Generations of mums have used talcum powder for getting damp skin dry, either after a bath (the girls love having a "snow shower" to get their arms and legs totally dry after a nice soak !) or for drying out all the moist creases in the nappy area that are prone to nappy rash. Recently, talcum powder started getting bad press and parents were warned to stop using it because it could be a danger to health. I have to admit I rolled my eyes at this news as it's been around for so long, but on closer investigation, it does sound a bit worrying. They explain the problem very succinctly on the Burt's Bees website. "Talc is usually made up of a combination of finely ground minerals, like zinc stearate and magnesium silicates, as well as other silicates. The size of particles is so small that they are both easily carried in the air like dust and can reach even the smallest areas of the lung if inhaled. Talc is a suspected carcinogen and creates irritation that may cause the production of nasal and lung tumors." Hmmm I have to admit that that does make me think twice.
Especially when the lovely people at Burt's Bees have come up with a fabulous safe alternative. It's made of a mixture of cornstarch, natural clay and finely ground flowers instead of talc which instantly sounds more appealing and promises to be totally safe.
The ingredients list is very reassuring : zea mays (corn) starch, sodium bicarbonate, kaolin, bentonite, commiphora myrrha (myrrh) powder, ulmus fulva (slippery elm) bark powder, rosa damascena (rose) flower powder, parfum (fragrance), citronellol, geraniol, eugenol, benzyl benzoate, limonene, linalool. I love the idea of smothering my precious baby's bum in myrrh, slippery elm bark and roses ! I also love the fact that it's 99.63% natural.
It's just as absorbent as talc and also works brilliantly on prickly heat rash. It cleared up a red itchy patch that was starting on the back of Sophie's knees within hours, which is great to know.
The one thing I'm not keen on is the floral fragrance which smells a bit too much old-ladified for me, but Sophie loves it and says it smells like perfume so that's purely down to personal taste.
If the health scare surrounding talc has freaked you out, this is the perfect alternative, for babies and their mums !
star rating : 4/5
RRP : £6.99
for more information : http://www.lucyrose.biz/burts-bees-baby-bee-dusting-powder-125g-5915-p.asp
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i always used talc on my kids, but as you say the info is enough to make you think again, but this does look like a fab alternative :)
ReplyDeletewonder if this creates dudt clouds that drift into other rooms like baby powder, cos if it doesnt than my husband would approve
ReplyDeleteI never knew that about Talcum powder, it has definitely made me think twice, I will have to look into buying the Burt's Bees version
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this informative information about Slippery Elm Bark Powder with us. It's very helpful. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteNimson Boroneem Talcum Powder is a must-have product for those looking for a reliable solution to stay cool and refreshed in hot weather. Boro Neem Cool Talc Ghamori Nashak Prickly Heat Talcum Powder for Summer Enriched with the goodness of neem and boric acid, it is a natural and effective way to keep your skin cool and dry. It helps in reducing prickly heat rashes and skin irritation caused due to excessive sweating, making it ideal for use during the summer season.
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