I’m sure, by now, everyone has heard about the dangers of talc used in baby and body powders. Lawsuits and such all over the place. I first heard about this when our oldest was still in diapers (40 some odd years ago). This is a great alternative. Easy, peasy too.
Is it cheaper? Gold Bond Medicated Powder (10 ounces), at Walmart today, is $7.97, 79.7 cents per ounce. Walmart’s Great Value brand (10 ounces) is $4.16, 41.6 cents per ounce. At the Dollar Tree, their brand (6 ounces) is $1.25, 20.8 cents per ounce. Sixteen ounces of corn starch from Walmart is $1.82, 11.4 cents per ounce. I buy my arrowroot powder on Amazon, five pounds at a time, 31 cents per ounce. My usual quantities make 20 ounces for $3.06 or 15.3 cents per ounce (not including the optional essential oils).
- 4 parts corn starch (use organic if it floats your boat)
- 1 part arrowroot powder (again, organic if desired)
- Essential oils (totally optional)
I usually use a 16-ounce package of corn starch and 1/2 cup of arrowroot powder.
I use my KitchenAid mixer to mix it well and keep it fluffy. But I have a mixing shield that helps to contain the mess. Using a whisk is also a good option.
I use a Thieves-type blend or tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties. Then I add something to make it smell good. I’m partial to anything with vanilla undertones. Or citrus. I hate lavender, but that’s just me. You do you.