Why Arrowroot Powder is a Skincare Staple

Have you ever used a product with arrowroot powder in it and not even realised? I didn’t think much of it either—until I started paying closer attention to what was actually working in my DIY skincare recipes.

Arrowroot powder does quite a bit behind the scenes. It’s that soft, silky ingredient that somehow keeps things light, dry and smooth all at once. And if you’ve ever made your own deodorant or face powder, there’s a good chance you’ve already met it.

But what is arrowroot powder, really? And why are natural skincare fans so keen on it?

Let’s take a look at where it comes from and what makes it such a good fit for your homemade skincare shelf.

What is arrowroot powder?

You’ve probably seen arrowroot powder listed on the back of a skincare jar or in a natural deodorant recipe, but what actually is it?

It’s a fine, white powder made from the roots of a tropical plant called Maranta arundinacea. I hadn’t heard of it either until I started experimenting with more plant-based ingredients. The name sounds a bit like it came from a pirate’s cookbook, but in reality, it’s been around for centuries and has nothing to do with arrows.

People often compare it to cornstarch because of the way it behaves. It thickens, absorbs, and blends into products without leaving a heavy residue. But unlike cornstarch, arrowroot is grain-free and much gentler on sensitive skin.

So it’s not just a kitchen ingredient. This soft, neutral powder has quietly found its way into skincare, especially among those of us looking for natural, uncomplicated ingredients that just do the job without fuss.

It’s not fancy and it doesn’t smell like anything in particular. But if you like your skincare simple and clean, this is one of those ingredients that just works.

Why is arrowroot powder so good for your skin?

So what makes arrowroot powder such a skincare favourite?

Let’s break down exactly why it might deserve a place in your natural beauty routine.

It absorbs moisture really well — but won’t dry you out

If your skin tends to feel oily or your creams seem a bit greasy, arrowroot powder might help. It gently absorbs excess moisture without making your skin feel dry or uncomfortable. It’s perfect for homemade face powders or even natural deodorants—no sticky or clammy feeling afterwards.

Calms sensitive or irritated skin

Arrowroot is incredibly gentle, so it’s great if your skin can be tricky or sensitive. People even use it in baby products because it’s soothing enough to handle irritation without causing more problems.

Gives your DIY skincare a SILKY finish

You know when you make your own body butter or face cream, and it ends up a bit heavy or greasy? Arrowroot powder can fix that. Just a small sprinkle blended into your homemade products makes them feel soft and silky—like something you bought, rather than whipped up yourself in the kitchen.

Common uses for arrowroot powder in natural skincare

Here are some of the simplest—and most popular—ways you can try it yourself:

Dry shampoo (that actually works!)

Arrowroot powder is amazing at soaking up excess oil, making it a lifesaver for those busy (or lazy!) mornings. Just sprinkle a small amount onto your roots, gently massage it through your hair, and brush it out. Simple as that. No weird chemicals, and you’ll avoid the gritty texture some commercial dry shampoos leave behind.

Both arrowroot and cornstarch make great natural dry shampoos, but they do have some differences. Arrowroot is lighter, silkier, and blends smoothly, making it perfect if you’ve got darker hair or a sensitive scalp, as it’s less likely to leave behind any white residue. Cornstarch, on the other hand, is affordable, easy to find, and fantastic at absorbing oil, but it can feel a bit heavier and sometimes shows up more noticeably in darker hair.

Natural deodorant without the irritation

If you’ve ever had trouble with baking soda irritating your skin, arrowroot might be your perfect alternative. It absorbs moisture and leaves your underarms feeling dry but comfortable. Plus, it blends easily into DIY deodorant recipes without any fuss or gritty feeling.

Check my article here on making your own deodorant.

Silky-smooth body butters and creams

Do your homemade creams or body butters sometimes feel too heavy or greasy? Add a teaspoon or two of arrowroot powder when mixing, and watch them transform. Your creations become instantly smoother, silkier, and much nicer to apply. Honestly, this little trick made all the difference for me.

Face masks and powders

Arrowroot powder helps DIY face masks stay put without dripping everywhere. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin but also great at soaking up excess oils, which can really help if you have oily or combination skin.

How to use arrowroot powder at home (it’s easier than you think)

If you’re curious about arrowroot powder but not sure how to start, don’t worry. Adding arrowroot into your skincare routine couldn’t be simpler.

Here are some really easy ways to give it a try:

Make an instant mattifying face powder

If your face tends to get shiny, especially during the day, arrowroot is an absolute gem. All you need to do is mix equal parts arrowroot powder and kaolin clay (or just use arrowroot alone if that’s all you have. If using kaolin clay, DO NOT STIR WITH A METAL SPOON, only wood or plastic). Lightly dust it over your face after applying moisturiser or sunscreen, and you’ll get an instant mattifying effect without clogging your pores.

Creams and body butters with a lighter feel

Making your own skincare products is brilliant, but some homemade creams can leave you feeling oily… Next time, stir in about half a teaspoon of arrowroot powder per 50g of your cream or butter before it sets. The arrowroot makes it smoother, silkier, and easier to apply, without changing its effectiveness.

Simple DIY deodorant

If baking soda irritates your skin (it did mine, unfortunately, after using it in a DIY deodorant for 2 weeks…), arrowroot powder is a gentle alternative. Try mixing a tablespoon of arrowroot powder with a tablespoon of coconut oil and a few drops of lavender essential oil (2-3). Rub a small amount under your arms for a natural deodorant that absorbs moisture without irritation.

Face masks that stay put

Adding a pinch of arrowroot powder to your favourite DIY face mask can help it stay in place instead of dripping everywhere. It’s especially useful if you’re mixing something runny like aloe vera gel or rose water. Arrowroot thickens it just enough for easier application and a better experience overall.

Anything to watch out for with arrowroot powder?

Arrowroot powder is pretty gentle stuff—usually safe even for sensitive skin—but, as always, it’s worth knowing a couple of things before you dive in.

Always patch test first

Even natural ingredients can cause reactions in some people. It’s a good idea to patch test before fully committing—especially if your skin tends to react easily. Just mix a tiny bit with water or your favourite cream, apply a dab behind your ear or on your inner wrist, and wait 24 hours. No reaction? You’re good to go.

Choose pure, high-quality powder

Not all arrowroot powders are created equal. Some brands mix arrowroot with other starches or fillers, so always check the label carefully. I prefer to look for 100% pure, food-grade arrowroot powder, because then you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin. And if you can find organic, even better.

So, should arrowroot powder have a place on your skincare shelf?

I hope this has helped you see arrowroot powder in a new light—I know it did for me. It’s not flashy or trendy, but it’s reliable, versatile, and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.

If you’re into DIY skincare, this humble powder can make your creams smoother, deodorants gentler, and even keep your face shine-free.

Take care, til the next post!

Patri xx

Research

https://www.biochemjournal.com/archives/2024/vol8issue3S/PartD/S-8-3-35-961.pdf

https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/16b35bdfd6ea3b2b0b62c738ded3d1d1.pdf

1. Kumalasari ID, Harmayani E, Lestari LA, Raharjo S, Asmara W, Nishi K, et al. Evaluation of immunostimulatory effect of the arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea. L) in vitro and in vivo. Cytotechnology [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2025 Mar 23]; 64(2):131–7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3279578/.

2. Malki MKS, Wijesinghe JAAC, Ratnayake RHMK, Thilakarathna GC. Characterization of arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) starch as a potential starch source for the food industry. Heliyon [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Mar 23]; 9(9):e20033. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10559777/.