Everyone wants a smoother-looking underarm, but many are afraid to use products like deodorant or antiperspirant because of myths about the agents used.
Cornstarch is an alternative for those who choose not to use antiperspirants, such as aluminum-based compounds that may cause irritation or be linked to certain cancers.
Many people say cornstarch is an effective deodorizer, but can it be harmful if you apply it directly to your skin?
Table of Contents
- Is Cornstarch Safe For Underarms?
- How To Use Cornstarch On Underarms Safely
- Is Cornstarch Good For You If You Have Sensitive Skin?
- Does Cornstarch Absorb Sweat Or Absorb Smell?
- Does Cornstarch Work On Dark Underarms?
- Can You Use Cornstarch If you Shave/wax Underarms?
- Which Kind Of Cornstarch Is Best, Organic Or Regular?
- Can Cornstarch Be Used On The Face?
- How to Make Homemade Deodorant With Cornstarch
- Will You Get An Allergic Reaction From Using Cornstarch?
- What Are The Side Effects Of Using Corn Starch On My Underarms?
- Final Thoughts
Is Cornstarch Safe For Underarms?
Cornstarch is a safe and effective alternative to commercial deodorants. It is typically used as an ingredient in homemade baking.
It is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder made from maize (corn).
Cornstarch consists of fine starch particles obtained from the endosperm of corn kernel. It breaks down quickly when it comes in contact with water.
Corn starch has multiple uses. One of them is as a safe and natural deodorant. Cornstarch has excellent absorbent properties which help to absorb moisture, perspiration and keep you dry all day long.
Moreover, it also prevents the growth of bacteria that cause body odor.
Cornstarch also helps to neutralize odor by absorbing it completely without leaving any unpleasant smell behind.
It is very easy to use cornstarch as a deodorant. Just sprinkle some cornstarch into your hands and rub it under the armpit area just like you would apply your regular deodorant or antiperspirant stick.
Since cornstarch easily dissolves in water, you may need to reapply it at least two times during the day if you feel hot or sticky due to sweating or perspiration.
How To Use Cornstarch On Underarms Safely
Here’s a list of tips on how to use cornstarch on underarms:
1. Prepare your skin for treatment
Wash your underarms thoroughly with soap and warm water. If you are using a deodorant or antiperspirant, remove the product from your underarms before applying the cornstarch.
2. Apply
Shake a small amount of cornstarch into the palm of one hand
While you can use a makeup brush or makeup sponge to apply the cornstarch, it is easiest to apply dry powder products by hand, so you may want to use this method instead.
3. Rub into your underarms
Rub the cornstarch into your underarms gently until all excess moisture has been absorbed by the powder.
Apply just enough cornstarch to completely soak up all of your body’s sweat and moisture; do not try to build up a thick layer of powder on top of your skin in order to prevent sweating.
4. Wait for it to dry
Allow your armpits to dry completely before dressing. Cornstarch does not feel sticky on your skin but will feel powdery when it is dry.
5. Wash off the powder
To wash off the cornstarch, simply wash your armpits with water as you normally do at the end of the day. If you have sensitive skin, use a mild body wash or soap to avoid irritation.
You can also apply moisturizer if you experience dryness after washing off the cornstarch.
Is Cornstarch Good For You If You Have Sensitive Skin?
If you have sensitive skin, cornstarch may not be the best choice for your skin. It’s an ingredient that should be used carefully, if at all.
Sensitive skin is typically dry and easily irritated. Using products that contain ingredients that are likely to add to the irritation of your skin isn’t a good idea.
The same goes for people with acne-prone or oily skin. Cornstarch clogs pores, which can lead to breakouts and worsen existing blemishes.
Consider using a different type of powder when dealing with acne issues. Talc-based powders are a great alternative because they work in the same way as cornstarch, but don’t lead to pore blockage or irritation.
There are many other types of powder on the market besides cornstarch and talcum powder that you can use instead.
These powders are often made out of natural ingredients such as arrowroot, rice starch, or oatmeal.
These powders absorb moisture and help keep your makeup in place without irritating your skin.
Does Cornstarch Absorb Sweat Or Absorb Smell?
Cornstarch can absorb both sweat and odor. That’s why people call it “the universal powder”, as it can be used for a variety of purposes.
It is also a completely natural product, so there are no additives that may cause skin irritations. Cornstarch has many different uses in the kitchen and around the house.
Cornstarch is a great alternative to talcum powder if you want something you can use on your whole body, not just your feet. It is much cheaper than buying baby powder, too!
But before you start sprinkling it all over your body, make sure there are no open cuts anywhere on your skin as cornstarch will stick to them when wet with sweat or water.
Does Cornstarch Work On Dark Underarms?
Cornstarch is a common home remedy for dark underarms. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the skin and helps you get rid of dead skin cells that cause the problem.
Many home remedies are effective in treating dark underarms, but one of the most commonly used is cornstarch.
This ingredient can be easily found in the kitchen, and it’s very easy to use, too. In fact, you may have even used cornstarch as a deodorant or antiperspirant before.
Can You Use Cornstarch If you Shave/wax Underarms?
After shaving or waxing, you can apply a thin layer of cornstarch for a few hours to absorb any excess moisture.
We recommend applying cornstarch 2-3 times a week and then shaving or waxing weekly or biweekly.
If you have irritated skin, mix the cornstarch with baking soda (1:1 ratio) to soothe your underarms.
Which Kind Of Cornstarch Is Best, Organic Or Regular?
The best cornstarch is organic cornstarch. This is because organic products are grown without the use of chemicals and pesticides.
The reason for this is that these chemicals usually contain dangerous and harmful compounds that have been linked to things like cancer, skin irritation, and allergies.
Can Cornstarch Be Used On The Face?
Cornstarch can be used on the face as a mask or scrub. It also makes a great face powder.
Corn starch is a natural ingredient that is used in many facial products. It has been used to treat acne, help heal rashes and relieve skin irritations.
In addition, it can be used as a replacement for talcum powder. Corn starch can be applied to the face to help absorb oil and give the skin a matte finish.
How to Make Homemade Deodorant With Cornstarch
Making your own deodorant isn’t as hard as you think. It’s also a lot cheaper than buying it at the store, and you can be sure there are no harmful chemicals in it.
Here are the easy steps to making deodorant with cornstarch:
Step 1
Mix together 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup cornstarch.
Step 2
Melt three tablespoons of coconut oil over low heat in a small saucepan, then let cool for a couple of minutes.
Step 3
Mix the coconut oil with 1/4 cup of shea butter and stir until fully combined, then add it to the dry ingredients.
Step 4
Stir all ingredients together until smooth and creamy — you may need to add a little more cornstarch or shea butter if the mixture is too liquidy or too crumbly, respectively.
Step 5
Transfer mixture to a small container (if you use an old deodorant container, cut up old deodorant and remove any remaining product first). Keep it in a cool place, such as your fridge or bathroom countertop.
Will You Get An Allergic Reaction From Using Cornstarch?
Yes, it is possible that you can develop an allergic reaction when using cornstarch on the skin. Cornstarch is a natural product used in many different products, including lotions and creams.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a food or other product containing cornstarch or corn (like popcorn), then you are at risk of developing an allergic reaction to cornstarch on your skin.
The good news is that this is not very common.
However, many people do develop rashes when using cornstarch on their skin.
It does not happen because of the allergy, but rather due to the fact that the starch in cornstarch makes it harder for your body to absorb water from sweat.
This can cause your skin to dry out and become irritated.
If you are developing a rash while using cornstarch on your skin, I would recommend switching to another brand of powder or lotion that does not contain any of these products.
What Are The Side Effects Of Using Corn Starch On My Underarms?
Corn starch is a natural ingredient that can be used as an alternative to deodorant. It has no aluminum or other harsh chemicals, so it’s a good choice for those who want to avoid these ingredients.
However, some people may have an allergic reaction to corn starch and develop a skin rash or hives. This is rare and occurs with other products such as wheat flour and talc.
The main side effect of using corn starch on your underarms is that it will absorb moisture from sweat glands causing them to dry up and stop producing odor-causing bacteria.
If you’re allergic to corn starch then there are other options such as baking soda or arrowroot powder which are both safe for most people without allergies but still effective at neutralizing odors caused by perspiration.
Final Thoughts
Cornstarch is completely safe to use under your arms, and there are no serious side effects you should be aware of.
However, because cornstarch doesn’t always dissolve completely, and can leave some residue after a few hours of wear, it could potentially clog pores for some users.
Again, though, if you don’t have sensitive skin this should not be a problem. Americans also use cornstarch in baby powder today.
