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Baby powder is a powdered product mainly used to prevent diaper rash and skin friction in infants. This product absorbs moisture and keeps the skin's humidity at moderate levels, smoothing the surface of the skin, thereby reducing skin friction and preventing the occurrence of heat rash. Baby powder is primarily made from talc (mineral-based) or cornstarch (plant-based). It has been widely used as an infant care product for many years, although there are discussions about its ingredients and safety.
There are various forms of baby powder products, including those with or without a puff, canned, and convenient shaker types for carrying around. In Japan, a product known as "Shikkaro" is also available, which is known as the country's first baby powder, named after the Latin word "siccatio," meaning drying.
Talc is a natural mineral that is ground up and used as the main ingredient in baby powder. Talc is known for its moisture-absorbing properties and softness, effectively reducing skin friction and preventing rash. However, talc can potentially contain asbestos, a known carcinogenic substance. Therefore, talc-based products are strictly regulated to ensure they are free from asbestos.
In the past, there were instances where baby powder made from talc was found to be contaminated with asbestos, leading to health concerns. As a result, currently in Japan, only talc that has passed the impurity tests set by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare is used as a raw material.
In the United States, there has been an increase in lawsuits related to the use of baby powder and the development of ovarian cancer, with some manufacturers losing cases. These lawsuits are particularly concerning for women who have used baby powder on their genitals over many years. Due to these concerns and changing consumer behaviors, sales of baby powder have declined in North America.
Cornstarch-based baby powder is a plant-derived alternative considered to have fewer potential risks for allergies and health. It has a high moisture-absorbing capacity and keeps the skin soft, though not as absorbent as talc. Nevertheless, due to the absence of asbestos concerns, many parents opt for this type of baby powder.
