Bath and Body

Soap Making, Oils and Recipes

DIY Cornstarch Body Talc

by 3 Comments

I previously posted about making your own deodorant. Applying talcs is another wonderful way to fragrance the body as well as absorb excess moisture. Pure Talc, Cornstarch & Kaolin make excellent fine textured powders. The finest texture being Pure Talc followed by Cornstarch then Kaolin. You may choose to to use one of these ingredients or a mixture depending on your personal preference.

Below is an “all rounder” suitable for everyone

YOU WILL NEED

100 Gram Talc Powder

50 Gram Cornstarch

40 drops your choice of essential oils.

HOW TO

1. Slowly add your choice of essential oils drop by drop to the talc base, stirring them in as you go.

2. Shake the mixture through a sieve, breaking down any lumps which may of occurred.

3. Store your talcum powder in an old talc container or stainless steel parmesan cheese shaker, or icing sugar shaker, both of which are available at kitchen shops.

If making a composition for a baby or young child drop the amount to 15 drops for this recipe

Click here for Essential Oil compositions for body talc.

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Comments

  1. Hi! Lovely recipes. I wanted to share that talc is linked to asthma and as many children have corn allergies arrowroot powder is a WONDERFUL option. It’s actually not as smooth so I always gave it an extra whirl in my vita-mixer. You can even use arrowroot all by itself. It’s cooling (I used it through a summer pregnancy.) never gave me or the kids any kind of heat or diaper rash (those diapers just make my butt sweat! 😉 )

    BTW, I love that you share so many natural options to help folks have healthier alternatives!

    Honey

  2. This is a great idea. Did you know that talc makes sand brush off really easily. SO take some to the beach and not only do you get in the car sand free but smelling nice too. Just dust over the sandy areas and brush off with your hand, towel or whatever.

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Have you read?

DIY Herbal Vapor Rub Balm – A Natural Vicks-Style Decongestant for Cold and Flu Relief

When someone in the house starts sniffling, you just know it’s going to make the rounds. That’s when I reach for this homemade herbal vapor rub—our family’s go-to chest balm for easing congestion, coughs, and that heavy-headed sick feeling.

Made with gentle yet powerful essential oils, this balm works just like the classic Vicks rub (but without the synthetic stuff). It’s safe, effective, and smells like a eucalyptus grove with a hint of grandma’s medicine chest—in the best possible way!

Whether you’re treating a toddler’s sniffles or trying to head off a man cold, this DIY vapor rub will be your winter wellness MVP.

Why You’ll Love This Natural Decongestant Balm

  • No petroleum or nasties – A clean, green homemade Vicks alternative 
  • Gentle enough for kids – With optional adjustments for littlies 
  • Nourishing balm texture – Melts into skin without being greasy 
  • Essential oils – Provide cooling, clearing, and comforting support 
  • Customizable – Make it stronger for adults or extra-gentle for babies 

Ingredients

Base:

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (or olive oil for a softer balm) 
  • 2 tbsp shea butter or mango butter 
  • 2 tbsp beeswax pellets 

Essential Oil Blend (for adults):

  • 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil 
  • 8 drops peppermint essential oil 
  • 6 drops rosemary essential oil 
  • 4 drops tea tree essential oil 
  • 4 drops lavender essential oil 

Optional for kids under 5:
 Replace eucalyptus and peppermint with fir needle and cedarwood atlas, and halve the total essential oil amount.

How to Make Your Own Vapor Rub

  1. Melt the base:
     In a double boiler (or a bowl over simmering water), gently melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together. Stir until smooth and liquid. 
  2. Cool slightly:
     Remove from heat and let cool just a few minutes—enough that it’s no longer scalding hot but still liquid. 
  3. Add essential oils:
     Stir in your essential oil blend. Don’t add them too early or the heat will evaporate their goodness. 
  4. Pour into tins or jars:
     Carefully pour into a small glass jar or metal balm tin. Let cool completely before putting the lid on. 
  5. Label & store:
     Store in a cool place away from sunlight. Balm will keep for up to 6 months. 

How to Use Your Herbal Chest Rub

  • For chest and back: Rub a small amount onto chest, upper back, and soles of the feet during cold or flu season. 
  • For steam relief: Add a pea-sized amount to a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale. 
  • For headaches: Dab a touch on temples and neck (use caution and avoid eyes). 

Mum Tips

  • Patch test first if you’re unsure about sensitivities. 
  • Keep a tiny jar in your handbag during winter for on-the-go sniffles. 
  • For a nighttime version, add a few drops of Roman chamomile or lavender for extra sleep support. 

 

 

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