# talc vs starch vs cellulose as foot powder?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talc-vs-starch-vs-cellulose-as-foot-powder/802054>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [November 19, 2017, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talc-vs-starch-vs-cellulose-as-foot-powder/802054 "2017-11-19T05:19:10Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![G.A.Pster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ce7236/32.png) [@G.A.Pster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G.A.Pster)\
**Post date:** [November 19, 2017, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talc-vs-starch-vs-cellulose-as-foot-powder/802054/1 "2017-11-19T05:19:10Z")

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I’ve seen various starches, talc, and cellulose with talc, all as a base in foot powders.

How do they all compare?  
There must be differences in absorbancy, smoothness, PH, or something that would make some better than others.  
Thanks.

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**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\
**Post date:** [November 19, 2017, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talc-vs-starch-vs-cellulose-as-foot-powder/802054/2 "2017-11-19T06:21:40Z")

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I know they are phasing talc out but I like it the best. I use starch but not as big of a fan.

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**Author:** ![DorkVader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\
**Post date:** [November 19, 2017, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talc-vs-starch-vs-cellulose-as-foot-powder/802054/3 "2017-11-19T08:09:10Z")

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I’ve used Gold Bond ([talc](http://www.goldbond.com/blog/product/medicated-original-strength-body-powder/)) a few times and always disliked the gritty feel it seemed to have. I don’t know if it was the talc or something else, but not my fave.  
I currently use Desenex ([cornstarch](https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/desenex-antifungal-powder-cures-athlete%27s-foot-2-miconazole-nitrate/ID=prod6034135-product?reactjs=true)) on my feet and it doesn’t feel gritty at all. Plus the Desenex seems to be more absorbent than Gold Bond ever was.

sorry, I guess that wasn’t a very GQ answer