How to Make Talc-Free Homemade Herbal Baby Powder
Making your own baby powder is very simple and cost effective!
Please note this recipe has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to cure, treat, diagnose, or prevent any disease. Please read my full disclosure here.
What is Talc and Why to Avoid It
Talc, also sometimes referred to as talcum powder, is a naturally occurring substance that is mined from the Earth. It is used in baby powders as it absorbs moisture and helps reduce friction from the diaper, their own little skin folds, etc.
For the most part, talc is considered a safe substance. However, some talc does contain asbestos, which is known to cause cancer of lungs.
Studies have been inconclusive as to whether or not it can also lead to an increased risk of ovarian cancer if used on and around the genitals.
In commercial baby powders, they legally should only be using talc that has been tested to be free of asbestos or have such small amounts that it should not be a risk factor.
Johnson & Johnson, which is possibly the most popular brand of baby powder, discontinued its use of talc in 2023.
Additionally, talc particles can be very irritating to babies if breathed in.
Ingredients in your DIY Baby Powder
Arrowroot Powder
This natural powder comes from the dried and pulverized roots of several tropical plants. Its main job is to absorb moisture. You may see corn starch used in some recipes for this purpose. Corn starch, even organic cornstarch, isn’t as effective, and it can also be troublesome in encouraging the growth of yeast.
Kaolin Clay
Also sometimes referred to as white clay, it is most often used in cosmetics. It does not have a drying effect like other clays and is gentle on the skin. It can help reduce inflammation and lightly cleanse as well.
I would not substitute bentonite clay in this recipe as kaolin is closer to your skin’s natural pH.
Comfrey Root Powder
Comfrey is a wonderful plant that has been used for centuries to heal skin lesions, bumps, bruises, etc. There are few recipes I make for herbal skincare that don’t include this wonderful plant. I have the dried root on hand, but not the powder.
The dried root can be cheaper than the powder, but I do think it is easier to use than the big chunks of roots.
If you do have the roots on hand, you can use a coffee grinder or food processor to turn it into a powder. Or if you want to feel especially witchy you can use a stone mortar and pestle. It will take a lot of elbow grease though!
Marshmallow Root Powder
This herb is particularly soothing to skin and can actually be taken internally or used externally for these properties.
For this recipe we are using all natural ingredients that should be safe for even the littlest of babies and for their new sensitive skin.
Adding Essential Oils
Essential oils are generally not recommended for children under the age of two, so I typically do not recommend adding them to this recipe. The marshmallow, comfrey, kaolin clay, and arrowroot are more than enough to help soothe your baby’s bottom.
If you want to add essential oil for fragrance purposes, generally a drop or two of orange, chamomile, or lavender are considered safe for infants.
To incorporate oils in this recipe, add two drops of your oil of choice to the mixture, whisk thoroughly, then allow the mixture to sit exposed to the air for two days. Whisk thoroughly again, then you are ready to use.
If you do not let the oil dry out, it will sit wet in clumps and not disperse evenly. The extra whisk after it has sat for two days allows to to incorporate fully into the mixture.
How to Make Your Own Natural Baby Powder
Combine in a large bowl
- 1/4 Cup Arrowroot Powder
- 1/4 Cup Kaolin Clay
- 2 tsp Comfrey Root Powder
- 2 tsp Marshmallow Root Powder
Mix thoroughly with a whisk, then store jars with shaker lids. I like to use old spice jars for this. You could also use an old baby powder container if you are swapping from storebought to homemade baby powder.
Your baby powder will keep indefinitely.
This recipe makes just enough powder to store in the organic glass spice jars from Wal-Mart. You certainly can increase the recipe to make extra. If you do, store the extra in a mason jar with a tightly fitted lid. I recommend the metal two piece caps, not the plastic ones as they tend to leak a little.
To add essential oils, please read more on that above the recipe.
How to Properly Apply Herbal Baby Powder
Even though our recipe includes only safe ingredients, any kind of powder puffed all over the air can be irritating to the lungs, especially a little baby’s.
I recommend pouring or shaking a small amount of baby powder into the palm of your hand, then gently applying it to the irritated area of your baby’s skin. You want to avoid a big puff of powder.
This powder should not be used directly on your baby’s genitals. Instead, it can be used anywhere a diaper might sit, along their leg folds or waistline, or right on your baby’s bottom.
My second daughter was a very chubby, rolly polly baby. She had cute chubby folds on her arms and legs.
Those are the perfect places to apply a little of your homemade baby powder if they are getting red, irritated, or are often moist.
How Often to Use this Powder
This depends on your baby and how severe their irritation is. Used a few times a day at diaper changes might be necessary during hot summers. Or possibly put some on at baby’s first diaper change and then another application after thoroughly drying baby after bath.
Is this Recipe Cloth Diaper Friendly?
Yes! This recipe should not cause any issues with absorbancy or laundering of your cloth diapers.
Other Uses for the Powder
This powder isn’t limited to use with your baby! Feel free to use it other areas where you might have friction and moisture build up. It works great in the summer on your thighs, in your bra, etc.
Other Resources for Natural Mamas
This powder pairs wonderfully with my homemade diaper rash cream to help soothe baby’s irritated skin!
You might also be interested in…
- Cloth Diapers 101
- DIY Eczema Cream for Babies
- Three Easy Stretch Mark Creams
- Breastfeeding Must-Haves
Sources
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here. Please always shop and support local when you can. When you can’t find it or need it in a hurry, here are places to buy the ingredients.
The base for this recipe comes from Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to explore using herbs in their home.
