How to Make Vanilla Body Powder

Vanilla orchids provide the scent for this vanilla body powder.

Natural vanilla body powder may be healthier and far less expensive than vanilla body powder made from talcum, which may cause respiratory problems. The vanilla scent comes from the beans of a tropical orchid, and makes a beautiful scent for bodies of all ages

Things You'll Need

• New or sterilized recycled jar
• Bowl
• 2 oz. rice flour
• 2 oz. arrowroot powder
• 2 oz. cornstarch
• 5 to 6 drops vanilla essential oil
• Whisk
• Cotton balls or powder puff

Instructions

1. Gather the vanilla body powder ingredients. Purchase cornstarch (get organic if you want a green body powder) and vanilla essential oil. This is different than culinary vanilla extract, though both are made from vanilla orchid beans. Vanilla oil is usually sold at health food stores with the other essential oils.

2. Make the vanilla body powder. In a bowl, mix 2 oz. of cornstarch with the same amounts of arrowroot powder and rice flour. Then add 5 to 6 drops of vanilla oil. Add only one drop at a time and whisk each time until you're done. Pour the mixture into a new or sterilized recycled jar, put the lid on, and shake. Let sit for 24 hours.

3. Use your vanilla body powder. Use cotton balls or powder puffs to apply your vanilla body powder. Dab the cotton or puff into the powder, shake off excess, then blot and rub over the body. Replace the lid tightly after each use.

4. Make variations to the vanilla body powder. Chocolate, mint, citrus and chamomile essential oils can replace some of the drops of vanilla for interesting variations on this handcrafted vanilla body powder. You can even add 1 tbsp. of pure powdered cocoa to the mix, which will slightly tinge the vanilla body powder but won't create a noticeable color change on skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Author disclaims liability and offers article for educational purposes only. Parents are responsible for any activities involving their children. Author's articles are registered with the national copyright office and protected with Copyscape

References

• Niche Topics; Homemade Talc Free Body Powder; Tiffany Moore

Resources

• Great Group Activities: Start a women’s kitchen cosmetics club with friends for fun or profit