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Have you ever thought of using baby powder as deodorant? The idea may not be too far-fetched, especially if you have sensitive skin. Unlike some conventional deodorants, baby powder is made to be gentle enough for a baby’s skin but effective enough to prevent diaper rash. It is designed to absorb moisture while keeping skin soft. In this article, we take a closer look at baby powder as deodorant and how you can use it in your daily routine.
Baby powder is made from a mixture of talcum powder and fragrance. Talcum powder typically consists of talc, a finely grounded mineral made out of magnesium silicate. Talc works by constricting the body tissues, thereby absorbing moisture and leaving the skin dry.
Sometimes corn starch is used instead of talc when making baby powder. Corn starch is less likely to be inhaled, which sometimes results in breathing difficulties. Though often used as a replacement for talc, corn starch is no less effective. It absorbs moisture just as well.
Originally published in December 2020, and updated in January 2025.
While baby powder is often overlooked as an effective solution for sweat, it works wonders when it comes to masking odor. It works because baby powder reduces friction, which is naturally occurring in underarms. When underarm friction is generated, sweat is produced. The more sweat is produced, the more bacteria become active, which leads to underarm odor. Therefore, when you use baby powder as deodorant, you are likely to sweat less and keep bacteria activity at bay.
If you have sensitive skin and experience underarm sweating, you may want to use baby powder for underarms. The amount of baby powder you apply depends on how much or how frequently you sweat. Baby powder absorbs a large percentage of underarm sweat, though it may not be as effective as antiperspirants because it doesn’t contain aluminum. (Aluminum is the active ingredient in antiperspirants that plugs the sweat glands.)
Nonetheless, baby powder will keep your skin cool and fresh because its contents are more gentle on the skin. Apart from using baby powder to stop sweating in your underarms, you can also use baby powder for sweaty hands.
The best time to use baby powder is right after a shower and when your skin is completely dry. Using it on wet skin may lead to a certain type of fungal infection or leave residual white marks.
If you don’t feel comfortable using baby powder to stop sweating, you may use it in combination with your normal antiperspirant. For example, if you apply antiperspirant at night, simply dust your underarms in the morning with baby powder. This will give your underarms a cool, dry, and fresh finish.
Like most deodorants or antiperspirants, baby powder can also be used on other parts of the body to reduce sweat, minimize friction, and prevent odor. Try it on your hands, between your thighs, and your groin area whenever you need to freshen up.
If you have experienced skin irritation from hygiene products in the past, then you may want to try baby powder as a deodorant. It is a great option for people with sensitive skin who may not need a strong antiperspirant to stop sweating. Because baby powder works to reduce diaper rash, adults can also benefit from its ability to absorb sweat and mask odor for dry, odorless, and rash-free skin.
Ejis sweat proof undershirts are a great way to get through the transition when you change your underarm hygiene routine. Our sweat proof undershirts (buy in our shop or on Amazon) feature a thin water proof layer and anti-odor technology to protect your shirts from sweat and odor.
Sweating is the body’s natural response to an increase in temperature; it helps cool us down. You’ve heard about sweaty armpits and sweat patches on the back of shirts, but a less-discussed sweat zone is the head and face. Sweating in this area can leave you feeling even more exposed, as we often present and express ourselves with our faces. Keep reading for our list of the best antiperspirants for facial sweating.
