Glossary
A fine, white starch extracted from the rhizomes of the Maranta arundinacea plant. In natural skincare, arrowroot powder acts as a moisture absorber that reduces greasiness, creates a silky texture, and helps products glide smoothly on skin without a chalky or heavy feeling.
Arrowroot powder solves one of the biggest complaints about natural body care products: greasiness. When added to formulations containing butters and oils, arrowroot absorbs excess moisture and oil on the skin's surface, leaving behind a smooth, dry-touch finish. This is why you will find it in quality lotion bars, body butters, and bug repellent bars.
Unlike talc and corn starch, which have raised health and sourcing concerns respectively, arrowroot is hypoallergenic, non-GMO, and safe for all skin types. It has been used in body care for centuries across tropical regions where the plant grows naturally.
In our Bug Bar, arrowroot powder plays a critical functional role. It keeps the essential oil-infused bar from feeling greasy on the skin, allowing the repellent oils to be distributed evenly without the slick, oily sensation that would make a wearable product uncomfortable.
Arrowroot also contributes to the smooth glide that our lotion bars are known for. When you apply a lotion bar to warm skin, the arrowroot helps the melted formula spread evenly and absorb quickly, so you feel moisturized but not coated.
Yes. Arrowroot is hypoallergenic and has been used on sensitive and baby skin for centuries. It is one of the gentlest absorbent powders available and is unlikely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Both are natural starches, but arrowroot is finer in texture, absorbs more effectively, and does not clump when mixed with moisture the way cornstarch can. Arrowroot is also non-GMO by default, while most commercial cornstarch comes from GMO corn.
No. Arrowroot powder is non-comedogenic. It sits on the skin's surface to absorb oil rather than penetrating into pores, making it safe for acne-prone and oily skin types.
Keep Learning
Browse hundreds of terms covering honey, beekeeping, and natural skincare.