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We were pretty relieved to hear that Johnson & Johnson’s is finally abandoning talc as the key ingredient in its baby powders. That means parents won’t have to squint at the ingredient lists to make sure they’re not dousing their kids’ butts with potential carcinogens.
We do have to admit that talcum powder was a pretty effective way to absorb the moisture from baby butts and all those other little creases between their scrumptious fat rolls, helping avoid uncomfortable diaper rash and more. The good news is that since many have suspected for years that talc is harmful, there are a good number of baby brands who have formulated powder with other ingredients.
As with other products we put on babies’ skin (and our own), there’s no one perfect product that will be effective for all and irritating to none. Cornstarch is a popular talc alternative, but it causes yeast infections in some. Certain fragrances and natural ingredients deemed hypoallergenic may still cause allergic reactions like eczema in very sensitive skin. So, yeah, you’ll still need to read ingredients and watch for rashes. But we’ll get you started with this list of baby powders that have great reputations, effective ingredients, and reasonable prices: no ifs, ands, or … well, you know.
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Johnson’s White Baby Powder with Cornstarch
The easiest swap to make here — and one of the least expensive ones — is one Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder for another. The company has long made cornstarch-based powder (begging the question of why it continued to make the talc one until now). This version has aloe and vitamin E to soothe the skin even as the powder absorbs excess moisture.
Noodle & Boo Delicate Baby Powder
In addition to cornstarch, this powder also uses oatmeal, which has skin-nourishing properties. While it’s free from essential oils and other possible allergens, parents love how this powder smells.
Hello Bello Organic Baby Powder
We like the ingredient list of this talc-alternative: cornstarch, bentonite clay, arrowroot powder, chaparral (an antioxidant), bamboo powder (a gentle exfoliant), and soothing aloe and calendula. We also really like the price.
Burt’s Bees Baby Dusting Powder
Cornstarch and a light scent make this an easy choice for parents. It’s also reasonably priced compared to some fancier alternatives.
MADE OF Organic Baby Powder Talc Free
Ethical baby brand Made Of offers this cornstarch powder with 94 percent organic ingredients and no other suspect chemicals. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, while using argan oil and aloe to replenish that sensitive skin’s natural moisture.
Anti Monkey Butt Baby Powder
We’re not against monkey butts in general, but we can see why one wouldn’t necessarily want their babies’ bottoms to resemble one. This cornstarch powder also includes calamine, which soothes irritated, chapped, and itchy skin.
California Baby Calming Organic Powder
Cornstarch, tapioca starch, kaolin clay, and baking soda all give this powder its absorbent superpowers. It also contains tea tree oil and French lavender oil, which can be soothing to some skin or irritating to others, so just keep an eye out for any reactions.
Ora’s Amazing Herbal Unscented Talc-Free, Corn-Free Baby Powder
This is an effective option for sensitive baby skin that reacts to cornstarch and fragrances. This powder is made from kaolin clay, baking soda, and arrowroot powder, all absorbent, gentle ingredients.
Farmstead Apothecary Lavender & Chamomile Baby Powder
This is another powder that replaces cornstarch with organic tapioca starch. Chamomile, lavender, and calendula soothe skin and make it smell lovely, while that milk-bottle packaging is just so pleasing to see on a shelf.
Pipette Baby Cream to Powder
This innovative product gives you all the benefits of moisture-absorbing powder, without making you and baby inhale it and cough when you apply the stuff. Ingredients include arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, along with mango seed butter to protect the skin’s natural barrier.
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