Traditional baby powder containing talc (talcum powder aka talc powder) has been scrutinized in recent years due to growing concerns about its potential harmful health effects. If you’re wondering what to use instead of baby powder for babies, I have great news: there is an excellent, effective, safe, SIMPLE, talc-free baby powder alternative that works exactly the same!
Health risks of using talcum powder
One issue with talcum powder is that it’s composed of very fine particles which can cause breathing issues, lung damage, and even death when inhaled.
Another reason to avoid baby powder based on talc is that talcum powder can contain traces of asbestos. Not only can asbestos cause lung cancer and mesothelioma if inhaled, talcum powder has been identified as a possible risk factor for ovarian cancer as well. Talcum powder lawsuits over cancer-causing allegations have been going on for several years now – taking the iconic Johnson’s baby powder down in an avalanche of litigations.
The reason for asbestos presence in talcum powder? Both of these minerals often naturally occur in close proximity. When talc mines aren’t screened carefully and talc ore isn’t sufficiently purified during processing, trace amounts of asbestos can remain and contaminate talcum powder, the end product.
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Talc comes in many grades which are categorized by purity (presence of other minerals). While cosmetic-grade (the highest grade) talc has been declared asbestos-free since the early 1970s when stricter measures have been adapted in the U.S. to achieve talc purity, the truth is, there is currently no guarantee that any talcum powder on the market is truly free from asbestos.
Talc mined in the United States is screened for the presence of asbestos fibers, but the same can’t be said about imported talc. Still, regardless of robust state-of-the-art screening methods implemented domestically by talc producers, the FDA admits that there are shortcomings in the current methods of testing for asbestos in talc. Some experts in the field go as far as saying that talc can never be completely purified and entirely free of asbestos.
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Natural & safe baby powder alternative
Many parents are keen on using commercial baby powder because of its ability to absorb moisture from the skin and reduce chafing which can help prevent diaper rash.
Luckily, there are several baby powder alternatives that can be used just the same that don’t expose you and your baby to the harmful effects of talc. Among the many baby powder substitutes (see a list below), I have a clear favorite!
This single-ingredient baby powder alternative does EXACTLY what any conventional baby powder does but without the health risks.
Best of all, you probably already have it at home!
It’s cornstarch.
Simple enough, right? Read below why cornstarch works so well as a baby powder substitute and also when NOT to use cornstarch!! as a baby powder replacement. I’ll share my favorite ways to store cornstarch for use as baby powder as well.
What makes cornstarch the best baby powder substitute??? (Talcum powder vs. cornstarch)
Cornstarch makes an excellent baby powder alternative because it is:
- Effective
Cornstarch is very similar to talcum powder in consistency and accomplishes the exact same desired effects as well. It’s highly absorbent which helps keep the skin dry, and it’s a great soothing agent for skin irritation. It’s even gentle enough for sensitive skin.
- Natural
While highly processed, cornstarch (corn starch) is derived from a natural source – corn kernels. If you prefer to avoid genetically modified ingredients, choose organic cornstarch. (Needless to say, talcum powder is a crushed mineral and thus of natural origin as well, but at least you’re swapping one natural substance with another, so that’s a plus!)
- Cheap
Cornstarch is cheap to produce, and inexpensive to buy. Even the top of the line brands and organic varieties cost a fraction compared with other baby care products.
- Easy to get
Cornstarch isn’t some odd product you’ll need to hunt down in your town or online. Out of all baby powder substitutes available, it’s the easiest to find. Virtually all grocery stores carry cornstarch (you’ll find it in the baking aisle). If you’d prefer to buy it online, here is a variety of options on Amazon to consider.
- Safe
Unlike talc-based baby powder, there are no known health risks or side effects associated with using cornstarch as a baby powder alternative when used sensibly. Truth be told, any powder in general is starting to get frowned upon these days by the American Academy of Pediatrics due to inhalation risks and the potential for respiratory issues, but cornstarch isn’t as concerning because the particles of cornstarch are larger than those of talcum powder and are less airborne.
- Fragrance-free
Because cornstarch is such a great alternative to talcum powder, many commercial brands making baby powder have started swapping talcum powder for cornstarch years ago. On the downside, many of these *safer alternatives* that use a talc-free main ingredient are blended with synthetic fragrance which is best avoided in baby care products in general. By using pure cornstarch without additives, you’re avoiding exposing your baby to potentially harmful chemicals.
Other talcum powder alternatives that double as moisture-absorbing powders include:
- arrowroot starch (arrowroot powder, arrowroot flour – all the same thing!)
- tapioca starch
- rice starch
- kaolin clay (aka cosmetic clay)
- oat flour
All are natural ingredients but not common staples – you may have more luck finding them in health food stores. Although tapioca starch is becoming more mainstream these days.
Also, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is another option, but keep in mind that when used alone it can be too abrasive for baby’s sensitive skin (it’s best mixed with cornstarch anyway).
When NOT to use cornstarch as “baby powder”
It is generally recommended NOT to use cornstarch on diaper rash caused by a yeast infection. Even many medical professionals advise against this practice. Cornstarch can apparently make diaper rash caused by a fungal (yeast) infection worse as it can promote bacterial and fungal growth.
In all honesty, I have yet to find scientific evidence for this widespread claim. Maybe it’s true, maybe it’s not. The only research paper I have found on this topic is this one (published in Pediatric Dermatology) which points out that cornstarch does NOT enhance the growth of yeasts on human skin.
I would conclude the obvious – if any diaper rash appears to get worse when using cornstarch in place of baby powder, rinse any cornstarch residue off the skin immediately and discontinue use until the rash clears up. The same goes for all other common substitutes.
Final words:
As with any type of powder, be careful when using cornstarch around your baby. Instead of dusting your baby’s skin with clouds of cornstarch, sprinkle a small amount in your hand, on a tissue or a cotton pad, and apply carefully to avoid accidental inhalation. Even small amounts of airborne powder can irritate baby’s lungs.
Always keep all types of baby powder including any baby powder substitutes away from your baby at all times!
You can store cornstarch in small plastic containers with lids like these (2-4 oz size works great) or in spice jars (feel free to reuse an old empty spice jar if you have one available – rinse and dry well beforehand). Keep within reach for the next diaper change.
I hope this article gives you some insight into what to use instead of talcum baby powder that’s functional and safe for your baby without causing respiratory issues and potentially cancer, or if you’re just looking for a homemade baby powder ideas or a baby powder replacement in general because you’re a minimalist at heart.
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