Did your parents use baby powder on your when you were young? The use of this product for eliminating moisture from the skin, preventing friction and degreasing hair is common, but just because it’s effective doesn’t make it safe. As with any product, you have to look into the ingredients, and if you read closely, baby powder isn’t so innocent.
Baby powder is made from a clay mineral called talc. In order for us to have access to it, the mineral must be mined from the earth and then processed. Although talc is a natural element, studies have linked it to a variety of serious health problems. Long-term effects potentially include skin, ovarian and lung cancer as well as pulmonary issues. Talc is also used in cosmetics, so it’s important to check those labels too. So why would you want to use this on your baby?
Fortunately, there are talc free powders that you can use on your baby. Buy ones containing cornstarch, arrowroot powder, Kaolin clay or oat starch. These ingredients are gentle and can be used on all skin types including sensitive skin. However, you can also formulate a talc free powder at home, which you can customize with different scents.
If you want to make your own baby powder, you need two tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers, four tablespoons of corn flour, one tablespoon of orris root and a half teaspoon of potassium alum. The corn flour is not as fine as talc, which prevents inhalation, and it will be easier to apply to the skin. Once you have your ingredients, just mix them all together in a container. You can also choose different types of dried flowers to create a more customized scent such as lavender chamomile, but this homemade formula is effective as is.
Creating your baby powder at home ensures that potentially dangerous ingredients are left out so your baby’s health won’t be compromised. Talc might be natural, but it’s not safest option for you or your baby’s skin. Now you have a non-toxi formula that your entire family can use.
