How to Make Simple Cosmetic Body Powder

Live Holistically is a multi-author site.
This post was written by: Carol Webb

For some time now I have made all the cosmetics that I use on my body. I decided to do this after reading the list of chemicals in a simple shampoo, it was too much for me to take, and I didn’t want my body to take any more either. It meant experimenting with different formulae until I found simple solutions for my everyday needs.

I am about to make a batch of body powder because I only have a small amount left, and with the perfume taking a while to mature it needs to be made in advance. I prefer powder after a bath or shower as it soaks up any excess moisture. Lotions often feel too cold, especially in the U.K.

Cosmetic body powder is often made up from combinations of finely ground zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, other silicas and the dreaded Fragrance.

Fragrance on any label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 different ingredients , most or all of them being synthetic, and I quote from Dr. Samuel W. Hall M.D. who has researched what the medical profession like to call: Ideopathic Environmental Intolerances.

Alleged precipitants include solvents, pesticides, detergents, dusts and Fragrances.

Symptoms include: Fatigue, malaise, headache, concentration and memory disturbances, lightheadedness, cough, hoarsness and rhinitis without objective physical signs or consistent laboratory abnormalities.

He goes on to say:

While not progressive or life threatening, I.E.I. is often functionally disabling and very distressing to affected individuals.

And yet we give little thought to the fact that we apply this cocktail of chemicals to our precious skin.

The skin is the largest and heaviest organ in the body accounting for about 17% of a person’s weight. It protects the body from many undesirable conditions but most importantly here, from harmful penetrations. It’s fortifications, however, are more easily breached when it is wet! Which leads to greater absorption of any chemical either rubbed in or just spread over a large area.

After experimenting with different powders I found that ‘rice flour’ was the most absorbent and least likely to clump. It also carries the essential oil, that I use to perfume my powder, very well.

• In a large container layer the rice flour, sandwich fashion, with kitchen paper which has a good amount of essential oil applied to it.

• So, layer of rice flour, layer of oiled paper, layer of rice flour until you reach the top of the container. Seal the container with a securely fitting lid.

• Leave your container where you will see it every day, and as you pass it, give it a shake.

After about 4 weeks your powder smells of nothing other than the Rose or Lavender Oil and is ready to use. (Rose and Lavender are both useful skin herbs.)

I then take out the paper and decant into a beautiful glass container for use with a fluffy powder puff.

For travel purposes, decant some into a supermarket dried herb bottle. One which has fairly large holes.

You can add a tablespoon of orris root powder to set your fragrance, which will make it last longer, and this is useful if you are making it as a present. Normally I miss this out because my powder doesn’t last too long.

You will never achieve the fine powder that is sold as body powder, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you and your children are safe from harm, and of course your wallet is happier too!

A note about essential oils:

You may will find it said that : lavender, rose, peppermint, fennel, and geranium are unsuitable for use in pregnancy, there is however no evidence to back this up - only perhaps if you consumed them in large quantities orally!!! You won’t be consuming the oils in use here.

If you are not sure, please do an allergy test or consult a qualified medical practitioner.

This is a lovely starter book explaining the natural ingredients and how to use them.