Is Arrowroot Powder Safe? What You Need to Know
Safety Score
Concern Level: low
Arrowroot Powder is generally considered safe for use in household and personal care products.
What Is Arrowroot Powder?
A starch from the Maranta arundinacea plant. Fine texture makes it ideal as a natural talc replacement.
Commonly found in: baby powder, dry shampoo, deodorant, face powder
Safety Research & Evidence
A starch from the Maranta arundinacea plant. Fine texture makes it ideal as a natural talc replacement.
Regulatory status: GRAS by FDA; no restrictions; safe food and cosmetic ingredient
Health Concerns
No significant health concerns have been identified.
Safer Alternatives
| Alternative | Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Tapioca Starch | 9/10 |
How to Avoid Arrowroot Powder
- Read ingredient labels carefully for "Arrowroot Powder" or its chemical synonyms
- Choose products with third-party certifications (EWG Verified, Made Safe)
- Consider alternatives like Tapioca Starch
- Check the EWG Skin Deep database for product ratings
- Look for "Arrowroot Powder-free" labels on product packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arrowroot Powder safe for babies?
Arrowroot Powder is generally considered acceptable for use around babies at typical concentrations in consumer products.
What are the safest alternatives to Arrowroot Powder?
Safer alternatives include Tapioca Starch (safety score: 9/10).
Is Arrowroot Powder banned in other countries?
Regulatory status: GRAS by FDA; no restrictions; safe food and cosmetic ingredient
How do I know if my product contains Arrowroot Powder?
Check the full ingredient list on the product label. Arrowroot Powder may also appear under different chemical names. Using apps like EWG Healthy Living or Think Dirty can help identify it.
Related Safety Guides
References
- BeMiller JN (2009). Plant-derived starches in personal care PMID: 16192257