Cornstarch

by Kathy H

Created on: January 24, 2008

Talc and cornstarch are both natural products that are used to absorb moisture. A dusting of either of these in their powdered form is a surefire way to combat perspiration, odor and wetness. Both of these products make the skin silky and dry to the touch, but why is it safer to use cornstarch rather than talc as a baby powder and in your every day beauty routine.

What you should know about talc -

Talc is a mineral and so is a product that exists in nature. Natural products are supposed to be good for you, so why is talc so harmful, you may ask.

When talc is broken down to a powder, it breaks down into fine particles which are similar to asbestos. The talc is mined then processed first by crushing it into a powder. After it is crushed, it is then dried and milled. This procedure removes the trace minerals from the talc, but the fine particles of talc in the powdered form do not separate well.

Even talc considered to be of cosmetic grade is not broken down enough to be safe. These fine particles if inhaled can cause allergies and lung cancer.

If applied to the genital area, talcum powder has been known to cause a variety of feminine cancers, the most prevalent being ovarian cancer. Particles of talc have been found in these cancer tumors.

To avoid the possibility of this type of cancer you should not use baby powder, perfumed powder, or medicated powder around the genital area, or at all. Avoid intimate contact with others that use these types of powders.

This also means, do not sprinkle powder containing talc on yourself after a bath or shower, on panties, or on panty liners or sanitary pads. Do not apply talcum powder to baby bottoms or sprinkle it inside of diapers. There is also evidence that inhalation of talc has caused asphyxiation in infants.

Talcum powder is just one product in which talc is present. So if this is not scary enough, these are some of the other common everyday products that contain traces of talc. Some medications, deodorants, chalk, soaps, insulating materials, paints and paper are processed using talc. Talc is even present in pesticides and it is the main ingredient in flea and tick powder. To prevent any possible harm from talc, it might also be best to refrain from coming into contact with these products.

What about Cornstarch -

Cornstarch is also natural because it is manufactured from the dried center of corn kernels. When broken down into a powdered form, it does not contain harmful asbestos like substances.

It is an excellent substitute for talc as a dusting powder. Cornstarch is actually more absorbent than talc, however, it should be applied lightly as it cakes more easily.

The best advice I can give is to be sure you read the ingredients on labels before purchasing products, especially cosmetics or powders to make sure they do not contain talc.

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