Is Baby Powder Safe – 2019 Scientific Update
Parents often pay a lot of attention to which products they use to ensure their baby’s health and well-being. One particular product to consider is baby powder. This powder is typically used to absorb moisture around the diaper area. However, there are concerns surrounding the safety of baby powder because of the presence of talc. This brings up the valid question, is baby powder safe?
Baby Powder
Baby powder is a type of astringent powder that is typically used to protect babies from diaper rash. It is also used as a deodorant or as a component of other cosmetics. It can be made from talcum or cornstarch.
Talc
Talcum is a product made from talc. Talc is often used to absorb moisture, hence it is a common ingredient found in many baby powders. The concept behind the use of talc is that when moisture is absorbed properly, it prevents diaper rash.
One of the reasons why people are alarmed by the use of baby powder is the presence of talc. Talc is a natural mineral made from silicon, hydrogen, magnesium and oxygen. It is considered the softest mineral on earth and easily breaks apart under pressure. [1] Some talc in its natural form contains asbestos. Asbestos has been linked to causing cancer in and around the lungs.
Health Concerns about Talcum Powder
The presence of talcum has raised red flags because inhaling talcum powder can trigger aspiration pneumonia or the development of a granuloma. The latter is a mass of immune cells that are triggered by infection, inflammation or the presence of a foreign substance. [2]
It is essential to know if the talcum powder present in the products you are using contains asbestos or is asbestos-free. Talcum powder that includes asbestos contamination is accepted as causing cancer. Whether asbestos-free talcum powder causes cancer is less clear.[3]
There are studies that reveal a correlation between the application of talcum powder products on women’s perineal area and the development of ovarian cancer. It has been thought that talcum powder particles, whether directly applied to the genital area or through sanitary napkins, diaphragms or condoms, may travel through the vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes to the ovaries. Scientific evidence was gathered through cohort studies including the Nurses’ Health Study and the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium, but there was no definite consensus. [4] One study reported no increased risk, while another found a “modest” increase. [5]
Part of the problem is that a possible bias existed as the studies depended on a person’s memory of talc use. [6]
Today, the American Cancer Society advises women to limit or avoid the use of body products that contain talcum to keep their risk minimal. [9]
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend the use of any baby powder that contains talc due to health risks such as inhalation.
MADE OF Calming Organic Baby Powder
The increased risk of cancer with the use of talc-based powders has prevented parents and many women from using such powders. In terms of babies, reducing the moisture around the diaper area to prevent diaper rash is still an issue. Some parents have discovered MADE OF Calming Organic Baby Powder.
MADE OF Calming Organic Baby Powder is free from talc since it is made from organic ingredients such as oils and starches that are plant-based. Applying this to a baby’s skin can prevent chapped skin caused by wetness and friction. It also has the ability to soothe redness and irritated skin. Applying this powder can help keep skin dry.
The ingredients in MADE OF Calming Organic Baby Powder speak for themselves.
- Kaolin clay - Kaolin clay originates from the moist soil found in tropical climates. Because of its mild nature, it is incorporated into this baby powder rather than talc since kaolin clay is healthier and safer.
- Aloe vera - Another ingredient used in this baby powder is aloe vera. Aloe vera is a highly versatile plant and has many uses in skin care. One of its many uses is that it hydrates the skin which is necessary to prevent dryness. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties which aid in avoiding diaper rash.
- Cornstarch - Cornstarch can be used as an alternative to talcum, hence it is also used in the MADE OF Calming Organic Baby Powder. Cornstarch is known for its ability to dry the skin quickly which is imperative for a baby’s diaper area. This powder is lightweight in nature, but the particles are slightly bigger. This is important for a baby’s respiratory system as it means that the larger particles will not be inhaled immediately.
- Baking soda - MADE OF also utilizes baking soda in their organic baby powder. Most baby care products contain baking soda. Aside from reducing moisture, baking soda can regulate acidity and provide balance to a baby’s pH levels. Another benefit to this product is that it can remove unpleasant smells as baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer.
- Argan oil - Argan oil is derived from the kernel of the nut of the argan tree. Argan oil is typically used in many skin care products because it is packed with fatty acids that nourish the skin without clogging the pores.
Is Baby Powder Safe?
With the conflicting evidence on the use of talc baby powder, it is understandable to be a bit cautious. To reduce the risk of exposure, switch to organic baby products like MADE OF Organic Baby Powder. There are many benefits to reap when opting for natural or organic baby products including the following:
- Protect sensitive skin. Babies tend to have sensitive skin during their early years which is why it is vital to use products that protect and nourish. Organic baby products, such as MADE OF organic baby products, provide protection to your little one’s skin by preventing the loss of moisture.
- Reduce chemical exposure. Another plus to using organic baby powder is that it contains little to no chemical ingredients. The ingredient list for MADE OF’s baby powder includes zero chemicals or preservatives.
- Absorb moisture easily. Organic baby powder absorbs moisture from the skin quickly without causing any skin irritation due to dryness. This is better compared to talc which can rob a baby’s skin of its moisture. The presence of baking soda and cornstarch shows that organic baby powder can work without harming your baby.
- Reduce lung irritation. Because the particles of cornstarch are considerably bigger than those of talc, less lung irritation occurs when the product is inhaled. Avoid applying too much baby powder near a baby’s nose as the particles can still be inhaled. Pat the powder first between your palms before applying it to your little one’s skin.
Resources:
- https://www.popsci.com/science/article/2012-10/fyi-whats-softest-material-earth
- https://www.dictionary.com/
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/talcum-powder-and-cancer.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4820665/
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/talcum-powder-and-cancer.html
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/talcum-powder-and-cancer.html
- https://www.babypibu.com/the-real-deal-is-baby-powder-safe/