Avoid Talcum Powder (safe effective alternatives)

It’s taken years of campaigning, but finally it appears there is an upcoming ban on the sale of talcum powder by 2027 (with even the major brands now switching over, due to lawsuits).

Talc is an inorganic mined substance that may contain asbestos, and is now linked to ovarian cancer (symptoms include pelvic pain, bloating, feeling full after meals and changes in urination). And babies are at risk from a pulmonary condition from inhaling talc.

Talcum powder is also frequently found in cosmetics (eyeshadows etc). Natural cosmetics may contain zinc oxide, so wash off before letting pets kiss you!

We all have nice memories of talc being used after a bath, but today we know better. It’s only used to reduce chafing and absorb moisture, and there are far safer and better ways to do this:

Good Talcum Powder Alternatives

• Oatmeal baths are good for chafed skin. Blend oats into fine powder and add to a warm bath, then soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Losing weight can help bring lasting relief.
• Wear loose breathable (cotton, hemp, linen) clothes to let sweat evaporate.
• Corinne Taylor Body Powder is made with Bentonite clay, jojoba seed oil, chamomile flower extract and essential oils (avoid for pregnancy/nursing).

Dip & Doze (organic cotton towel bales)

Instead of scratchy polyester towels, invest in a bale of Dip & Doze organic cotton towels, in natural colours to blend with any bathroom design. These can also safely be laundered, without leaching microplastics from the machine. Avoid fabric conditioners, as they reduce absorbency.

Organic cotton is not just good for the planet, wildlife and farmers, but as the fibres are not treated with chemicals, they tend to last longer too. To reduce bacteria build-up, hang up after use, and wash hand after every couple of uses.

If using old towels to transport creatures to wildlife rescue shelters, remove the tassels (they could tangle in paws and claws).

Bath safety tips (for adults and children)

Test the water before you get in the bath, and always stand up slowly when you get out (avoid very hot baths for heart/blood pressure conditions and pregnancy/nursing. Limit baths to 30 minutes or so, and avoid slippery bath oils (a non-slip bath mat helps to stay safe too).

NHS has a 2-minute video by a midwife on safe baby baths (never leave babies alone for a second, and avoid bath seats, as these can quickly detach).

When running a bath, test temperature by adding hot water with your wrist or elbow, keep your baby’s head clear of the water, and don’t bath straight after feeds (nor if a baby is hungry or tired). Avoid baby oils and talcum powder (don’t use cotton buds to clean ears, the cause of most infections).

Keeping pets safe near bathrooms 

Avoid pet-toxic plants in bathrooms or other rooms (read more on pet-friendly gardens – some indoor plants like lilies or sago palm  can even harm, by a tail brushing past). Likewise, keep scented oils (esp. citrus) away from pets (never use xylitol toothpastes – or gums/baked goods containing it – in homes with pets).

Avoid facing indoor plants to outdoor gardens (and use curtains/blinds/screens over windows), to help stop birds flying into windows.

Panda Luxury Bamboo Bath Towels

Panda bamboo towels are made from the world’s fastest-growing grass, so naturally eco-friendly and anti-bacterial, ideal to wrap up warm after a relaxing bath or shower. Made from a blend of bamboo and quality cotton, they are sold in a beautiful array of natural shades and sizes.

Sold with a 1-year guarantee, the bamboo means these towels become softer each wash, instead of scratchy. And are beautifully absorbent. There are also matching towels for children (with cute panda ears!)

Talcum Powder Alternatives for Babies

Again, you don’t need to use baby powder. If you do, Bijin is made with organic rice starch and colloidal oatmeal (good for eczema). Sprinkle onto folds of the neck, thighs and under arms to absorb moisture. Or add to a baby bath, to create a milky infusion.

Tips for keeping babies safe at bath time:

• NHS has a good 2-minute video by a midwife, on how to safely bathe babies. Never leave babies alone for a second (even with older children).
• Do not use baby bath seats, these can quickly detach and drown babies, even in a few centimetres of water.
• Run cold water first (then add hot water, testing with your wrist or elbow). Keep your baby’s head clear of water.
• Don’t bathe straight after feeds, or if hungry or tired. Avoid baby oils in baths, due to risk of slipping.
• Don’t use cotton buds to clean baby’s ears (the cause of nearly all infections).

How to Treat Nappy Rash (without talc)

• Choose natural cotton or hemp clothing and change nappies regularly.
• Earth Conscious Baby Balm (made on Isle of Wight) contains organic coconut oil and shea butter (not for latex allergies), sold in a metal tin. Can also be used for adult dry skin.
• Green People Organic Nappy Cream is made with water-repellent berry wax, anti-inflammatory chamomile oil and hemp seed oil (fatty acids). The squeezy sugar-cane tube is easily recycled. Contains zinc oxide, so don’t use near pets.