March 7, 2020 | Talcum Powder
With growing concerns and lawsuits being filed for cancer-related to talcum powder, now is a good time to find some alternative moisture absorbers. While many manufacturers continue to claim the safety of their products, research and multiple studies have shown that there may be a link between talcum powder and both ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Therefore, why risk it?
Is There a Body Powder Without Talc?
There are multiple body powder products available on the market that do not contain talc. Some examples include cornstarch, tapioca starch, baking soda, and more. Here is a list of alternative options.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is the best alternative to talcum powder, as it similarly absorbs moisture and prevents chafing, but is made from corn. The particles in cornstarch are bigger and have a reduced risk of inhalation than baby powder poses. It can be easily found in general stores such as Target or Walmart, drugstores, and grocery stores. Common product names include:
- Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Pure
- Burt’s Bee’s Baby Dusting Powder
- The Honest Company Organic Baby Powder
Tapioca Starch
Tapioca is better known for its flavor in pudding desserts. It is a starchy white flour with a sweet flavor and comes from the cassava plant. It is popularly used as an alternative to regular wheat flours, but it can also absorb oil and moisture to keep your body dry. Tapioca starch can be found in some grocery stores or on Amazon. The price can range from $1.96 to $17.00, and common brand names include:
- California Baby Calming Organic Powder
- Peas in a Pod Sweet Cheeks Baby Bum Powder
- Nature’s Baby Dusting Powder
Kaolin Clay
Kaolin clay, or cosmetic clay, is one of the main ingredients in many cosmetics, deodorants, scrubs, and soaps. It is popular for its ability to absorb and reduce oil from sensitive skin. The price of pure kaolin clay starts from $0.89 and can go beyond $9.00 for commercial powder blends. Most often, it is bought online, but can be bought in some health or general merchandise stores. Brand names, include:
- Ora’s Amazing Herbal Pure and Simple Body Powder
- Country Comfort Baby Powder
- Era Organics Baby Powder
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common baking ingredient, and can also be safely used as a substitute for talcum powder. It is great at absorbing odors and commonly recommended for use on feet. However, in its natural form, it can be abrasive and cause rashes on sensitive skin. To avoid this, blending it with cornstarch or kaolin clay can help. Baking soda can be purchased for between $0.79 to $9.00 at a local bakery or grocery store, depending on if it is in pure form or a blend. Commercial brands that include baking soda in their blends are:
- Honeybee Gardens Deodorant Powder
- Avalon Organics Silky Cornstarch Baby Powder
Arrowroot Starch
Arrowroot powder is an all-natural starch that comes from several plants in South America. It works as a great substitute for individuals who are allergic to corn and cannot use cornstarch. Some grocery stores carry it, but it is most often purchased in natural or health food stores or online. The price can vary between $2.50 for arrowroot in its pure form, to $14.00 for powder blends. Products that include this starch are:
- Ora’s Amazing Herbal Baby Powder
- Ora’s Amazing Herbal Pure and Simple Body Powder
- Bee All Natural Organic Baby Powder
Oat Flour
Although oat flour is much thicker in comparison to the other alternatives above, since it’s made from ground up oats, it still has many benefits. It’s all natural and can be purchased in most stores for an amount between $2.50 and $16.00. A brand that uses oat flour in their powder blend is:
- Noodle and Boo Delicate Baby Powder
Has Talcum Powder Negatively Affected Your Life?
If you or a loved one has developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma as a result of long-term talcum powder use, you could be eligible to file a talcum powder lawsuit. At the Dunken Law Firm, we provide a free case evaluation and can discuss your options for claiming compensation. Contact us today, online or by calling (713) 554-6780.
FAQs
The American Academy of Pediatrics has long recommended against the use of baby powders that contain talc, because of both inhalation concerns and potential cancer risks. But what about cornstarch baby powder? “If you have to choose between the two,” cornstarch baby powder is likely the better option, Spinner says.
What is a good alternative to talc powder for men? ›
Table of Contents
- Corn Starch.
- Baking Soda.
- Arrowroot Starch.
- Tapioca Starch.
- Magnesium.
- Kaolin Clay.
- Bentonite Clay.
- Talc-Free Body Powder.
Natural, talc–free powders are made from a blend dry plant based powders such arrowroot, kaolin rice powder and corn starch. They are then blended with a small amount of oil in a (clean) coffee grinder.
Is there a safe alternative to baby powder? ›
Baking Soda
It is safe to use as an alternative to baby powder. But, using pure baking soda can be abrasive for sensitive skin. Opt for a blend of baking soda and cornstarch or kaolin clay. Most stores carry baking soda.
What is the same as talcum powder? ›
Due to its softness and ability to absorb moisture, talc is ground into a powder through a process that results in talcum powder. Therefore, we can consider talc the same as talcum powder.
Does Gold Bond use talc? ›
Talcum powder is the primary ingredient in Gold Bond Medicated Powder and Gold Bond Medicated Extra Strength Body Powder. However, Gold Bond Baby Powder does not have talcum powder as an ingredient, but rather uses cornstarch to absorb moisture.
What is a substitute for Johnson's baby powder? ›
Some examples of healthy alternatives to baby powder include any moisture-absorbing powders that contain cornstarch, baking soda, tapioca starch, arrowroot starch, kaolin clay, rice starch, and oat flour blends.
Is Gold Bond body powder safe to use? ›
From there, it became a widely recognized product. Today, Gold Bond's most popular products are its body powders. Many of Gold Bond's powders use talc as a major ingredient. However, unlike Johnson & Johnson, there have not been any highly publicized lawsuits that link Gold Bond's products to any form of cancer.
Is cornstarch safe to use as a body powder? ›
For a start, talcum powder is made from a mineral while cornstarch is made from a food ingredient. Cornstarch contains larger particles, so it has been considered to be a safer form of baby powder compared to talc. However, cornstarch could still cause respiratory problems if inhaled in large quantities.
Is baby powder safe for groin? ›
Short Answer: Not in your crotch. If you have to use anything, use corn starch (see infertility comments below). Longer Answer: Talc has been postulated to be possibly connected with a slight increased risk of ovarian cancer (emphasis on the word “possibly”).
Corn starch can work as a talcum powder alternative, but most doctors recommend avoiding it for diaper rash. This is because it can potentially irritate the skin and hold moisture rather than removing it.
What is natural talcum powder? ›
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral, mined from the earth, composed of magnesium, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Chemically, talc is a hydrous magnesium silicate with a chemical formula of Mg3Si4O10(OH)2.
Can you use baby powder instead of talc? ›
Although the terms talcum powder and baby powder are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two products. Talcum powder is an ingredient in baby powder. There could be other ingredients in baby powder, such as fragrances. You can buy talcum powder by itself.
What is a substitute for Johnson and Johnson baby powder? ›
Cornstarch is the most popular substitute for baby powder. A variety of industries use it as a thickening and anti-sticking agent. It's great at absorbing moisture and has the same silky feel as talcum powder. Supermarkets, drugstores, Amazon, and stores like Walmart and Target sell it.
Why can you no longer buy talcum powder? ›
Why Is Talc No Longer Used? Talc is no longer used because it is often contaminated with a cancerous mineral that irritates tissue linings years after it enters the body. The talcum powder can be contaminated easily with asbestos since both talc and asbestos are minerals.
Can I use plain cornstarch instead of baby powder? ›
Like baby powder, cornstarch helps dry out the skin and provides some slip to reduce the possibility of chafing. However, cornstarch also spreads through the air and can irritate a child's lungs if inhaled. Plus, cornstarch may potentially worsen yeast infections and yeast-related diaper rash.
Why was talcum powder banned? ›
Johnson & Johnson's Baby Products and Bans
However, Johnson & Johnson's baby products containing talc were discovered to contain asbestos, which is a cancer-causing agent. This discovery led to the European Union banning talc-containing products, as the mineral talc can actually contain the mineral asbestos within it.
