Baby powder has been manufactured by various companies for ages. And even today, it is widely used in different countries all over the world. However, most baby powders contain talc which can prove to be harmful to our health in many ways; therefore it is wise to search into different alternatives to baby powder. Talc has been widely used as it helps to prevent rashes and irritation caused by diaper use.
Even though talc powder undergoes various purification processes through crushing, drying, and milling, it still contains small fibers which are found in asbestos. The continuous usage of talc on babies includes risk of poisoning if it is inhaled or swallowed.
Some common symptoms of talc poisoning include problem such as coughing, chest pain, lung failure, and trouble in breathing. Throat irritation, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and eye irritation are additional symptoms. It can also affect the functions of the heart such a low blood pressure.
Manifestations of talc poisoning on the skin include rashes, blisters, yellow and blue skin. There is a serious link between talc and ovarian cancer in adults. Most people use the powder over the genital areas to prevent sweating. This can lead to ovarian cancer in women. Workers who inhaled the powder over a long period of time have developed cancer and lung diseases.
Although talcum powder can be used to prevent rashes and itching, its usage is comparatively lesser in the present scenario due to health issues that occur in babies and adults. Research has proved the detrimental effects of the powder.
Alternatives
Cornstarch
Found in the baking aisle of your local grocery store, cornstarch is a great natural alternative to talc. The consistency is exactly the same, so it will prevent sweating effectively. Cornstarch is derived from the endosperm of a corn kernel and if often used to help thicken sauces.
Arrowroot starch or tapioca starch
Both staples in a Paleo baker’s kitchen, these starches are all-natural alternative to talc. Arrowroot is derived from several tropical South American plants. Tapioca starch is derived from the crushed-up pulp of the South American cassava plant, a woody shrub. Both are used in Paleo recipes in place of flour and cornstarch. If you are using it on your baby’s sore bottom, try these combined starches as alternatives to baby powder to help soothe irritated skin.
Baking soda
You though sodium bicarbonate, otherwise known as baking soda, only had 100 uses. Well, here is one more. This common pantry item can be used in place of baby powder. Some people even use it as a deodorant, applying some to their underarms each morning. When combined with cornstarch, this mixture provides extra skin protection against odor and wetness.
Commercial alternatives to baby powder
These products combine the items listed above with essential oils for a pleasant scent. These powders are talc-free, just to name a few:
Burt’s Bee’s Baby Dusting Powder
Honeybee Gardens Deodorant Powder
The Honest Company Organic Baby Powder
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