Boric acid, also known as hydrogen borate, is a weak monobasic Lewis acid of boron with the chemical formula H3BO3. Boric acid is typically utilized in industrial processing and manufacturing, but is also used as an additive in pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, lotions, soaps, mouthwash, toothpaste, astringents, and eyewashes . It is known to exhibit some antibacterial activity against infections such as bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis.

Benefits

Boric acid has many health and household uses. Some of the top ways you can use boric acid include:

1. Eyewash

When it’s heavily diluted with water, boric acid can be used to create an easy and effective eyewash. Whether it’s a minor irritation or the more serious and contagious eye infection, a boric acid eye wash solution can help eye problems by treating any bacterial infection and soothing inflamed eyes. That includes relief of pink eye symptoms.

In case you’re doubting the use of boric acid in your eyes, even well-established eye washes list boric acid as one of the main ingredients. To relieve symptoms of eye irritations and infections, a homemade boric acid eyewash can easily be made carefully at home.

2. Acne

Some people recommend boric acid for use in home acne treatment. It also appears as an ingredient in some topical products that treat acne and other skin issues.

Is boric acid safe for skin? Boric acid is naturally antibacterial, and since there is a link between some forms of acne and bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes), it can help kill the bacteria causing breakouts. However, boric acid is not a foolproof acne remedy and can significantly irritate the skin. Many countries have actually outlawed its use in cosmetics. It also gets a very high (negative) score of 7 out of 10 for health concerns by the Environmental Working Group.

3. Athlete’s Foot

Boric acid power can also treat fungal infections, such as athlete's foot and toenail fungus. Just a few sprinkles of the boric acid powder in your socks or stockings can help clear mild infections and ease the itching associated with athlete’s foot. An added bonus: It can also neutralize the foot odor from athlete’s foot, providing relief for stinky feet.

Why is boric acid effective at treating athlete’s foot? The acid changes the pH of your skin and helps remove dead skin that feeds the fungus. Boric acid is a seriously potent fungicide, and it often clears ups athlete’s foot in cases where antifungal cream have failed.

4. Household Cleaner

You can use boric acid around the house as a cleanser, deodorizer, stain remover, disinfectant and mold killer. You can add boric acid to your next load of laundry for more stain-fighting power. You can also use it to clean the toilet bowl with very minimal effort required — simply put it in and wait 30 minutes.