Last month, I wrote about making your own eco-friendly, homemade recipes, and with Halloween just around the corner, I couldn’t help but reminisce about a little trick I played on my kids when they were little. I called it “Powdered Donuts.”
It became a nightly ritual—one that filled my home with giggles and delight. After their warm baths, I’d wrap my little ones in fluffy towels, drying off every last drop of water. But the real fun began when I pulled out “the little glass jar.” Without fail, their eyes would light up, and if I ever forgot, they’d remind me with an eager (and sometimes demanding) squeal: “Make me a powdered donut!”
The Problem with Talcum Powder
Talcum powder (commonly called Talc) is found in most conventional body powders because it absorbs moisture so well. However, it comes with serious health concerns. When dusted onto the skin, Talc’s fine particles can be easily inhaled, posing risks to the respiratory system. Worse, some studies have linked Talc exposure to a variety of cancers, making it an unnecessary risk—especially for little ones.
Talc is a mined mineral that’s crushed into an ultra-fine powder, and while manufacturers remove trace minerals, microscopic asbestos-like fibers often remain. Over time, researchers have raised concerns about its potential dangers, particularly in baby powders and cosmetic products.
A Safe & Simple Alternative: Cornstarch
Unlike Talc, cornstarch is completely natural and free from harmful contaminants. It offers the same silky-smooth effect, absorbing moisture without posing any risk. That’s why I swapped out store-bought powders for a pure and simple DIY solution—one that was not only safer but also became a fun little tradition in our home.
I bought a box of cornstarch, transferred it into a tight-sealing glass jar, and labeled it “Powdered Donuts.” To make application easy, I cut up an old terry cloth towel into small circular “puffs,” perfect for dusting my little donuts before bedtime. They absolutely loved the feeling of the soft, silky powder—so much so that it became a nightly request.
Make Your Own Luxurious Powder
This trick isn’t just for kids—it’s a great way for adults to enjoy an all-natural, custom-scented body powder.
Here’s how you can make your own:
- Take a small ziplock bag and fill it with cornstarch.
- Add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil (lavender, chamomile, or vanilla are great choices).
- Seal the bag and shake well to disperse the fragrance evenly.
- Transfer the scented cornstarch into a pretty airtight container, and voilà—you have a beautifully scented, non-toxic body powder.
For an extra luxurious touch, some people even sprinkle a little powder onto freshly washed sheets to add a silky feel and help wick away moisture overnight.
I hope this little trick was a treat to read, and maybe even something you’ll enjoy trying for yourself. Wishing you a safe, cozy, and fun Halloween!
Cheryl Hahn is founder of Norfolk, Virginia based business Organic Comfort Zone, manufacturers of CozyPure organic bedding and Tomorrow’s World, one of America’s first eco-stores. For more information visit cozypure.com, organiccomfortzone.com or tomorrowsworld.com, or call (757) 480-8500.
THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT NEWSPAPER
Edited version published October 24, 2009
GREEN TIDINGS Column by Cheryl Hahn