5 reasons why talcum powder isn’t pointless

If olive oil is made from olives, what is baby powder made of? To give a very dry answer to this funny question, it usually and mainly consists of the mineral talc, which when powdered is known as talcum. You apply it to your baby’s bum so that it stays as dry, soft and smooth as…well, a baby's bum.

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Pelsano Nourishing powder refill bag Pdr

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Baby bodycareAvailability unknown

Penaten Penaten powder

36

Baby bodycareavailable in a few days

CHF9.30

Pelsano Nourishing powder refill bag Pdr

Quantity discount

Baby bodycareavailable in a few days

CHF5.85 per piece for 3 units

Schweizerhaus Baby Powder Plv

It’s versatile

So far, so obvious. But did you know that talcum powder is for much more than just your baby’s bum? Here are five alternative uses:

1. Freshly washed hair without water

Did you oversleep or just don’t have time to wash your greasy hair? Don’t have any dry shampoo on hand? No problem, talcum powder is your cost-effective friend. Sprinkle a bit on your roots, massage it in well and your hair will look fresh again. Just don’t overdo it, otherwise you’ll miss out on the desired effect.

2. Anti-chafing agent

Intertrigo – commonly known as chafing – is inflammation caused by skin-to-skin friction and moisture, mainly between the thighs. I first experienced it in the classic way at cadet school. The only thing that helped was ointment and clenching my teeth. Thanks to my editorial colleague Laura Scholz, I now know that talcum powder can also help, firstly by reducing friction and secondly by binding moisture. Hopefully it’s self-explanatory that you’ll need to wash your trousers afterwards.

3. Sweat stopper par excellence

Speaking of moisture, talcum powder is generally an effective remedy in the fight against sweat. For example, you can use it under your armpits as well as deodorant. It can also help with sweaty feet and hands. Especially in summer, it also ensures that your make-up lasts longer. Before applying makeup, simply dust your face with a little talcum powder to look after your skin and prevent the dreaded sweaty shine.

4. Fluttering eyelashes

In general, talcum powder seems to be a legitimate make-up tool. It can make both your eyelashes and brows appear thick and full. Simply put some on your eyebrows and brush it in. Apply mascara to your eyelashes, then cover them with a layer of talcum powder, for example with a cotton bud. Finally, apply some more mascara, et voilà.

5. Prevention rather than expensive blister plasters

At cadet school, I not only had my first chafing experience; I also got one or two blisters on my feet. The only thing that helped was putting on plasters. I’d have liked to have been smarter here too. If you don’t want to suffer with blisters, apply talcum powder to your feet and in your shoes before you go hiking or jogging. This doesn’t just put an end to sweaty feet.

Budget resources for (almost) everything

These are just a few examples of the versatile uses of talcum powder. Among other things, it’s said to help against spots and razor burn and ensure long-lasting lipstick.

Personally, I always use the magic powder in early summer when setting up our pool in the garden. Before we put the poles through the loops on the edge of the pool, we sprinkle them generously with talcum powder. So far, we have been able to pull them out every autumn without any problems.

The dark side of baby powder?

«Yes, but…» I can almost hear your objection. In fact, talcum powder’s image isn’t as pristine as it seems. One or two stains have developed in recent years. I’m aware of this and definitely don’t want to withhold it from you. My research is in full swing, so you’ll soon be able to read about the potentially dark side of baby powder here.

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