Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder why I haven't powdered my lady parts before!!

232 replies

CableCar · 12/10/2024 21:16

Today I got some powder for my lady parts and it has transformed how I feel.... I actually can't believe it! I have been suffering a sweaty, chaffing, post-baby, peri-menopausal, swollen mess of a down below, and wow... It has just transformed how I feel! Anyone else??!! Why isn't this talked about!!!

OP posts:
Pocketfullofdogtreats · 12/10/2024 21:59

Jellybean85 · 12/10/2024 21:21

Is that still true! Surely they've swapped ingredients since the 90s!

But I still doubt it's a good idea to dust it down there (thinking of thrush) Grin

Show quote history

It's not the talc that causes cancer, it's that asbestos is naturally found in deposits of talc. So they can mine, say, two tons of talc and test a teaspoon of it for asbestos. If they don't find it then that two tons is deemed 'safe'. But the rest could have asbestos fibres in it. I know this because I listened to a Radio 4 programme about it!

Yeslaa · 12/10/2024 21:59

You can buy organic powder without any nasties in it. I use it. Stay clear of any Johnson products.

PortiasBiscuit · 12/10/2024 21:51

Chub Rub shorts from Snag are a game changer.

Itdoesntendwellatall · 12/10/2024 21:48

The Johnson's baby talc is now cornstarch so safe for use all over.

I was first told of the risk of ovarian cancer caused by micro-grains of talc on the ovaries 40-odd years ago so never used it between my legs (frequently sweaty due to a love of sport). I'd bring cornstarch body powder home from family trips to America and keep that for that area.

It's not just the risk of ovarian cancer that talc was being blamed for, but also a form of lung cancer caused by asbestos fibres that were naturally found alongside talc deposits. Search for mesothelioma if you want more details.

There's still talc in many makeup products and some are not tested for asbestos. Being applied so close to the mouth and nose makes this very alarming.

I'm a life-long talc user as I like the way it makes my skin feel after a shower. Dry and fresher for much longer than if I don't use it. I have heavy breasts and have never had the problems all my other heavy-breasted friends suffer.

I resisted the change to the cornstarch version of Johnson's for a good while as I didn't think it would be as pleasant to use and definitely not as effective but I finally ran out so tried it. While it's not quite as nice as talc it is much better than I expected.

Femfresh was the first cornstarch-based one I tried and found it okay but a bit gritty. The Johnson's is much finer and smoother on the skin. Vagisil has a ridiculously expensive powder (for the bottle size) that's even finer (to the point of too messy).

Welcome to the body powder lovers club, OP 😊

TyrannasaurusJex · 12/10/2024 21:44

Frankensteinslittlefriend · 12/10/2024 21:30

Why do people feel the need to share this with millions 😂

I think you're vastly overestimating the reach of this thread....

NautilusLionfish · 12/10/2024 21:36

CableCar · 12/10/2024 21:28

But the talc is what is carcinogenic... Not the corn starch that modern powders are made from?

Show quote history

True. Am just not sure what effects of cornstarch, calcium phosphate, alpha-isomethyl-ionone etc are on the fragile vagina ecology. These are just 3 of the 10 or so ingredients in femfresh for example. The EU classifies Alpha-isomethyl-ionone as an allergen with potential to cause a skin reaction (such as red, bumpy, or itchy skin). But am not going to be holier than thought on this. If it's working for you and are happy about it, have at it!

ladymalfoy45 · 12/10/2024 21:34

Hard no.

TheRomanticOutlaw · 12/10/2024 21:31

I thought its ok to use talc free powder down there? As long as you're just using it externally and not puffing it up inside, surely?

Frankensteinslittlefriend · 12/10/2024 21:30

Why do people feel the need to share this with millions 😂

Original poster
CableCar · 12/10/2024 21:29

TheOpalReader · 12/10/2024 21:26

Why all the talc comments? Have I missed something? The op didn't mention talc at all. The femfresh one is talc free, pH balanced, and pretty good.

Yes, this!! I was under the illusion that all powders were bad, but my hormones have really been playing me up in my intimate area of late and it's been frustrating... The fem fresh powder has raving reviews for how comfortable it makes you feel!!

OP posts:
coffeesaveslives · 12/10/2024 21:29

CableCar · 12/10/2024 21:25

Fem fresh?! It's talc free and designed for the intimate area... Surely it's safe? I knew talc was bad as it used to contain asbestos...but the fem fresh is corn starch based?

Show quote history

Any kind of power down there sounds like a recipe for some kind of weird yeast or fungal infection to me!

NautilusLionfish · 12/10/2024 21:28

Jellybean85 · 12/10/2024 21:21

Is that still true! Surely they've swapped ingredients since the 90s!

But I still doubt it's a good idea to dust it down there (thinking of thrush) Grin

Show quote history

We don't know yet whether cornstarch and other chemicals in the powders are harmless. We don't even know what brand op is using. I still wouldn't risk it as it might take decades before evidence comes to light. Unnecessary micro particles migrating from vulva to vagina and cervix. No thanks

Original poster
CableCar · 12/10/2024 21:28

Pigeonqueen · 12/10/2024 21:24

Surely this is a wind up? Talc or any sort of powder down there is carcinogenic.

But the talc is what is carcinogenic... Not the corn starch that modern powders are made from?

OP posts:
TheOpalReader · 12/10/2024 21:27

Oops just seen the update :)

TheOpalReader · 12/10/2024 21:26

Why all the talc comments? Have I missed something? The op didn't mention talc at all. The femfresh one is talc free, pH balanced, and pretty good.

Wendysfriend · 12/10/2024 21:26

So many fanjo posts lately 😔

Original poster
CableCar · 12/10/2024 21:25

Imperrysmum · 12/10/2024 21:17

Which powder specifically? :)

Fem fresh?! It's talc free and designed for the intimate area... Surely it's safe? I knew talc was bad as it used to contain asbestos...but the fem fresh is corn starch based?

OP posts:
Pigeonqueen · 12/10/2024 21:24

Surely this is a wind up? Talc or any sort of powder down there is carcinogenic.

NautilusLionfish · 12/10/2024 21:24

Can we talk you out of op? Perhaps read about the Johnson and Johnson ovarian cancer lawsuit then proceed.
Likely not worth the temporary comfort it brings you. SORRY

coffeesaveslives · 12/10/2024 21:23

Yeah, please don't do that for all the reasons already given!

Namechangedforthis25 · 12/10/2024 21:22

Talc causes cervical cancer - don’t do that!!

Sundaymondaytuesdayetc · 12/10/2024 21:22

I thought that using vaginal powders was not recommended because of the known unwanted side effects and links with cancer.

Jellybean85 · 12/10/2024 21:21

Todaypicard · 12/10/2024 21:19

Please take care given “talc” causes cancer!

Is that still true! Surely they've swapped ingredients since the 90s!

But I still doubt it's a good idea to dust it down there (thinking of thrush) Grin

Mum2jenny · 12/10/2024 21:21

Do not powder your lady parts, it’s not good for you. Just wash the externals with a neutral shampoo/ shower gel/ baby shampoo and do nothing more.

Offleyhoo · 12/10/2024 21:21

Yes talc use has been linked to gynaecological cancers do definitely don't do this or put it on a baby's bottom.