5 Talcum Powder Alternatives for Personal Hygiene

In light of the growing litigation against Johnson & Johnson, more women are becoming aware of the connection between using talcum powder for personal hygiene and the increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Manufacturers continue to maintain that their talc-containing products – such as Shower to Shower and J&J’s iconic Baby Powder — are perfectly safe for their intended purpose, but several juries have ruled that consumers were not properly warned about potential health risks, particularly when the powder is applied near the genital area.

With summer just around the corner and temperatures warming up in the South, now is a great time to consider talc-free alternatives to keep the skin soft and dry.

Here are five safe substitutes for talcum powder that help absorb moisture, reduce friction and keep you feeling fresh throughout the most humid of days.

#1: Arrowroot-based powder

Arrowroot is a natural herb that is finely ground, mixed with cornstarch and baking soda to create a gentle, 100 percent vegan body powder that fights odor well. You can make your own or look for products by HoneyBee Gardens, which makes a talc-free and aluminum-free deodorizing powder based on arrowroot.

#2: Cornstarch

Found in any supermarket, cornstarch is another great alternative to talcum powder for feminine hygiene uses. Made from corn kernels, cornstarch is totally natural, highly absorbent and helps keep skin cool and dry. Cornstarch particles are slightly larger than talc and have no known side effects or health risks.

#3: Baking soda & tapioca starch

Baking soda – sodium bicarbonate – is incredibly versatile and has dozens of uses. When combined with tapioca starch (derived from the Cassava plant) this common pantry item transforms into a gentle, fragrance-free dusting powder that soothes, absorbs perspiration and keeps rashes at bay.

#4: DIY Body Powder

Create your own body powder using a base of cornstarch, rice powder, tapioca starch, or baking soda. For a light floral scent, consider adding crushed lavender buds or chamomile leaves.

#5: Commercial talc-free baby powders

These are some of the top talc-free alternatives that you can pick up at your local drugstore or retail outlet:

Silky Underwear Dusting Powder by LUSH – 100 percent talc-free, this feminine dusting powder is made with cornstarch and ground cocoa butter and scented with vetiver and jasmine.
Burt’s Bees Baby Dusting Powder – This highly rated body powder is made with powdered slippery elm, cornstarch and kaolin clay. It is hypo-allergenic, completely natural and keeps skin soft and dry.
Ora’s Amazing Herbal Body Powder – Ideal for feminine hygiene use, this powder contains natural odor-fighting, antibacterial and antifungal ingredients and is available in unscented or aromatherapy scents of lavender, clary sage, vanilla and vetiver.

Several studies have suggested that talc-based powders, when put in undergarments and feminine hygiene products, can lead to ovarian cancer. Several years ago, the International Agency for Research on Cancer stated that talcum powder used around the genital area was “possibly carcinogenic” to humans.

Talcum powder cancer lawyer in Louisiana

With hope, more women will switch to talc-free body powder alternatives and avoid potential health risks. To learn more about talcum powder lawsuits and whether you’re eligible to file a claim in Louisiana, reach out to the law offices of Bart Bernard.

Bart Bernard is a dedicated talc cancer lawyer who believes in hard work and providing superior advocacy to all of his clients. For a free case review in Lafayette, Baton Rouge or the Lake Charles area, please call today.