7 Crazy Ways to Use Cornstarch in Your Beauty Routine (2024)

• Skin

That tub of cornstarch gathering dust in your kitchen cabinet? It’s high time you took it out of your pantry and put it into your medicine cabinet. Insanely absorbent, utterly cheap (no more than a few dollars per pound), and totally gentle, cornstarch has several beauty uses that will surprise you.

Here are seven creative ways to use cornstarch in your beauty routine!

Dry Shampoo

No time to shampoo? Preserve your blowout with a makeshift cornstarch dry shampoo. Dust it onto your roots with a makeup brush, focusing on the areas at your part and around your hairline, then use a hairbrush to distribute the product. Do you have brown or black hair? Mix the cornstarch with cocoa powder so it blends with your hair color.

Cleansing Powder

Cornstarch’s fine texture is perfect for gentle exfoliating. Slightly dampen your face and hands, then massage the cornstarch on your face in circular motions. Rinse off and follow with your usual cleanser.

Nail Polish Mattifier

Give any shade of nail polish a matte finish by adding cornstarch to your clear topcoat. After you’ve applied two coats of color, pour a bit of topcoat onto wax paper. Dip your brush in a little cornstarch, swirl it in the topcoat, and then paint it onto your nails.

Lipstick Mattifier

Transform any lipstick from modern-day shiny to old-school matte with a layer of cornstarch. Just apply a coat of lipstick, dip your finger in cornstarch, and pat it on until it disappears; repeat for a long-lasting, matte finish.

Face Powder

Using cornstarch as face powder is as easy as can be. Just dust it on to set makeup, and use it for touch-ups to absorb oil throughout the day.

Deodorant

If you want to avoid the chemicals in traditional deodorants or you live in a humid area, cornstarch will keep you dry and fresh. After showering, just sprinkle a bit in your hand and rub it into your underarms. If you like the feel of solid deodorant, mix it with unrefined coconut oil in a food processor and then rub it onto your underarms. (Don’t have cornstarch? Some baking soda, coconut oil, and lavender oil will do.)

Scented Body Powder

Scented body powder is a perfect alternative to perfumed body lotion during the hot summer months, and it’s easy to make with cornstarch. In a small jar, add about 10 drops of essential oil per ounce of cornstarch; shake well.

This affordable beauty hack product is only $9.