Baby and talcum powders have been around for a very long time, and almost everyone is using them. You may also be using a certain brand either for yourself or for your child. But, have you ever wondered what the difference is between baby powder and talcum powder?
What is Talcum Powder?
Talcum powder is composed of finely ground talc and some type of fragrance. It is mainly used in cosmetic and hygienic products like body, baby, and facial powders because, in powder form, talc can effectively absorb moisture and reduce friction, which makes it very useful in preventing rashes because it keeps the skin dry.
Is There a Difference Between Talcum Powder and Baby Powder?
Many baby powder manufacturing companies used to add talcum in baby powders to prevent diaper rash in babies. Most still do, but there are also those who have veered away from using talc in their baby powder products and opted to use a cornstarch base instead. Make sure to check the label of the product first if buying a baby powder with talc is an issue with you.
Is Talcum Powder Dangerous?
The thing about talc particles is that they are much lighter than cornstarch particles. This means you are more likely to inhale them, which can cause sinus inflammation, respiration irritation, and chronic lung issues. Even baby powder manufacturers warn parents to keep the product out of the reach of their children.
Can Talcum Powder Really Cause Cancer?
Various studies suggest that there is a link between talc-based powders and lung cancer. There is much talk about how inhaling talc particles can increase your chances of developing lung cancer. However, this may not be entirely true. Talc contaminated with asbestos can cause cancer when inhaled, but asbestos-free talcum powders are generally safer to use. More research is needed to determine if asbestos-free talc really does not cause cancer. But, of course, you should still avoid inhaling the particles, especially if you are going to use it on children.
Is Baby Powder with Cornstarch any Safer?
Many people are convinced that baby powders with a cornstarch base are much safer to use because they have larger particles than talc-based powders. While that may be true, they can still potentially cause similar respiratory problems when inhaled. So, it’s just a matter of being careful not to inhale the particles.
So, whether it’s talc-based or cornstarch-based, it’s really just a matter of correct application and the use of high-quality ingredients. At Healthy Solutions™, LLC, we bring your products to life using the most natural and only the best ingredients for your baby powder manufacturing needs. Contact us for more details.