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Article updated: January 2, 2023
I recently wrote an article listing the best ball and body powders for men, and while Gold Bond wasn’t on the list, I have been receiving questions from readers asking me if it’s safe to put Gold Bond powder on their balls.
Even though Gold Bond powder didn’t make my best ball and body powders list, it remains one of the most popular body powders for men due to its effectiveness, availability, and affordability.
And although I’m not really a fan of Gold Bond powder — there are much better ball powders available in my opinion — I decided to do a little research on this body powder that has seemingly been around forever. 1882 to be exact.
Here’s what I wanted to find out:
What’s in Gold Bond powder?
And is it safe for men to douse their ball sacks in the stuff?
Since I had a bottle of Gold Bond powder on hand I was able to take a quick look at the ingredient list and see exactly what’s inside.
Gold Bond Powder Ingredients
Talc*
*Update – Gold Bond no longer produces their body powder using talc. They have since switched to cornstarch (zea mays) as the primary ingredient. If you have an older bottle of Gold Bond powder check the ingredient list to verify whether talc or cornstarch was used.
Talc is a clay mineral that’s commonly used in personal hygiene products and cosmetics to help prevent chaffing and absorb excess moisture. Unfortunately talc has developed a reputation as a possible carcinogenic due to the fact that some talc, in its mineral form, is known to contain cancer causing asbestos.
Although studies have found no conclusive evidence that talc causes cancer, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $4.7 billion to 22 women and their families that claimed the companies talcum powder products caused them to develop ovarian cancer.
As a precaution it’s generally recommended that women avoid talc based body powders, and stick to cornstarch based alternatives.
While this ultimately shines a negative light on talc based products, including Gold Bond, it’s worth noting that talc is currently recognized as safe by the FDA.
Verdict:
Cornstarch (Zea Mays)*
*Gold Bond no longer produces their body powder using talc as the primary ingredient and has switched to a cornstarch based formula. Newer bottles of Gold Bond will indicate “Talc-Free” on the front of the bottle.
Cornstarch is a carbohydrate that is extracted from, you guessed it, corn. Developed in the 1800’s, cornstarch is extremely versatile and is used extensively for culinary, industrial, and home use. In recent years cornstarch has replaced the use of talc in many skin care products due to the cancer risks and multiple lawsuits surrounding the use of talc.
When applied to the skin, cornstarch works really well at absorbing sweat and moisture and it also creates a slight cooling effect making it a very safe, effective, natural alternative to talc.
Verdict:
Zinc Oxide
An inorganic compound that has deodorizing and antibacterial properties. While zinc oxide occurs naturally as the mineral zincite, most is produced synthetically. Aside from being a main ingredient in Gold Bond, zinc oxide is commonly found in calamine lotion, food packaging, oral care products, baby powder, dandruff shampoos, and sunscreen.
While some consumers have expressed concerns that zinc oxide could theoretically be absorbed into the epidermal layer of the skin with toxic consequences, researchers have concluded that repeat use of zinc oxide is completely safe and doesn’t present any toxicity risks.
Verdict:
Acacia Senegal Gum
A natural fiber that is harvested from the hardened sap of acacia senegal trees. Acacia senegal gum is commonly found in cosmetics, oral care products, skin care products, and dietary supplements. It’s used in Gold Bond powder due to its soothing and conditioning properties.
In regards to safety, acacia senegal gum is non-toxic and generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
Verdict:
Eucalyptol
A colorless organic essential oil that is primarily found in eucalyptus, but is also present in camphor laurel, bay leaves, tea tree, sweet basil, rosemary, wormwood, sage, and cannabis sativa. Its inclusion in Gold Bond gives the powder its distinct fragrance.
Verdict:
Methyl Salicylate
A colorless viscous liquid produced by many species of plants including wintergreens and commonly used as a fragrance due to its sweet odor. It also helps sooth muscle and joint pain, and provides the distinct refreshing chill found in Gold Bond powder.
Although methyl salicylate is generally considered safe when used properly, it can be potentially deadly when ingested orally in large doses. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to keep out of reach of children.
Verdict:
Salicylic Acid
A beta hydroxy acid derived from willow bark thats most common use is to exfoliate and remove the outermost layer of skin. It’s commonly used to treat warts, acne, dandruff and psoriasis. Its inclusion in Gold Bond powder however is likely due to its bactericidal and antiseptic properties that help prevent the growth of odor causing bacteria.
As for the safety of salicylic acid, topical use can cause moderate chemical burns to the skin when used at very high concentrations. Before you cringe at the thought of Gold Bond powder burning a hole in your ball sack, rest assured that Gold Bond uses a completely safe, low concentration level of salicylic acid in their powder.
Verdict:
Thymol
Extracted from the plant thyme, thymol has a pleasant odor that is full of antiseptic properties and is commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions including: ringworm, hookworm, internal parasites, and mold. Aside from its use in Gold Bond powder, It’s also a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash for its bacteria inhibiting properties.
Verdict:
Zinc Stearate
A naturally occurring fatty acid thats primary function in Gold Bond powder is to repel sweat and moisture. It’s also commonly used in the production of rubber, polyurethane, and polyester for its non-stick properties. Magicians have also been known to use it while performing card manipulation to help reduce friction between the playing cards.
Zinc stearate is generally considered safe for topical use although it is known to cause some mild eye irritation.
Verdict:
So, is Gold Bond Powder Safe for Balls?
Basically, yeah.
In regards to safety, there isn’t anything in Gold Bond powder that should prevent you from safely putting it on your ball sack.
The biggest concern of course is the fact that older bottles of Gold Bond powder contain talc which is believed to pose a health risk (ovarian cancer) to women.
New bottles of Gold Bond powder are produced using cornstarch as the primary ingredient, making it completely safe for both men and women.
If you have an older bottle of Gold Bond powder that contains talc, it is technically safe for you to apply to your balls, but it’s definitely worth noting that it can potentially be dangerous for the women in your life.
Do I Recommend Gold Bond Powder for Balls?
Yes and No
Gold Bond powder is safe and does a decent job of keeping balls dry and odor free, but it’s not the best performing body powder for balls out there in my opinion.
My Recommendation?
If you’re interested in an awesome performing, talc-free powder specifically designed for the balls and body, I highly recommend you check out Galaxy Dust Body Powder.
Unlike Gold Bond powder, Galaxy Dust is designed to be applied to the balls. So not only is it formulated with ball-safe ingredients, but it’s also completely free of sketchy ingredients that could pose a risk to loved ones.
That means it is:
- Talc free
- Aluminum free
- Paraben free
Another awesome thing about Galaxy Dust Body Powder is that it works incredibly well at eliminating ball sweat, odor, chafing, skin irritation, and discomfort. It’s also very soft, smooth, and fine meaning it doesn’t feel “gritty” or “sandy” around your ball sack. Trust me, nobody wants that.
Available in 6 scent options for men including their Asteroid (cooling) and Planet X (extra cooling) scents that provide a blast of cooling refreshment right where us guys need it most. I never would’ve thought getting blasted in the balls could feel so good.
Check out the full line of Galaxy Dust Body Powders HERE.
Thanks for reading. If you have any comments or questions be sure to drop me a line in the comment section below.
FAQs
Can I use gold bond powder on my balls? ›
An anti-swamp crotch standby since 1908. This is how Gramps powdered the balls of steel that stormed their way up Normandy. I've used Gold Bond Medicated Powder since my high school football days to keep a cool crotch during hot and humid Oklahoma summers.
What powder can I put on my balls? ›Use Powder to Keep Your Balls Dry
It will help soak up sweat throughout the day and protect you against chafing. “Lots of treatments for excess sweat, like those including aluminum chloride, can be super irritating,” he says, so look for products like Brickell Stay Fresh Body Powder that is aluminum and talc-free.
Gold Bond Powder can be used to treat mild skin issues such as itchy skin, yeast infection, hot spots, and wet feed pads. However, you will need to be very careful to make sure that your dog does not ingest this powder as it can cause some gastrointestinal issues.
Can I use Gold Bond on my groin? ›Most cases of jock itch can be treated with over-the-counter medicines. “You can use a topical antifungal cream, like Gold Bond medicated powder, Tinactin or Lamisil ointment,” says Dr. Modi. “If those don't work, you can go to your doctor and get prescription-strength lotion of a similar anti-fungal powder or cream.”
Which gold bond for balls? ›Best Powder for Itchy Balls: Gold Bond Medicated Body Powder. Stopping an itch is serious stuff, and when it comes to our balls, guys don't like to play around. When you're dealing with such a touchy topic, you might want to trust an old-school classic like medicated Gold Bond.
Where should you not use Gold Bond powder? ›Do not put on open or deep wounds, animal bites, infections, or very bad burns or cuts. This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If Gold Bond; Medicated Body (menthol and zinc oxide powder) is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
Which powder is best for private parts for men? ›TALC-BASED POWDERS
The most traditional solution, talcum powders are what's generally thought of when referencing men's powders. They'll keep a guy dry all day and quickly absorb moisture to prevent chafing.
- Do a monthly testicular self-exam. Roll each testicle around in your scrotum using your fingers. ...
- Bathe regularly. Take a shower or bath every day to keep your entire genital area clean. ...
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. ...
- Wear protection when you have sex.
- Stand near the tub or a stool, and prop one leg up as needed to reach every part of your scrotum.
- Use one hand to gently pull the skin taut.
- Use slow strokes and gentle pressure to shave in the direction the hair grows.
- Rinse using warm water.
- Gently pat-dry.
Serious side effects of Gold Bond
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Can you put gold bond powder on your vag? ›
Gold Bond Powder or Zeosorb Powder may be applied to the vulva and groin area one to two times per day to help absorb moisture.
What kind of powder can you put on a dog? ›Baby powder is gentle on your furry friend and can keep unpleasant scents at bay. However, you have to ensure that the powder is talcum-free. Stick around as we explore this topic further.
What can I use to keep my groin dry? ›- Use an Anti-Chafe Powder, Spray, or Lotion.
- Wear Breathable, Moisture-Wicking Fabrics.
- Don't Shave.
Candid powder helps in the treatment of fungal infections resulting from sweat and moisture accumulation. It prevents itching in intimate body parts.
How do you treat raw skin on your groin? ›- Keep the skin dry.
- Check the briefs every 3 hours. ...
- Gently wash the groin and anal areas with warm water and a soft face cloth. ...
- Use a blow-dryer on a warm setting to get the area fully dry.
- If the person has had diarrhea, apply an ointment such as A+D Ointment, Desitin, or zinc oxide.
It is available as both a powder and a topical cream. Gold Bond is used to curb moisture, control odor, and soothe minor skin irritations, notably jock itch.
What do men use Gold Bond powder for? ›This body powder for men has a unique triple action formula that absorbs moisture, cools skin, and refreshes. Best of all, Gold Bond Men's Essentials Body Powder provides all over odor* and wetness control. You won't be the only one who likes the crisp, irresistible scent.
How do you keep your balls dry and fresh? ›- Use an antiperspirant. The same antiperspirant you use under your arms may be used in your groin and just about anywhere else you experience excessive sweating. ...
- Practice good hygiene. ...
- Lose weight. ...
- Eat a healthy diet. ...
- Wear boxers instead of briefs.
- Clean the area. ...
- Dry completely.
- Shake into hands, a cloth, or directly onto crotch.
- Use less than you think you need.
- Fully cover area (front, back, under, in between)
- Actually rub it it until the powder is evenly spread around the problem area.
- Check it, It should not come off on hands.
The safety of talcum powder is in question largely because talc contains traces of asbestos, which is linked to cancer. But because people with testicles sometimes use talcum powder to absorb sweat and moisture in the groin area, concerns about a link between talcum powder and testicular cancer remains.
What is the best way to apply Gold Bond powder? ›
Stay Dry. Gold Bond Powders and Powder Sprays are designed to absorb moisture. Apply to dry skin before work, after showering, and before physical activity to feel dry and comfortable.
Can I put powder on my private part? ›Women should not use products containing the naturally occurring mineral – like baby powder, genital antiperspirants and deodorants, body wipes, and bath bombs – on their genitals, according to a new report by Health Canada, the country's governmental health body.
Is it okay to put powder on private parts? ›But because of the potential for a very small increased risk of ovarian cancer with the use of talcum powder, I recommend women not use baby powder in their genital area.
Can you put powder on your private area? ›Women have used powders for genital hygiene for decades to absorb odor and moisture. While rates of powder use in the genital area have declined over the last 50 years,1 it remains a routine practice for some women. Commonly used products typically include talc, cornstarch, or some combination of both.
Should you put anything on your balls? ›The short answer is: it depends. If you're not experiencing any dryness, itching, or flaking of the skin, then you likely don't need to apply a moisturizer. In fact, the genital region is typically fairly moist, so in some cases, over-moisturizing could lead to a fungal infection like jock itch.
How can I make my balls happy? ›- Compliment him. ...
- Tell him you appreciate what he does for you and your family. ...
- Make time for things to get hot in the bedroom. ...
- Be supportive of his alone time. ...
- Put down your phone. ...
- When you get something for yourself, get something for him, too. ...
- Look him in the eyes.
- a hard lump on the front or side of a testicle.
- swelling or enlargement of a testicle.
- an increase in firmness of a testicle.
- pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles)
- an unusual difference between one testicle and the other.
Dry skin around your genital area is common if you walk around in dry heat. Exercising for long periods of time can also cause your skin to get irritated or chafed. In some cases, the skin can be rubbed away enough to cause bleeding.
Where do you use gold bond powder? ›Achieve all-over itch relief with menthol and temporarily relieve pain and itching associated with minor cuts and scrapes, minor burns including sunburn, insect bites, and other minor skin irritations. Use it before work, physical activity, or after showering.
Is Gold Bond powder an antifungal powder? ›Gold Bond Medicated Body Powder contains menthol and zinc oxide to protect the skin and ease itching. Zinc and menthol seem to have anti-fungal activity, which may explain the benefit (Molecules, Jan.
Is Gold Bond good for your skin? ›
We recommend these high-quality Gold Bond® moisturizers for aging skin… Helps visibly firm the skin for all-over body use. Helps visibly firm the delicate neck and chest area. Helps minimize the appearance of dark spots for younger-looking skin.
Which ointment is best for itching in private parts? ›Clotrimazole reduces vaginal burning, itching, and discharge that may occur with this condition. This medication is an azole antifungal. It works by stopping the growth of yeast (fungus) that causes the infection.
Can I put Neosporin on my private area? ›Neosporin should only be used on your skin. Don't put it in your eyes, nose, mouth, ears, or genitals.
Can I use Neosporin powder on my dog? ›“This was primarily shown with intravenous use, but it is recommended that you do not administer neomycin topically to your dog without first consulting your vet.” Because Neosporin is topical and applied directly onto the skin, there's always a chance that your dog could have an allergic reaction.
Why do groomers put powder on dogs? ›Some dog hair is especially difficult to de-tangle, particularly if the coat is coarse, long, or curly. Baby powder is one of those useful home products that can help eliminate tangles in a dog's coat, allowing you to gently brush prior to grooming.
Can I sprinkle baking powder on my dog? ›“In between wet shampoos, baking soda may be used for dry shampooing dogs and cats,” says Pickard. “Start by brushing your pet to remove any dirt or loose hair. You may want to do the next step outside. Rub baking soda into your pet's fur and massage it into their skin, making sure not to set it into their eyes.
Why do my balls smell even after a shower? ›All guy's balls can smell from time-to-time, it's fine, it's natural, and it's typically because of sweat glands called the Apocrine Gland. Apocrine glands typically live in highly active, dark, hot and moisture-prone areas like your groin and pits.
Is baby powder safe for groin? ›Avoid putting baby powder directly on the genitals. Instead, gently pat a light layer on the skin around the genitals and on the legs. Avoid getting baby powder in your baby's eyes. Keep baby powder away from your face and your child's face.
What kills fungus on groin? ›What is the treatment for fungal groin infection? You can buy an antifungal cream from pharmacies, or obtain one on prescription. There are various types and brands - for example, terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole and miconazole. These modern creams are good at clearing fungal skin infections.
How can I get rid of fungal infection permanently private parts? ›- Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream, powder, or spray to the affected area.
- Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and warm water.
- Dry the affected area thoroughly after bathing and exercise.
- Change clothes and undergarments every day.
How can I remove fungal infection from private parts? ›
With natural antibacterial properties, neem leaves are the best way to treat the marks from skin infections. All you need to do is crush the dried neem leaves and mix the powder with a small amount of water. Apply this paste on the marks and allow it to dry and then wash it off with warm water and gentle soap.
Can you put Neosporin on your groin? ›Apply to the skin only. Avoid sensitive areas such as your eyes, inside your mouth/nose, and the vaginal/groin area, unless the label or your doctor directs you otherwise.
What does jock itch look like on a man? ›Jock itch usually begins with a reddened area of skin in the crease in the groin. It often spreads to the upper thigh in a half-moon shape. The rash may be ring-shaped and bordered with a line of small blisters. It may burn or feel itchy, and the skin may be flaky or scaly.
How can a man stop his private area from itching? ›- Keep your genital area clean and dry. ...
- Wear loose, natural-fiber underwear and clothing. ...
- Dry off thoroughly after bathing and swimming. ...
- Avoid unprotected sex, especially if you are worried that you or your partner might have an infection.
While it is a completely natural occurrence, that doesn't mean you shouldn't take care of it. Adding a great powder to your daily routine makes sure your boys stay fresh and dry, and ensures that you smell good below the belt all day and night.
Does powder help with itchy balls? ›The most common causes of itchy testicles are irritation and fungal infections from poor hygiene or excess sweating. Regularly bathing and applying lotion and powder can prevent most cases.
What are the side effects of gold bond powder? ›Serious side effects of Gold Bond
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Jock itch is normally caused by a fungal infection. Neosporin, which contains topical antibiotics, is not likely to cure a fungus.