Is an Apple Cider Vinegar Bath Good for You?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) may also aid with a range of frequent skin concerns, and incorporating it into your bath can boost your skincare routine. It has notable antimicrobial qualities that might help relieve skin infections and calm irritation.

Raw apple cider vinegar is often promoted as a natural remedy for many ailments. You may have heard about its use for weight management, infections, diabetes, and other issues.

As a gentle acid, ACV may help reestablish your skin’s normal pH level. That, in turn, helps the skin retain moisture and keeps irritants at bay.

Keep reading to see what the research indicates about ACV for various conditions and how an ACV bath could provide relief.

Which conditions might benefit from an ACV bath?

Vinegar has been used for medicinal reasons across cultures for millennia. Modern researchers are only beginning to explore ACV’s potential for treating skin concerns such as:

• yeast infections
• dandruff
• eczema

A 2018 study showed that ACV can effectively inhibit infections caused by several common bacterial strains. Still, more human-focused research is required before clinicians can formally recommend ACV treatments.

Yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis

Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis occur when fungi or bacteria overgrow in the vagina. These problems arise when the normal, beneficial bacteria are displaced by harmful microbes, such as the yeast Candida.

An in vitro 2018 study reported that ACV suppresses the growth of several bacteria and Candida. The study indicated ACV was most potent against yeast when diluted 1:1 with water.

For Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, ACV worked even when diluted to 1:25 and 1:50, respectively. This implies that adding ACV to a partly filled bathtub might help counter some infections. However, direct evidence from studies in people is lacking.

For more on topical uses related to vaginal issues, you might also find useful information on apple cider vinegar for bv.

Sunburn

Contrary to online claims, there’s no proof that apple cider vinegar soothes sunburn — it may even irritate burned skin.

Instead of ACV, try steeping a few green tea bags in cool bath water. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm and repair damaged skin.

Body odor

Body odor results when sweat mixes with normal skin bacteria. ACV can kill several types of bacteria in lab settings, though human trials are limited.

While not proven, an ACV bath might temporarily reduce some of these bacteria, offering a natural alternative to deodorants that often contain antimicrobial ingredients.

Eczema

Healthy skin is guarded by a naturally acidic barrier. When this barrier becomes less acidic, it fails to work correctly. That allows moisture to escape and permits irritants to penetrate, making skin more prone to inflammation.

Research indicates that people with eczema tend to have higher skin pH, meaning their protective layer is not as acidic as it should be. Because ACV is a mild acid, topical application could theoretically help restore the skin’s defense.

Although some individuals with eczema report symptom relief after an ACV bath, further research is necessary to confirm these benefits.

UTI

A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria overgrow somewhere in the urinary tract. While not tested in humans, researchers think ACV might combat certain bacterial infections.

Keep in mind that UTIs usually occur in the bladder or urethra. Bathing won’t introduce water into the urethra, so drinking diluted ACV may be more effective than soaking in it.

UTIs can lead to serious complications if they spread. If you suspect a UTI, consult your doctor — you can consider ACV as a complementary measure but not a replacement for medical care.

You may also be interested in reading about apple cider vinegar for uti as an adjunct topic.

Dandruff

Dandruff can arise from various causes. One possible culprit is a yeast-like organism called Malassezia. Although Malassezia is common on scalps, it can trigger dandruff in some people.

No clinical trials firmly support ACV for dandruff, but it does have antifungal action. It may help reduce this scalp fungus. Dipping your scalp into an ACV bath could offer some relief; if not, other natural dandruff remedies may help.

Dry skin

Your skin relies on a naturally acidic barrier. Studies show that more acidic skin tends to be healthier because this protective layer helps the skin hold moisture.

Soap and water can make skin less acidic. Substituting ACV for soap or soaking in an ACV bath might help maintain the skin’s natural acidity, potentially preventing dryness and damage.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot stems from a fungal infection. Vinegar has traditionally been used as a home remedy for nail fungus.

Current research indicates ACV possesses some antifungal effects. Yet ACV has not been specifically tested against tinea, the fungus responsible for athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Consider other natural options to ease symptoms if needed.

Joint pain

Various conditions can cause joint pain, usually due to inflammation around the joints. Many people manage this at home with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

A recent animal study found vinegar to be an effective anti-inflammatory in mice, suggesting potential benefits for humans. However, in that research the vinegar was ingested, not used as a bath additive.

Pimples and warts

People commonly apply ACV directly to blemishes like pimples and to warts as a spot treatment. Applying ACV to a pimple may reduce pore-clogging bacteria; applied to warts, it may help dry them out.

An ACV bath might help prevent pimples and warts by lowering surface bacteria and viruses. These approaches work for some but aren’t scientifically proven for everyone. For more on wart-related uses, see apple cider vinegar warts.

How do you take an ACV bath?

To make an apple cider vinegar bath:

1. Fill the tub with warm (not hot) water.
2. Add 2 cups of raw apple cider vinegar.
3. Stir the water to mix.
4. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Turn on the shower and rinse off, with or without soap.

Final thoughts

Apple cider vinegar has attracted a lot of attention — some justified and some overstated. ACV is generally safe for many people, so you can try it, but don’t expect a universal cure-all.

For several of the conditions above, there are other, more proven home remedies to consider. If home treatments don’t help, talk with your healthcare provider about appropriate options.