli oil, derived from bitter orange blossoms, known for its uplifting scent and skin-revitalizing properties
• Rose oil and rose water, sacred in Egyptian beauty rituals for their hydrating and anti-inflammatory effects
• Dead Sea salts for detoxification and softening
• Honey, used to cleanse, hydrate, and promote healing

This wasn’t just skincare—it was a deliberate form of self-care, designed to nourish the body, soothe the senses, and maintain her legendary presence.

Empress Wu Zetian: The Vinegar & Rice Wine Rituals of Imperial China

While Cleopatra ruled the Nile with milk and roses, Empress Wu Zetian reigned over the Tang Dynasty with wisdom—and her own fermented beauty secrets.

Celebrated not only as a formidable empress but also for her youthful appearance well into later life, Wu Zetian embraced rituals rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Her skincare practices highlighted fruit vinegar and fermented rice wine, both known today for their naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including acetic and lactic acids.

Historical and herbal texts note that her beauty regimen may have included:

• Plum or apple-based fruit vinegars to gently exfoliate and clarify the skin
• Fermented rice wine (mijiu) to boost glow, improve elasticity, and soften fine lines
• Cooling masks made from lotus root or mung bean powder, used to soothe and clear
• Pearl powder, a luxurious staple for brightening and calming the complexion
• Jade facial massage tools to promote lymphatic drainage and energy flow

Rather than harsh or abrasive ingredients, these time-honored remedies worked with the skin—supporting its natural renewal processes while honoring internal balance. I want to add that Wu was a woman that made some not-so-great choices during her 15 years of reign. I am just focusing on the skincare used in this time period and I am by no means glorifying her or her actions. I think it goes without saying, women did not have many opportunities to have power of any kind during the Tang Dynasty. She did what she thought had to be done. We can dive deeper into more details of her life on a different blog post.

 Fruit Acids Meet Modern Alchemy

Today, science validates what ancient beauty wisdom has known all along:

• AHAs resurface skin gently but effectively
• They address pigmentation, texture, and tone without the trauma of scrubbing
• Formulated professionally, they offer powerful results without irritation

Which brings us to the beautiful synergy of tradition and science:

FarmHouse Fresh’s Illumination Fruit™ Professional Strength Peel.

Meet FarmHouse Fresh: Glow, Grounded in Compassion

About the Product: Illumination Fruit™ Professional Strength Peel

Key Ingredients

Apple: There’s a fascinating study out of Aomori University that digs into this. Researchers found that apple pomace extract (APE)—the byproduct left after juicing apples—can significantly boost skin health by:

• Stimulating fibroblast growth (those are the skin cells responsible for collagen production)

• Increasing type I collagen and hyaluronic acid levels, which are key for skin firmness and hydration

• Upregulating enzymes like HAS1, HAS2, and HAS3 that synthesize hyaluronic acid, while downregulating HYAL1, which breaks it down

• Activating ERK and AKT signaling pathways, which support cell survival and regeneration

Citrus: There’s a 2023 review from the Journal of Food Chemistry & Nanotechnology that dives deep into the skin benefits of orange peel, and it’s packed with science-backed goodness.

• Flavonoids, limonoids, and carotenoids in orange peel act as powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, shielding skin from UV damage and pollution.

• It’s rich in vitamin C, which supports collagen synthesis, helping maintain skin elasticity and firmness.

• The peel’s antimicrobial properties make it useful for acne-prone skin.

• It can lighten hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production.

Sugar Cane: There’s a 2020 study published in Cosmetics that dives into the skin benefits of a polyphenol-rich sugarcane concentrate called Officinol™.

Here’s what the researchers found:

• Antioxidant powerhouse: Officinol™ is loaded with polyphenols that neutralize free radicals, helping to prevent premature aging and oxidative stress.

• Collagen protection: It inhibits MMP-1, an enzyme that breaks down collagen, preserving skin firmness and elasticity.

• Skin brightening: The extract reduces tyrosinase activity and melanin production, which can help fade dark spots and even out skin tone.

• Elasticity support: It also inhibits elastase, an enzyme that degrades elastin, helping maintain skin’s bounce and resilience.

• Cellular longevity: Officinol™ activated telomerase, a biomarker linked to slower cellular aging.

Lactic acid: A 2024 article from Cosmotality breaks down six evidence-based skin benefits of lactic acid, and it’s a goldmine for skincare lovers like you:

• Hydration hero: Lactic acid isn’t just exfoliating — it’s also a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and supporting a plump, dewy look.

• Gentle exfoliation: It dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing smoother texture and improving radiance without the harshness of scrubs.

• Brightening effect: By inhibiting melanogenesis, it helps fade dark spots and even out skin tone.

• Barrier support: It strengthens the skin’s natural defenses, making it ideal for sensitive or compromised skin.

• Anti-aging ally: Lactic acid boosts collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Soft tissue support: Some studies even suggest it may act as a mild soft tissue filler, improving skin firmness over time.

Cucumber Extract: A 2011 study published in the African Journal of Biotechnology explored a 3% cucumber extract cream and found it had anti-sebum, moisturizing, and skin-brightening effects. It reduced melanin levels and erythema (redness), while improving hydration and sebum balance over a 4-week period.

Another deep dive from Cosmotality highlights cucumber’s ability to:

• Reduce pigmentation and redness by inhibiting melanin and calming inflammation

• Combat enzymes like elastase and hyaluronidase that break down skin structure

• Deliver gentle exfoliation thanks to its natural AHAs, including lactic acid

• Provide antioxidant protection for youthful, resilient skin

• Enhance penetration and UV defense when paired with copper oxide nanoparticles

Willow Bark: A 2023 article from Cosmotality outlines six evidence-based benefits of black willow bark extract, highlighting its active compound salicin, a natural precursor to salicylic acid:

• Gentle exfoliation: It helps shed dead skin cells and unclog pores without the irritation often caused by synthetic BHAs.

• Anti-inflammatory action: Salicin calms redness and soothes acne-prone or sensitive skin.

• Antioxidant protection: Rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, it shields skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage.

• Anti-aging support: It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting cell turnover and collagen integrity.

• Sebum regulation: Its astringent properties help balance oil production and refine pores.

• Antimicrobial effects: It helps keep acne-causing bacteria in check, making it a natural ally for clearer skin

It’s a clean ritual—free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, and harsh chemicals.

If you would like to purchase FarmHouse Fresh’s Illumination Fruit™ Professional Strength Peel, you can buy it here on the FarmHouse Fresh official website.

FarmHouse Fresh Animal Rescue: Beauty Beyond the Mirror 

FarmHouse Fresh doesn’t just care for your skin—they care for animals, too. With every purchase, you’re helping rescue and rehabilitate neglected farm animals.

Their Mission Includes:

Maintaining a Texas-based farm sanctuary for abused horses, donkeys, pigs & goats Supporting U.S. rescues with funding from product sales Featuring animal rescue stories on their packaging and website

Their motto?

“We grow fresh skincare. You help rescue animals.”

This is beauty that radiates inward and outward.

How to Use Fruit Acids Safely

Even nature’s most powerful gifts deserve mindful use. Here’s how to incorporate fruit acids like a pro:

Ritual Guidelines:

• Use 1–2x per week in the evening
• Follow up with a hydrating serum and moisturizer
• Avoid other exfoliants or retinoids the same night
• Always wear sunscreen the next day
• Patch test if you’re sensitive or acne-prone

Think of this as a renewal ritual—not a quick fix, but a commitment to graceful, lasting glow.

A Fruit Ritual for Radiance: An Altar Offering for Your Skin & Spirit

Skincare is sacred. To honor the fruit acids nourishing your skin, try this gentle altar ritual under a waxing moon or golden sunrise:

What You’ll Need:

• A slice of fresh citrus (lemon for clarity, orange for joy, or grapefruit for renewal)
• A bowl of floral water (rose or calendula infused)
• A few drops of your fruit acid peel or serum
• A white or gold candle A mirror for self-reflection (optional)

Ritual Steps:

1. Cleanse your face, preparing sacred space.
2. Place the citrus slice and floral water on your altar.
3. Speak aloud what you’re releasing—dullness, comparison, or old patterns.
4. Light the candle.
5. Apply your fruit acid product gently while whispering:

“From root to rind, let my skin be clear, my energy bright, my beauty kind.”

Gaze into the mirror and affirm:

“I honor the skin I’m in. I shine from within.”

Leave the citrus overnight as a symbolic offering.

Compost or return it to the earth in the morning.

This isn’t just a skincare step—it’s a glow spell.

From Ancient Rituals to Modern Glow: Your Skin Deserves Better

Skincare should never feel like a punishment. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of fruit acids, the thoughtful innovation behind FarmHouse Fresh’s Illumination Fruit™ Professional Strength Peel, or the beauty rituals passed down from ancient queens and empresses, we now know that gentle exfoliation doesn’t have to come at the cost of your skin’s health. Baking soda may seem like a quick simple fix, but your skin craves more than a quick scrub-it deserves nourishment, intention, and care.

So, as you build your own beauty rituals, reach for ingredients that honor both your skin and the earth. Let every step be a moment of reconnection, and every glow a reflection of something deeper. Because the best skincare isn’t just effective-it’s ethical, soulful, and rooted in something real.

 

Shop the ritual! To purchase the FarmHouse Fresh’s Illumination Fruit™ Professional Strength Peel, you can buy it here on the FarmHouse Fresh official website.