Beauty treatments don’t have to be complicated or cost a fortune. Sometimes the best solutions are right in front of you. Take for instance, baking soda. You probably have at least one box in your kitchen right now. And maybe you even keep an open box in your fridge to keep it smelling fresh and clean.

But baking soda is not just for cooking. The physical and chemical properties of baking soda make it perfectly suited for many of your beauty regimes. It can clean, smooth, soften and shine your skin, hair and teeth. At less than a dollar a box, it’s an affordable alternative to commercial products.

Here are just a few of the ways you can use baking soda for instant beauty.

1. Skin—you can soften and deep clean the skin with a paste made of three parts baking soda and one part water. Rub the paste on in a circular motion to remove dead skin. Then soak in a warm bath in which you have added a half cup baking soda. These treatments will make you feel smooth all over.

2. Hair—Mix baking soda with water and apply it to the roots of your hair. The effervescence will lift dirt and grime and remove product build-up that dulls your hair. This mixture will also help eliminate dandruff.

3. Feet—Relieve tired sore feet with an at home spa treatment. Mix two tbls soda and one tsp salt in a tub of hot water. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Face—For deep down cleaning, wash your face with a tablespoon of baking soda diluted in a sink of water. This is a great way to remove make up, and fight blemishes. The natural ingredients in baking soda will kill the bacteria that cause acne.

5. Teeth—Use a paste made of baking soda and dilute hydrogen peroxide to clean and buff your teeth and remove stains from tobacco and caffeine. Used as a mouthwash, baking soda also refreshes your breath.

6. Nails—Add baking soda to your nail brush to clean finger and toe nails. Rinse with warm water and you are ready for polish.

In addition to its beauty benefits, baking soda is a good first aid compound. Used as a powder, paste or solution, baking soda will also sooth insect bites, rashes and sunburns. You can also use a solution of water and baking soda to clean your combs and brushes.