I made a few different batches of baby powder when my first grandchild arrived in 2000. Since then I have tweaked the recipe and will share with you my favorite natural baby powder recipe.
First – What is in Baby Powder – it is a powder that is used to prevent and or treat diaper rash on baby bottoms.
For many years baby powder was made from talc which is a substance that is known to contain asbestos. We all know that asbestos has been linked to cancer. So we certainly don’t want to use Talc on our babies.
Johnson and Johnson Baby Powder was first introduced in 1893 and has since been one of the most used powders.
According to Wikipedia in 2016 more than 100 women in the US sued Johnson and Johnson for ignoring the possibility of cancer risks that were associated with its baby powder, then in May of 2020, they announced that they would no longer be using Talc in their baby powder.
Also in 2020 Johnson and Johnson announced they would stop all talc sales worldwide by 2023 while at the same time maintaining that its talc-based baby powder is safe to use and does not contain asbestos.
Ingredients that are better for Baby Powder
Other safer powders can be used to make your baby powder, some of the ingredients found in natural baby powder can be:
- Cornstarch
- Arrowroot Powder
- Zinc Oxide
- White Clay
- Kaolin Clay
- Calendula Flower Powder
- Chamomile Powder
Here are some great natural baby powders
Burts Bees is a Natural Baby Powder that is recommended by Pediatricians.
The ingredients found in this Natural Powder are: zea mays (corn) starch, sodium bicarbonate, montmorillonite, bentonite, Commiphora myrrha leaf cell extract, Ulmus fulva bark powder, rosa centifolia flower extract, parfum (fragrance), limonene
A key ingredient in Burt’s Bees Dusting Powder is Cornstarch also known as Zea Mays – it comes from the corn plant and is extremely versatile. It acts as a natural moisture absorber and bulking agent.
Baby Powder Recipe
This recipe will make 7 cups of Baby Powder
What you will need to make this recipe:
You will need an 8 or larger cup mixing bowl or measuring cup – I use a 10-cup plastic one. A wooden spoon or similar spoon to mix up the powder and a few shaker bottles.
- 5 cups Arrowroot Powder
- 1/2 cup Zinc Oxide
- 1 Cup White Clay (Kaolin)
- 1/2 tsp Aloe Vera Extract
This Baby Powder Recipe is simple to make.
- Put 5 cups of Arrowroot Powder in the mixing bowl slowly add the Zinc Oxide, White Clay, and mix well.
- Once that is mixed up well add the Aloe Vera Extract and continue to mix until it is blended well.
- Put into a container to use for baby or put into shaker bottles.
- I used to sell a lot of this baby powder at Farmer’s Markets and Craft fairs. I always had extra after making it for the grandchildren so would package up the extra powder into nice aluminum white shaker bottles and put a cute label on them.
This recipe makes 7 cups of baby powder which will last a long time. If you don’t want that much just simply cut the recipe in half or quarter for the required amount.
I’m sure your baby or baby grandchild will be happy with this homemade product.
If you are looking for natural baby powder and don’t want to make it yourself here are some more suggestions for Natural BABY Powder.
Natures Paradise is a Talc-free, all-natural baby powder. It has high ratings and is one of Amazon’s choice powders.
Natures Paradise Natures Paradise Baby Organic Coconut Baby Powder, 5.5 Ounce, 5.5 ounces.
So Rad Vegan Baby Powder is 100 percent natural and tested by Babies and Moms.
It is made with Lavender flowers, Cucumber and MarshmallowTalc Free, Paraben Free, Phthalates Free, GMO-Free
Ingredients are Corn Starch, Arrowroot Powder, Tapioca Starch, Eco-Cert, White Clay, Lavender Flower Powder, Marshmallow Root Powder, Oat Powder, Cucumber Extract, Bamboo extract, Lavender and tea tree essential oils.
So Rad Natural Body Care Baby Powder, 5 Ounce (142gm), White
It’s great to see Johnson and Johnson going natural this product is made with cornstarch, Aloe, and Vitamin E which will surely keep a baby’s delicate skin soft and comfortable.
- Formulated for baby’s delicate skin
- Dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic
Johnson’s Baby Powder with Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, and Cornstarch, 623g
Any of the above powders are great and don’t contain any harsh chemicals or other ingredients that you would not want to put on your baby.
Not Just for Babies
Baby powder is not only for babies but can be used by adults for things like:
- Chafe-Free – Baby powder dusted on the inner thighs helps to prevent chafing – it is often used by runners for this
- Dusting legs with powder before having them waxed will help protect them against the burn that can come after waxing
- It can be used as a deodorant as it absorbs sweat and will help to get rid of any odor
- Add some tea tree and put in your running shoes or those hockey skates to keep them dry and odor-free
- I have not tried this one but have heard that sprinkling baby powder on your sheets will help keep them cool on a summer night as well as absorb any sweat.
- Use baby powder to help slip on rubber gloves
- Keep your pets smelling nice by sprinkling and rubbing in some baby powder – it will work as a dry shampoo for your pet.
Baby Butz Butt Paste Diaper Rash Ointment – Original – Contains 30% Zinc Oxide – Recommended by Pediatricians, Nurses, and Pharmacists – 4 Ounce
Check out our Non-Petroleum Jelly Recipe here
#handmadesoap #naturalsoap #makingsoapnaturally #soapmaking #soapmaking #soaps #artisansoap #bathandbody #makingsoapnaturally #coldprocesssoap #etsy #soapbase #soapcrafter #soapmaker #soaping #soapcrafting #soaphandmade #soap #barsoap #handmadesoap #naturalalternativebabypowder #babysoap
© 2020 – 2024, Tes. All rights reserved.
There has been a lot of negative publicity about baby powder, and mainly because of the talc that was used in many. So it is great to see that there are natural and safe alternatives available, and that one can make your own powder that is safe to use for babies.
You mention that talc has been linked to cancer risks, but is there a link between the use of baby powder and asthma in babies and kids? Can the powder get into the airways and cause irritations that can lead to asthma or other breathing difficulties? Thank you.
That is an excellent question, one I have not researched but I would think it would be a great concern for any mother with a child that suffers from asthma.
I make soaps, but going through your recipes for baby powder, they are materials that are easily accessible. Save for the arrowroot powder, I can’t source locally for others. Thank you for pointing out a link to your source on the Amazon website. I will take a look at it to make a purchase. I will start by making some for my family
Most are easy to find. I like the convenience also of amazon, but if you have any health food store you can probably find some there, although they can be pricey
I am must admit that I stumbled upon your article trying to research something else than baby powder. I was not aware that one can make baby powder or any powder for that matter, at home. Also, I always wondered why there is a Johnson’s Baby Powder – they will anyway use talc in it so how is that powder for children while others are not?
I did find a few answers here and you gave me a hobby to seriously pursue. All what you have written has begun making sense to me – only requirement is to have an absorbent powder replacing talc- and it should work.
Thanks for sharing this new concept for me.
Regards,
Rohit
thanks for you comment and stopping by the website.