How to Make Fragrant Bath Powder

Chances are that when you were growing up, your mom or grandmother kept a fragrant, feminine container of scented talcum powder on her vanity. You know, the kind with the big, rabbit-tail puff? It always smelled so pretty and you loved the smoky puff of powder whenever she put it on. You might be surprised to know that talc--one of the main ingredients in talcum powder--is toxic if ingested and can even cause cancer after long-term use. Make your own fragrant after-bath powder and stay healthy but still enjoy that delicate scent.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup cornstarch
• Essential or fragrant oil
• Wide-mouthed jar or small lidded box
• Wire whisk
• Large powder puff

1. Pour baking soda and cornstarch into jar or box. Use a pastry blender, fork or even your hands to mix well. Make sure the baking soda and cornstarch are thoroughly combined.

2. Add 10 to 20 drops of essential oil to the baking soda and cornstarch combination, 2 drops at a time. Every time you add two drops, place the lid onto the jar or box and shake well to blend. Continue until your powder has absorbed the amount of fragrance you desire.

3. Test the scent of the powder to make sure it's not too strong or too weak. If it is too strong, add a bit of baking soda to diffuse the scent. If it is not strong enough, add a few more drops of oil, again 2 drops at a time, and shaking the container in between drops.

4. Check the powder for any clumps created by the addition of the oil. If clumps are present, use a wire whisk to remove them by gently whisking the powder in the container.

5. Allow the powder to sit for at least one day. This will let it soak up the fragrance and dry completely. Apply it to your body after a bath or before a night out (or in!) using a large, rabbit-tail powder puff.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have essential oils, you can also use fragrant oils, or even some of your favorite perfume.

Resources

• Essential Oils