When many people picture babies, the first thing that comes to mind is their fresh baby scent — which might include a hint of baby powder. So what, exactly, is baby powder? And is it safe? Here’s what you need to know.
What is baby powder made of?
Talcum-based baby powder is made from the mineral talc, which contains mostly the elements magnesium, silicon and oxygen. It absorbs moisture and reduces skin-on-skin friction, which may help prevent rashes, including diaper rash. That's why for many years, it was a staple on changing tables.
But check the label, because many baby powders on the market today don't contain any talc at all. Numerous "talc-free" powders are made with cornstarch, another naturally absorbent ingredient, instead of talc.[1]
Types of baby powder: cornstarch baby powder vs. baby talcum powder
The two main types of baby powder include cornstarch baby powder and baby talcum powder.
Baby talcum powder always contains two ingredients: talc (which absorbs moisture) and fragrance (which is what gives it that well-known baby scent). Cornstarch baby powder is made with cornstarch (another moisture-wicking ingredient) and the same baby-powder fragrance.
Is baby powder safe?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against using baby powder since babies don’t really need it (or most other lotions and oils, for that matter) and it can sometimes irritate their already-sensitive, delicate skin.[2]
The AAP also says that baby powder can be harmful to little ones if a lot is inhaled. What’s more, there has been concern over whether long-term use of talcum powder near the bikini line or genital area may put women at higher risk of ovarian cancer, as numerous lawsuits against powder manufacturers allege, and if regular exposure to talc increases the risk of ovarian cancer later.
Read This Next
Although talcum products have been asbestos-free since the 1970s (in its natural form, talc contains some asbestos, which, when inhaled, is known to cause cancer), the link between asbestos-free talc and cancer, if any, remains unclear and studies have yielded mixed findings.[3]
Cornstarch-based baby powders may be problematic too because their main ingredient may make a candida-caused diaper rash worse.[4]
For these reasons, it’s probably best to skip the baby powder — especially since there are other safer, effective ways to prevent diaper rash.
So how can I prevent diaper rash without baby powder?
Looking for alternatives to baby powder for protecting your little one’s sensitive diaper area?
Here are a few tricks for preventing diaper rash:
- Change her diaper frequently (and especially any time you suspect it’s dirty)
- If possible, give your baby’s bottom a minute to air out during diaper changes
- Once your child is totally dry, if she’s particularly prone to rashes, you may want to try using a petroleum- or zinc-oxide-based cream as a barrier for her sensitive skin
Yes 
No 
Trending On What to Expect
