How To Make Talc-free Baby Powder (natural DIY recipe for babies)

March 31, 2026 Biome

Make your own talc free baby powder - DIY skin care - Biome Naked Beauty Bar

First published September 2022. Updated in March 2026.

In light of court findings in the United States linking talc to potential health concerns*, many parents are choosing to avoid talc-based baby powders altogether. If you’re looking for a simple, gentle alternative, this DIY baby powder uses just a few natural ingredients — kaolin clay, cornstarch and arrowroot — known for being soft, soothing and non-toxic.

If making your own isn’t for you, there are also ready-made options available. The Nature’s Child Baby Powder is a simple, certified organic alternative made without talc, using gentle plant-based ingredients.

A closer look: talc vs talc-free

For many years, traditional baby powders were made with talc — a naturally occurring mineral valued for its moisture-absorbing properties.

More recently, concerns have been raised around talc due to its proximity to asbestos in the ground, and questions about long-term safety with regular use. While regulations vary, this has led many families to look for simpler alternatives.

Talc-free powders instead use ingredients like arrowroot, cornstarch or clay to absorb moisture gently, without relying on mineral-based powders.

If you’d like to explore this more deeply, have a look at our full guide to talc in baby powder.

Find the recipe below — it’s easy to make, beautifully soft, and a thoughtful way to keep things simple and gentle for your baby’s skin. You can also explore more in our organic baby skin care range.

DIY silky smooth baby powder recipe

Ingredients

2 Tbs cornstarch
2 Tbs arrowroot
1 Tbsp kaolin clay
Essential oils of your choice (optional)

Method

Over a large bowl, put the powders into a sieve and shake it through. Repeat this 2–3 times to create a super soft, smooth texture.
Transfer into your desired shaker bottle or jar.

How to use

Use as you would any baby powder. Tip: To make a lightly scented version, you can add a few drops of essential oil (such as mandarin or rose geranium), then sieve again to keep the texture fine and clump-free.

Note: Always patch test when introducing any new product to your baby’s skin.

This recipe makes enough to fill approximately one 120ml glass mason jar, or you can reuse an existing container.

Find all our DIY skin care ingredients online here >

While often thought of as a baby product, a simple talc-free powder can be useful well beyond those early years. It can be used to help keep skin dry in areas prone to moisture or friction, such as underarms, thighs or feet. Some people also like to use it as a light body powder in warmer weather, or to freshen up shoes.

Frequently asked questions

Is talc baby powder safe for babies?
Concerns have been raised around talc due to potential contamination and long-term exposure. This has led many families to choose talc-free alternatives.

What can I use instead of talc baby powder?
Talc-free powders made from ingredients like arrowroot, cornstarch and clay are commonly used as gentle alternatives to absorb moisture.

Is homemade baby powder safe?
When made with simple, gentle ingredients and used appropriately, homemade baby powder can be a suitable option. Always patch test first.

Do I need to use baby powder at all?
Not always. Many families choose to skip it altogether, but it can be helpful for keeping skin dry in certain situations.

*Talc is the softest mineral on earth, but talc deposits are often found near asbestos. Until recently nearly all baby powder was made from talc and may have been contaminated with asbestos, leading to three U.S. jury verdicts linking regular use of J&J talcum powder to ovarian cancer.

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