Can Baby Powder Stop Underarm Sweat?

Can baby powder stop underarm sweat? The TLDR answer is no. Baby powder won’t keep you from sweating, but it does absorb moisture, mask body odor, and minimize underarm chafing. Keep reading to find out how effective it really is, whether it’s safe, and the best tips for using it.  

Baby powder contains either talcum powder or cornstarch. Due to its moisture-absorbing properties, talc is often used in antiperspirants and cosmetic products like matte foundation and blush. Meanwhile, cornstarch works like talc to keep underarms dry and is considered a safer alternative, with more baby powder brands making the switch amid talc-related health concerns.

Many manufacturers include oils to help moisturize the skin, which makes the powder smoother and easier to apply. Some oils, like chamomile or lavender, also have calming effects and can help reduce skin irritation.  

Lastly, baby powder also often contains fragrance, and while it can help with managing odor, it can also trigger sensitivity in some skin types.  

The dictionary defines antiperspirant as a substance that prevents or minimizes sweat, and baby powder doesn’t do that. It may keep your underarms cool and dry for a short period, but it works differently from deodorants and antiperspirants.

Can baby powder be used as deodorant? Yes, but keep in mind that baby powder doesn’t stop sweating; it merely absorbs moisture and masks odor. In contrast, the aluminum in antiperspirants actively blocks the sweat glands, which means your armpits stay dry.

If you have hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating, you’ll need to apply a copious amount of powder on your armpits, which can get messy and leave unsightly white clumps.

Recently, there's been a lot of talk about the health risks posed by talc, a main ingredient in baby powder. Mined underground, natural talc could be tainted with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Some studies also saw a link between long-term use of talcum powder in the genital area and a higher risk of ovarian and uterine cancer.

That said, the research isn’t conclusive. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified asbestos-contaminated talc as carcinogenic and cautions that using talc-based baby powder around the genital area is “possibly carcinogenic.”

To address these concerns, brands have switched to cornstarch-based formulas, and arrowroot powder has emerged as a safe and natural alternative to talcum powder.

So, is it safe to use baby powder on armpits? While the jury’s still out whether baby powder causes cancer, experts agree that regularly inhaling talc – or even cornstarch or arrowroot, for that matter – can lead to respiratory problems. Applying talc-free baby powder on armpits and other areas of the body may not cause cancer, but regular exposure still isn’t great for your lungs.

From active ingredients to how they work, there are key differences between baby powder and antiperspirant.

Sweating is a normal body function that helps regulate body temperature. But too much of it can lead to discomfort. Baby powder is only a temporary solution for wet armpits. There are more effective methods for controlling perspiration.

Applying your deodorant at night gives the product ample time to work its way into the skin and effectively plug your sweat glands while you’re sleeping. Make sure your underarms are clean and dry before you do, since aluminum can’t penetrate wet skin. Plus, it’s unsanitary.

To keep sweat at bay, try Rexona Roll On Deodorant Powder Dry Brightening. It’s made with Active Shield technology for 72-hour sweat and odor protection and has a soft, fresh scent that keeps your underarms smelling good.

What causes putok sa kili-kili? Body odor happens when bacteria break down sweat and release a pungent compound called thioalcohol. Using an antibacterial body wash twice a day can help minimize B.O. Look for one with ingredients like triclosan or tea tree oil, which can effectively target and kill odor-causing bacteria.

Armpit hair can trap moisture, making it the perfect nest for accumulating sweat. It can also impede the effectiveness of your antiperspirant since it creates a filter between the formula and your skin. Shaving with a sharp razor and using shaving cream can cut sweat and prevent ingrown hair.

Prefer to keep your body hair? That’s fine, too. You can use a small pair of scissors to cut the hair as short as you’d like. Besides, trimming is less irritating than shaving – an alternative for sensitive skin.

If you tend to sweat easily, opt for natural fabrics. Linen breathes and dries fast, bamboo is odor-resistant and antibacterial, and cotton is soft, sweat-absorbing, plus easy on the wallet.

Many manufacturers also offer sweat-wicking sportswear these days. They absorb sweat and keep it on the surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate more quickly. The best part? Plenty of today's athleisure outfits are fashionable enough to wear outside the gym.

Notice your sweat glands go into overdrive right before a big presentation or – yikes! – a big date? Stress sweat is a real thing. When you’re anxious, the body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These trigger nerves that activate your sweat glands. Stress also raises your body temperature.  The worst part is that stress sweat is stinkier than regular sweat because they have more proteins and lipids, which mix with skin bacteria to produce B.O.

If you’re a stress sweater, consider calming practices like breathing exercises, listening to music, and meditation. Or phone a friend for a quick chat to calm the nerves.

When all else fails, there’s Botox. Botox works by blocking the nerve signals that activate sweat glands.  Recommended for people with hyperhidrosis, getting your armpits – and other body parts prone to sweating – injected with Botox has been shown to keep your underarms dry by up to 90 percent. And it lasts a good four months to a little over a year. The downside is that it’s pricey. But if you have the budget, it’s a solid option.

While baby powder can absorb moisture and mask odor, it's a short-term fix at best. If you sweat heavily or have hyperhidrosis, it won't give you the protection you need. Plus, application can be messy, it can leave nasty clumps, and it poses health concerns.

So, can baby powder stop underarm sweat? The short answer is no, it can’t. You’re better off using products designed specifically for sweat control, such as antiperspirants and deodorants.