Natural Dusting Powder

When I was looking for an alternative to commercial talcum powder I found a bazillion videos, blogs and websites.  I just wanted something simple, that worked well and may or may not have a scent.  Being easy to make and affordable was also important.

After a couple of hours of research, I started seeing a trend of ingredients, the measurements and essential oils.  Wanting to keep it simple, I settled on my own recipe and I have now made it a couple of times and still love it as much as the first time I made it.  

Here is my recipe and I will list some alternative ingredients afterwards to give you lots of ideas and choices.

                                                       Rose Dusting Powder

Equal parts of:  Baking Soda and Arrowroot Powder (I used 1/4 cup).

Mix well.  You can stop here and place the mixture in a spice jar or sugar shaker, and it is ready to go.  Or...

You can place dry rose petals in a spice or coffee grinder and whiz the petals until you have a consistency that you like.  I prefer just small bits and pieces.  Once chopped, I had about a 1/2 tablespoon worth of petals.  Place petals in the powder mixture, give it a good stir and again you can stop here.  Or...

You can add an essential oil, such as rose essential oil, to the mixture.  I decided to used several drops of rose essential oil, gave it a good stir and was pleased with the end results.  I didn't think I was a big rose fan, but I am now!  I love this powder after a shower or in the middle of the day if I'm feeling sticky and need a pick me up!

Alternative ingredients.  I you don't have arrowroot powder you can switch it out for corn or tapioca starch.  Arrowroot powder is found in the baking aisle of your grocery store.  I is used as a thickener for soups and sauces.

If your going to add botanicals to your powder, then please make sure that it is completely dried.  No one wants moldy petals in their powder!  I also added calendula petals and had the prettiest flecks of red and yellow throughout my powder.  

When choosing an essential oil or a mixture of oils then, please do your homework and make sure it is safe to use on your skin.  

One more thing.  Wouldn't this be fun as little gifts? You could make a larger batch, buy fancier bottles and give as small gifts for bridesmaids, stocking stuffers, or include it with a larger gift for a baby shower/teacher/neighbor/grandparent.  You could divide the batch and have a feminine, masculine or unisex scent.

Hope you enjoy your powder as much as I enjoy mine!

Cathy