When I first became a mom, I started to question the ingredients in everything I put on my baby. Unfortunately, there weren’t good answers to most of my questions. One product I was surprised to find had problematic ingredients was baby powder.
The Problem with Baby Powder…
Innocent though it seems, baby powder often has some hidden ingredients. Up until recently companies like Johnson & Johnson used talcum powder as the main ingredient in their baby powder. The problem is talc is commonly contaminated with cancer causing asbestos. Now, 57,000 lawsuits later, J&J recently swapped out the talc for corn starch in their talc-free baby powder.
Even with the new formulations though there are still some issues for sensitive skin. There’s the fragrance which is linked with allergen concerns and endocrine disruption. Or the benzyl salicylate which has a high risk of allergies and immunotoxicity… but only if it’s in powder form.
When I had really little ones, I wanted personal care products that were also safe for my baby’s skin. Thankfully there are natural baby powders and baby products out there that are safe on baby’s bottom.
Make Your Own Homemade Baby Powder
I did find a few good store-bought alternatives, like this organic one from Eraorganics and Little Twig Baby Powder. However, I wanted to find a good DIY version. I suspected if I could make it, I’d save money and be able to customize it.
Unlike some body care recipes that require many attempts before I find a recipe I love, this one was relatively simple. Just a natural powder of some kind and optional herbs or essential oils.
Baby Powder Ingredients
I settled on using arrowroot powder or organic cornstarch as the base and added powdered herbs like chamomile and calendula to sooth sore bottoms. Some recipes add some blend of kaolin clay, baking soda, or tapioca starch. I’ve also experimented with adding a few drops of chamomile essential oil and it worked really well too. Tea tree or lavender essential oil are good substitutes if you don’t have chamomile.
I found this was easiest to use when I stored it in a powdered sugar shaker. I also package homemade baby powder in these with a recipe card of how to make more when I give this as a baby gift.
If you’re worried about what comes in contact with your baby’s delicate skin, consider making your own baby powder.
Homemade Baby Powder Recipe
This simple recipe features soothing ingredients for baby’s bottom. Great to reduce moisture on skin for adults too!
Yield: 0.5 cup
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If using chamomile or calendula flowers, powder them in the blender or coffee grinder (see note below for tips).
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Mix the finely ground flowers, or essential oil if using, with the arrowroot powder and store in a glass jar, spice jar, or sugar shaker for easy use.
You can add a few Tablespoons of the arrowroot powder to the coffee grinder with the flowers and essential oils. Blending them together this way better incorporates the ingredients and avoids clumping. Just wait for the powder to settle before you open the lid!
How to Use Baby Powder
Baby powder is helpful for more than just babies! Women have used it for decades as part of their skincare routine. Body powder helps absorb excess sweat and moisture on skin. It’s also helpful to keep baby’s bottom dry to prevent diaper rash. And when you add soothing herbs it can help the skin recover faster.
More Baby Skincare Recipes
If you have a little one or are looking for some baby shower gifts give one of these recipes a try.
Have you made your own baby skincare products before? What are your favorite products to make? Leave a comment and let us know!