Baby powder can help absorb sweat and reduce friction for a short time, but it doesn't stop you from sweating. Powder soaks up moisture that's already on your skin. An antiperspirant reduces the amount of sweat your body produces in the first place. If you sweat heavily, baby powder works best as an extra layer of comfort, not as your main sweat care step.

Everyone sweats. It's how your body regulates its temperature. Here's a closer look at the pros and cons of using baby powder for sweat, plus some alternatives.

What is baby powder made of?

Baby powder is traditionally made from talc, a soft mineral ground into a very fine powder, usually with added fragrance. Today, many baby powders are made with cornstarch instead. Both absorb moisture and reduce friction, which is why people use them to feel drier for a short time.

Using baby powder for sweat

Baby powder absorbs moisture, but it can only hold so much. If you sweat a lot, even when you're not active, powder alone usually won't keep you dry for long. It also clumps as it gets wet, and the fragrance can only mask odor for a while.

Feet

Powder can help keep feet drier in socks and shoes, but it doesn't stop the bacteria that cause foot odor. If you have athlete's foot, a common fungal infection, use a medicated antifungal cream, powder or spray instead.

Armpits

Baby powder can help your underarms feel smoother and drier, and it can reduce chafing. It can also absorb some underarm sweat for a short time. It isn't a substitute for an antiperspirant, though, and it can leave white marks on dark clothes.

Pros and cons of baby powder

The main benefits of baby powder are that it absorbs moisture and reduces friction. That can make it useful for:

• Reducing skin-on-skin chafing, for example on the inner thighs
• Helping skin feel drier for a short time
• Absorbing oil as a quick dry shampoo

There are some downsides to keep in mind:

• Don't breathe it in. Fine powder can irritate your lungs if inhaled, so apply it carefully and keep it away from your face, especially around babies and children.
• Avoid broken skin. Don't apply powder to open cuts, wounds or broken, bleeding skin.
• Talc questions. The safety of talc-based powders has been debated, and many brands now offer talc-free formulas. If that's a concern for you, choose a talc-free powder and talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Alternatives to baby powder for sweat

Cornstarch and other starch powders

Cornstarch absorbs moisture and reduces friction from skin-on-skin contact, like on the upper thighs. The downside is that it can be messy, clump as you sweat, and leave white streaks on clothing. Like any powder, it doesn't reduce how much you sweat.

Tapioca starch, made from the cassava plant, and arrowroot powder work in a similar way. Some people choose arrowroot if they want to avoid corn.

Talc-free baby powder

Many brands now sell talc-free baby powders, usually made with cornstarch or kaolin clay. They work about as well as traditional baby powder for absorbing moisture.

Rice powder

Rice starch is another absorbent powder. It can clump in humidity, so store it in an airtight container.

Baking soda

Baking soda can help with odor, but it can irritate sensitive skin, especially right after shaving. If you try it, use a small amount and stop if your skin gets red or itchy.

A sweat care routine that reduces sweat

Powders absorb sweat after it's already there. If you want to sweat less, you need an antiperspirant. Antiperspirants use aluminum-based active ingredients that temporarily plug sweat ducts, and they work best on clean, completely dry skin.

• At bedtime: apply the Intensive Sweat Minimizing Gel to clean, completely dry underarms. It works overnight so you sweat less during the day. With consistent nightly use, it delivers up to 95% sweat reduction within one week. It's for daytime underarm sweat, not night sweats.
• In the morning: wash the gel off with Deep Clean Body Wash, dry off completely, then apply the Clinical Sweat Control Stick for daily underarm sweat and odor protection.
• Hands, feet and body: Sweat Control Body Wipes are antiperspirant wipes you use at bedtime on areas like your hands, feet, chest and back. With consistent use, they deliver up to 90% less sweat within two weeks. Don't use them on your face.

The gel, stick and body wash come together in the Sweat Control Trio. The gel and stick are for underarms only. If you have sensitive skin, patch-test any new product first.

The bottom line

Baby powder can be a helpful short-term fix for chafing and a little extra dryness, or a complement to your antiperspirant. Most people can't rely on it alone, though, especially if they sweat heavily. For that, an antiperspirant routine is the better place to start. If heavy sweating is affecting your daily life, talk to your doctor. Here's when to be concerned about excessive sweating.

Frequently asked questions

Does baby powder absorb sweat?

Yes, it absorbs some moisture. But it can only hold so much, and it doesn't reduce how much you sweat. Pair it with an antiperspirant if you need more protection.

Can you use baby powder instead of deodorant?

Not really. Its fragrance can mask some odor, and it absorbs a little moisture, but a deodorant or antiperspirant deodorant is more effective for body odor.

Does baby powder help with smelly armpits?

It can help a little by absorbing moisture, but it's not a substitute for an antiperspirant or deodorant.

Does baby powder help with sweaty hands?

Powder can help your grip and keep your palms drier for a short time. For longer-lasting help, antiperspirant wipes like our Sweat Control Body Wipes can be used on your hands at bedtime.

What can I do at home for heavy sweating?

Shower daily, dry off completely, wear breathable fabrics, and use an antiperspirant on clean, dry skin at night. Powder can help with chafing in areas like the inner thighs. If sweating still affects your daily life, a doctor can talk you through other options.