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Body powder

Whether for adults or babies, body powders are useful for their anti-chafing, odor-neutralizing and moisture-absorbing qualities. Powders are effective at absorbing moisture from sweat and natural body oils, which can be helpful for making skin folds and other friction points less prone to discomfort. Parents can apply body powder to babies’ skin or diapers in order to keep babies dry and happy, while adults can use powders in similar ways to increase their own comfort and confidence throughout the day. Here are some important points to consider as you shop for body powders.

Special types of powder

Most of the body powders in this section are designed for a specific application or purpose. While it's possible to use these powders for off-label purposes, it’s often best to focus on the variety designed for your specific need.

Baby: Baby powders are specifically formulated to minimize potential irritation to an infant’s delicate skin. You can easily use baby powders for your own purposes, too, and this may be a particularly good idea if you have sensitive skin that's prone to irritation. However, it's generally less of a good idea to use powders that are meant for adults on babies. These adult formulas may include perfumes and other ingredients that can irritate babies’ skin or make issues such as diaper rash more uncomfortable.

Foot: Foot powders have special ingredients designed to combat odor-causing bacteria and soothe the feeling of heat that can accompany sweaty feet or irritation on your toes. Don't apply foot powders to other parts of your body. The skin on your feet is generally tougher and less prone to irritation than more sensitive skin on your body, and formulations of ingredients for foot powders are usually stronger. Applying foot powder to skin folds or your inner thighs can result in discomfort.

Common body powder ingredients

Understanding different ingredients in body powder can be useful when you're wondering whether a specific formula is right for your needs.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch is emerging as a modern alternative to talcum powder, which saw widespread use as a body powder for several decades. Manufacturers are moving away from the use of talcum powder in response to public concern that this ingredient may be linked to cancer. There's no definitive evidence available to link asbestos-free talc to cancer, but cornstarch, a food-safe ingredient made from corn, is an affordable, renewable alternative that you might prefer. When used as an ingredient in cooking, cornstarch is an effective thickener because it absorbs moisture so readily. This makes it a fantastic base ingredient for body powders.

Zinc oxide: Body powders often include zinc oxide, a naturally occurring substance that has antimicrobial properties. This makes zinc oxide an effective deodorant ingredient. If you're looking for a powder to control odor on your body or your feet, you may want to look out for this ingredient in particular. Generally, zinc oxide isn't a primary ingredient that makes up the bulk of the powder, but it's still effective as a deodorant when mixed with cornstarch or another base powder ingredient.

Tricalcium phosphate: Some body powders, particularly those that use cornstarch as a base, may include tricalcium phosphate. This is another all-natural substance that has anti-caking properties, which keeps cornstarch and other absorbent powders loose and easy to dust or shake onto your body or feet. This is a safe ingredient for both adults and children or babies.

Sodium bicarbonate: Also known as baking soda, sodium bicarbonate is a safe, natural powder with odor- and moisture-absorbing properties. This ingredient helps to make base ingredients like corn starch less prone to clumping and more effective as body powders.

Aloe: Soothing aloe vera, also referred to as aloe barbadensis, is a natural extract that comes from the leaf of the aloe plant. Aloe is renowned for its ability to soothe skin irritation, making it an ideal ingredient for body powders that you want to use on sensitive skin or rashes. This is another safe ingredient for all ages, and it's actually a suitable all-natural remedy for diaper rash irritation.

Menthol: Menthol comes from mint, and it has a cooling, refreshing feel that can make it a welcome ingredient in body powders that you use in hot conditions. This ingredient is often described as “medicated” or “cooling” on product packaging or in product descriptions. Though it’s usually not a primary ingredient, menthol may lend a slightly astringent, sharp scent to body powders.

Fragrance or perfume: Some body powders include fragrances or perfumes that are designed to soothe or calm. Lavender is one of the more common perfume ingredients in this product category, and it’s a natural and safe way to introduce some aromatherapy along with skin soothing, particularly for babies. Scented dusting powders for adults may carry stronger perfume scents with a more powerfully floral character. These are designed not to soothe or calm but to lend a nice fragrance to parts of your body that are prone to sweat and odor.