What's the difference between baby powder and talcum powder? Can I interchange them?

Question

I'm not using talcum powder on my baby, but I need talcum powder and can only find baby powder. Can I use baby powder on a swimming pool cover to prevent it from sticking together when I fold it up to store it for the winter? Are they interchangeable? What's the difference b/w them?

Answer 1

Talcum is minerals, and baby powder isn't.

Answer 2

I think the only difference is that in talcum powder you will find perfumes, whereas in baby powder it is free of powders since it is used on babies.

Answer 3

Talc is a mineral.  It's crushed up rocks.  Look for it with adult bath products, not infant products.

Baby powder is made of cornstarch now.  Cornstarch will mold over the winter.  I would keep looking for talc.  I wonder if baking soda would work?  I use baking soda for everything around here.

The first answer is not true.  Baby powder is full of artificial perfumes.  It gives us a rash.

Answer 4

Talcum powder can be dangerous as a baby can inhale the tiny particles and it can irritate the lungs. It is usually loaded with perfumes as well.

Use cornflour! Great for baby's bum and other uses too.

Answer 5

To answer your questions:

1) Yes, you can use baby powder to keep your swimming pool cover dry.

2)They are not exactly interchangeable-- Both baby powder and talcum powder contain talc, but baby powder is made for babies' delicate skin so yes, you can use it for other uses but its best to avoid regular talcum powder for babies' use.

Hope that helps!