Baby Powder Alternatives

Are you looking for the best baby powder alternatives?

Then our guide to what to use instead of baby powder is for you!

As a parent, there are many reasons why you may seek a baby powder alternative.

Perhaps you pulled the baby powder out because your baby has a chafing rash or you need to fix your dog’s fur coat and you discovered your baby powder has expired or wondering can baby powder go bad?

Or maybe you want to take a step towards a more natural lifestyle.

Either way, we are here to help!

Here you can find a full list of things you substitute for baby powder and get the job done with confidence.

And if you love this guide for an alternative to baby powder, you may also want to check out our baby wipes alternatives too!

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Best Baby Powder Alternatives

Below we have broken down the alternatives for baby powder that you can use in your home:

1. Corn Starch

For generations, mothers have been using corn starch as a baby powder alternative.

Unlike talcum powder, this natural option doesn’t contain harmful chemicals and is perfectly safe even if you breathe it in.

This option is perfect for helping keep your baby’s in from getting a rash from moisture, heat, or irritants.

This is the main and sometimes the only ingredient in natural baby powders and is safe and effective for preventing and treating diaper rash.

2. Baking Soda And Corn Starch

Corn starch alone doesn’t have the odor control properties of most chemical additive-filled baby powders.

A great way to get around this is to use baking soda mixed with corn starch.

This great option is perfect for applications for baby powder that do not include diapering like improving the smell of shoes or using it as a dry shampoo.

When you mix baking soda with the corn starch you can still use this option on your baby but avoid using baking soda on its own on your baby as it can be irritating to sensitive skin.

We love this commercial baby powder alternative from Burt’s Bees! Their talc free baby dusting powder is predominantly made from corn starch with sodium bicarbonate.

It is also formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS and is clinically proven to be safe, effective and non-irritating to nurture baby’s delicate skin.

3. Arrowroot Powder

Some people have an allergy to corn and cannot use corn starch as an alternative to baby powder.

For these people, arrowroot powder can be a great option.

Arrowroot powder has a similar texture and consistency but is made from the arrowroot plant and doesn’t contain corn, or the pesticides commonly used on corn, which leads to many parents choosing to avoid this common ingredient.

4. Tapioca Starch

You may think of pudding when you hear tapioca but tapioca starch has other great uses.

Tapioca starch is made from the cassava plant and is used as a corn starch alternative.

Tapioca starch is great for absorbing moisture and oil and can give the soft slip that baby powder does to help prevent chafing.

5. Kaolin Clay

Kaolin clay, a common clay found in many cosmetics, soaps, scrubs, and deodorants makes a great alternative to baby powder.

This simple and effective option for a baby powder alternative as it is absorbent and gentle on sensitive skin.

This can be used for nearly any common use for baby powder.

6. Rice Starch

Rice starch is simply made of ground-up rice.

This powder acts like corn starch as it absorbs oil and moisture.

This was used in makeup products before talcum powder and makes a great option now.

Sadly, rice starch, while a great option as a baby powder alternative, does tend to clump up easily when exposed to any form of moisture.

This is best stored in an air-tight container and moved to a small container for daily use to avoid waste.

7. Oat Flour

Oat flour is a coarser option to replace baby powder but can be quite effective.

Oat flour is made from ground oatmeal and is highly absorbent making for a great option for when you need to soak up moisture or oil.

This does tend to clump up very easily and tends to swell while in use which can become a problem when exposed to too much moisture.

Oat flour is easy to make at home from your favorite dry oats and can be used for those that tend to have skin allergies.

Oat flour is a great baby powder alternative for rashes.

How To Use Baby Powder Alternatives

The store-bought baby powder that we all know comes in a convenient canister with a shaker top that makes it easy to use.

These safe alternatives to baby powder do not come in ready-to-use shakers and can leave you a bit confused when you first try to figure out how to use them without making a big mess. While you can use a spoon to scoop some into your hand to use you do have another option.

The best way to use a baby powder alternative is with a shaker bottle. This can be a well-cleaned spice shaker from your kitchen, or you can buy a shaker specifically to use for your baby powder alternative. For the best results, you want to have a lid on your shaker bottle to help keep moisture and germs out.

Adding a silica packet to your baby powder alternative shaker will help keep moisture from damaging the contents. The most common reason these products need to be thrown out is from clumping. If you live in a wet climate this can be the key to helping make your products last longer.

Can You Mix Baby Powder Alternatives?

Sometimes the best way to get the perfect fit for you is through the mixing of several ingredients.

The best baby powder alternative that is the closest to what you are used to is corn starch but there are other great options.

Making a blend of 2 or more of these baby powder alternatives is a great way to make a custom product that is great for your baby’s skin or any of your other favorite uses for baby powder.

For example, using kaolin clay mixed with cornstarch or arrowroot powder is a great way to get the benefits of the clay while giving a smoother glide from the corn starch that helps more with chafing and rashes.

Final Thoughts on What to Use Instead of Baby Powder

When it comes to alternatives to baby powder it is important to find an alternative that best suits your child to help keep them comfortable and dry!

There are lots of great options on this list to choose from so you’re sure to find a substitute for baby powder to suit your needs.