Want a more natural, less controversial alternative to baby powder?
(We're looking at you, talc).
Consider arrowroot powder. Its benefits go far beyond protecting against moisture. It just might become your favorite tool in your baby skincare arsenal.
What Is Arrowroot?
Arrowroot is a tropical tuber native to Indonesia, though it’s now grown worldwide. Arrowroot is essentially a vegetable with many culinary uses and natural remedy applications.
The arrowroot is usually processed into a fine powder, commonly referred to as arrowroot flour. Its part from which the flour is extracted is the rhizome, which is the plant's underground stem.
It’s here in the rhizome where the starch is stored, and it is arrowroot’s starchy makeup that makes it especially useful in baby skincare products.
Arrowroot Powder Benefits for Skin
Besides being a starchy vegetable, arrowroot contains beneficial nutrients such as iron, fiber, phosphorus, potassium, folate, and proteins, among others.
It’s not just the inside of our bodies that benefit from proper nutrition. Skin, being our largest organ, is nourished by vitamins, minerals, and proteins as well.
Lets look at how arrowroot can be especially beneficial for baby’s delicate skin.
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Arrowroot Soothes Irritated Skin Caused by Diaper Rash
Judging by infants’ reactions, we can safely assume diaper rash is extremely uncomfortable. And unfortunately, practically every baby experiences it as it’s hard to prevent and avoid 100% of the time.
What happens is that the diapers' wetness encourages the growth of bacteria and moisture, which then wreak havoc on baby’s bottom.
To counteract this, many parents rely on cornstarch, but we now know that it can actually worsen a common type of diaper rash caused by yeast.
Arrowroot powder is the perfect alternative, especially when used simultaneously with coconut oil. It is cooling, soothing, and highly absorbent, providing a protective barrier against moisture buildup.
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It Can Protect and Soothe Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Babies are sometimes susceptible to inflammatory skin issues like baby eczema. Arrowroot is not only gentle enough to be used on the most sensitive skin, it is actually a demulcent. Meaning, it can provide relief to irritated and inflammed skin.
Arrowroot powder is also commonly used in skincare products because of its rejuvenating and softening potential. Nutrients in arrowroot powder such as zinc, potassium, vitamin B6, and iron provide relief against inflammatory processes and irritations.
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It Nourishes Baby’s Skin
Thanks to its nutrient profile, arrowroot flour is increasingly used in cosmetics for its ability to:
- Improve skin texture
- Curb excessive oil production
- Encourage a healthy, natural glow to skin
So it’s not just about providing a moisture barrier when diapering. It essentially feeds and nourishes the skin at the same time.
For babies, skin turnover occurs quite fast. That’s when skin cells die and are replaced by new cells. This high skin turnover is a contributing factor to dry skin in infants and toddlers.
Arrowroot powder can help alleviate the discomfort caused by high skin turnover, and it’s gentle and safe to use to deodorize, soften, and cleanse.
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Arrowroot Provides a Natural Alternative to Talc
Many baby powder brands use talc as its primary ingredient. While talc itself is a natural mineral found in clay, it is easily mixed and/or contaminated with other substances - one of which is asbestos (a known carcinogen).
Arrowroot powder is a perfect alternative to talc. Its purity is tested and trusted and doesn’t carry the negative connotations associated with talc.
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It Absorbs Moisture Very Well
Arrowroot absorbs just as effectively as the previously mentioned talc powder. Plus, you get the added advantage of its nourishing minerals and ability to soothe inflammation.
Are There Any Side Effects? Is It Safe to Use Arrowroot Powder on Baby Skin?
Bear in mind, that arrowroot powder is often called “arrowroot flour.” That’s because it is used in baking and cooking. So rest assured, arrowroot powder is safe for babies.
Just be sure to keep it out of their reach. It’s an extremely fine powder, and if spilled, it wouldn’t be good for little ones to inhale it. It’s not dangerous or toxic by any means. It’s just that little lungs are easily aggravated by foreign particles in the air.
If you’re looking for a natural, talc-free way to soothe irritated baby skin and prevent rashes, try arrowroot powder. We’d also recommend Baby Smile - an organic, herb-infused diaper rash cream that provides gentle, yet effective relief for skin irritations.