We all know talc powder as a beauty product that dries, protects, and perfumes our skin. Though it’s no longer as common in adults as used to be, people still buy it as baby powder. Talc powder helps keep the baby’s skin dry and rash-free, especially in diaper parts. Besides, we all love that baby scent. However, people have been avoiding the use of talc powder for the last few years. One of the reasons is the lawsuit filed against the talcum powder of Johnson and Johnson, where they were ordered to pay over $300 million. It wasn’t for no reason and here’s why you also need to stop using talcum powders. 

Why You Need Talc Powder Alternatives?

Talcum powder is made of a soft mineral called talc. Some studies showed that it causes ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Talc contains magnesium and silicon, which help absorb moisture and prevent rashes but they can also have some side effects. Many talcum powder products also have asbestos in them. The FDA also hasn’t given talc powder any clearance for asbestos despite the fact that it can lead to cancer and damage lungs when inhaled. 

This powder is considered dangerous for adults, so how can one allow it even near their kids. It’s most commonly used in the most sensitive body parts of the baby. You don’t need to worry if you have used it a few times in the past; however, its regular use can lead to bigger issues. One shouldn’t take even a minor risk when there are better options available. Here I’ve shared some talc powder alternatives. Make sure there is no talc in the product you buy and look for these ingredients.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch, as one can guess from its name, is derived from corn kernels. It is the most widely used talcum powder alternative for personal hygiene. Many commercial products, including Johnson and Johnson, use cornstarch in their powder. There have been research on it and it’s proven that cornstarch can’t cause any diseases in any way. However, it is suggested not to inhale the powder as it may lead to respiratory issues. But this issue is the same with all powders. 

Cornstarch is most regarded for its ability to keep skin cool and dry, and it’s easily available on every grocery store. Most people prefer it over talc as it’s one of the best natural baby powder alternatives and its particles are relatively larger. 

Arrowroot Starch

Arrowroot starch is extracted from the rhizomes of a tropical plant called Maranta Arundinacea. Though it’s not as popular as other beauty and baby powder alternatives in this article, it is just as or even more effective. Arrowroot starch makes skin smooth and silky and has the ability to penetrate the skin to absorb moister. It is commonly found in beauty powders and moisturizers as a thickening agent. It even has the power to heal skin conditions such as burns, blisters, and scabs. 

It is preferred over cornstarch by people who want to avoid pesticide-laden or are allergic to corn. Just like baking soda, it is also commonly used in frying, baking, and roasting. If you are feeling crafty, you can make your own powder at home; otherwise, there are plenty of products with arrowroot starch as a talcum powder substitute.

Baking Soda

Baking soda has countless health and beauty benefits. It’s a natural antacid and alkalizing agent that boosts many bodily functions. It is used in many beauty products due to its qualities as an exfoliator. Furthermore, it prevents acne and helps soften the lips. This is more than enough to prove its friendliness with skin. It is also used as a deodorant so you won’t have to worry about that dirty diaper smell. That said, the use of pure baking soda isn’t recommended on sensitive skin. 

You should look for beauty or baby powder that has a blend of baking soda in it. You will get all the benefits of talc without any fear of side effects. Travelers also consider baking soda one of the beauty essentials when going on a camping adventure.

Kaolin Clay

You can find Kaolin clay in many deodorants, soaps, scrubs, and baby powders. It’s a great talc powder alternative when it comes to dealing with sensitive skin. It’s naturally gentle and absorbent. It’s also a mineral that, unlike talc, doesn’t cause any health issues. Kaolin clay is an excellent facial cleanser that detoxes and clears pores and particularly works like a charm for people with oily skin. 

Another common use of Kaolin clay is as a healing agent, making it one of the best alternatives to baby powder with talc. It is applied to the affected area to calm irritated or inflamed skin. You can make a great baby powder at home with Kaolin clay if you know what you are doing. 

Oat Flour

Oat flour is made from rolled oats, it is easily available in stores, and many products use it as a talc powder alternative. It’s great for health as food, hair as a conditioner, and skin as a powder or lotion. You can easily make a baby powder alternative with oat flour to protect the skin from rashes. You can also mix its powder with hot water to create a paste and treat your acne. Oat flour is also helpful in soaking up oil and making skin smoother. It is suggested to mix it with raw honey and jojoba oil for better results.

Rice Starch

Rice starch is a component of rice that is mainly popular for reducing redness and clear blemishes. Baby products with rice starch work great to prevent and heal rashes even on the sensitive skin of babies. Though it’s probably the cheapest ingredient of all talc powder alternatives, it has many benefits to offer such as skin cleansing and toning. Its long-term use is also said to diminish brown spots on the skin. While it may be useful and cheap, you might have trouble finding it in stores. Nonetheless, everything is available online and is delivered to your doorsteps.