Is Baby Powder Safe?

Studies are being conducted right now to determine whether asbestos-free talcum powder (an agent found in some baby powders) is dangerous. While some studies have found increased rates of lung cancer (when the powder is inhaled) and ovarian cancer (when the powder is applied to the skin), the American Cancer Society hasn’t confirmed or denied these findings.¹ To the world’s leading cancer scientists and doctors, cosmetic talcum powder is still innocent until proven guilty.

Baby powder is typically made of talcum powder, cornstarch, or a mix of the two. Baby powder and talcum powder have been used for years to reduce diaper rash, greasy hair, and rubbing and chafing. While powders that contain cornstarch are harmless, the safety of baby powders that contain talc is still up for debate.

Talcum powder, or talc, is made of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. Some unprocessed talc has traces of asbestos—a known carcinogen—in it. The cosmetic industry is aware of the dangers of asbestos and only uses asbestos-free talc. However, the American Cancer Society reports that we’re still unclear if asbestos-free talc causes cancer too.

The jury is still out on whether asbestos-free baby powder (cosmetic talc) increases rates of lung cancer.

Likewise, it’s inconclusive at this time whether women who frequently use baby powder below the belt have higher chances of developing ovarian cancer.

A branch of the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), has been studying this subject. So far, the IARC has only concluded that talc with asbestos poses a cancer risk; the jury is still out on asbestos-free talc.

If it’s made of cornstarch and talc-free substances, like (Burt's Bees Dusting Powder) go for it! Organic would be best since that won’t contain GMOs and other chemicals that corn may have been exposed to while growing.

Ultimately, it’s completely up to you whether you’d like to use baby powder or not. We recommend that you and your baby avoiding inhaling it since fine powder causes lung irritation no matter what.

If you don’t want to take any chances, make your own baby powder substitute at home by using another absorbent substance like arrowroot powder or oat flour.

Baby powder isn’t the only potential hazard in your home. To keep your young children safe and sound, check out our top products for baby proofing your home.

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1. American Cancer Society, “Talcum Powder and Cancer.” Accessed September 27, 2023.