Is Body Powder Safe?

Baby or body powder has been around for generations because of its dehydrating qualities that make our day-to-day activities a little sweeter.

The go-to brands for these powders have always been, the entrusted Johnson & Johnson, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, and Baby Magic Baby Powder. Our post today revolves around the fact that these hygienic products contain one specific ingredient key to its very purpose: talcum powder.

Why is Talc used in Body Powder?

According to DrugCenter, “Talc is a mineral composed primarily of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. It is a substance often found in cosmetic and personal hygiene products including baby powder, adult body powders, and facial powders. Talc helps absorb moisture, freshen materials, and reduce friction to prevent rashes”.

How to use body powder effectively within any home and with any family, are it absorbs moisture, it acts as a proper defense against acne, and it acts as a well-functioning air freshener for our shoes, feet, laundry basket, and bed sheets.

Sounds great, right? If there are so many benefits associated with this hygienic product, what are the downsides?

What are the health risks of Talc Body Powder?

DrugCenter goes on to say: “Although talc has been widely used for decades, lawsuits that have come to the surface claim serious health complications linked to its use. In fact, recent studies have reported that talc increases the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers by approximately 30 percent”.

With the absorptive qualities that talc possesses, if there is a long-term exposure to this mineral, there are side effects that may occur. Those that are at risk to the possible side effects of the exposure to this are those who regularly use it; women and children.

Other Possible Risks when using Talc Body Powder

The risks for women are dependent on how to use body powder. Women usually spread some body powder in their genitals because of the need of staying dry down there.

However, the risk of developing ovarian cancer is heightened by 30 percent.

Common side effects that can occur due to prolonged exposure to talcum powder are:

• Throat irritation to due to inhalation
• Vomiting
• Low blood pressure

The serious side effects that are linked to talcum powder are:

• Chest pain
• Twitching of facial muscles
• Inability to urinate
• Lung failure

The risk for infants or children is respiratory complications.

Referring back to the post from DrugCenter: “Additionally, talc has been linked to various respiratory issues due to the powder becoming airborne and inhaled. Over time, breathing in talc can cause wheezing, coughing, and other lung irritation. These symptoms may lead to pneumonia, asthma or talcosis, a progressive pulmonary disease that can trigger irreversible conditions, like lung fibrosis and respiratory failure”.

Safer Alternatives to Talc Body Powder

At this point, you’re probably asking yourself: “Is body powder safe?”

There has not been a scientific consensus on whether extended exposure to talc definitely has these effects on you; however, there are alternatives like minor lifestyle changes, or direct alternatives like talc-free body powder that still provide the same relief and comfort, without the implied risk.

According to Everyday Health, “There are other ways to keep dry. If you’re prone to sweating down there, Peterson recommends wearing cotton underwear and changing them often, avoiding tight-fitting pants, and going commando at night (to give the area a chance to breathe)”.

Even though this method would be able to serve the same purpose for keeping different parts dry, it would fail to meet the needs of fragrance, using a dry shampoo, and it wouldn’t be applicable for your little ones.

Talc-free body powder, all the benefit, none of the risk!

Here at Shelley Kyle, one of our specialties, (and a top-selling product), is our safe, talc-free, body powders. Shelley Kyle is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and our Shelley Kyle Collection is made locally with all products sustainably sourced in the U.S.A. Using fine oils and essences, Shelley crafts her fragrances to suit every woman – from her nieces in college to her mother and grandmother.

The diverse collection of body powders ranges from the size of the bottle to the type fragrance associated with the product, but all of them offer the safe convenience of an all natural, talc-free body powder.

Our body powders can be purchased in any of our signature fragrances, which are as follows:

• Annabelle featuring notes of; Blue Peony, Lime Blossom, Honeysuckle, Italian Tuberose, and others
• Lorelei featuring notes of; White Amber, Bergamot, Cardamom, Fresh Citrus Zest, and others
• Ballerine featuring notes of; Dewey Jasmine, Gentle Rose, Lily of the Valley, and Sea Blue Amber
• Shelley Kyle Signature featuring notes of; Crushed Violet Leaves, Freesia, and Lemon Zest
• Tiramani featuring notes of; Blood Orange, Cashmere Musk, Madonna Lily, White Nectarine, and others
• Sorella featuring notes of; Fresh Tuberose, Red Roses, Vintage Gardenia Predominant, and Violet Leaves

Try out our Body Powders today!

Despite the recent talc scares, don’t abandon body powder altogether, or resort to baking soda! There are safe, beautifully fragrant, and gentle alternatives.

Browse our safe, talc-free, body powders today!