Arrowroot Benefits: Nature’s Secret For Healthy Skin, Hair, and Total Wellness

A natural, absorbent powder that soothes irritation, controls oil, and nourishes deeply.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 18, 2025

A natural, absorbent powder that soothes irritation, controls oil, and nourishes deeply.

Arrowroot, a starchy tuber derived from the Maranta arundinacea plant, has long been respected in traditional medicine and natural beauty for its versatility. Whether targeting common skin concerns, transforming dull hair, or supporting total wellness, arrowroot’s gentle, absorbent, and nourishing properties make it a valuable addition to your daily routine. This article explores the broad range of arrowroot benefits—from skin soothing and oil control to gut health and natural healing.

What Is Arrowroot?

Arrowroot is a tropical tuber cultivated predominantly in the West Indies and South America. The term arrowroot powder usually refers to the finely milled starch extracted from the rhizomes of the plant. Unlike harsh chemicals found in many modern products, arrowroot powder’s gentle, non-irritating nature has cemented its place as an ingredient in natural beauty and wellness remedies.

Arrowroot Benefits For Skin

Arrowroot has become a standout ingredient in modern skincare due to its absorbency, soothing effects, and compatibility with even sensitive skin types. Here’s how arrowroot powder delivers visible improvements for your skin:

Soothes Rashes & Irritation: When applied topically, arrowroot alleviates discomfort from rashes, chafing, and mild irritations. This makes it especially valuable as a safe, chemical-free option for delicate or sensitive skin.
Heals Sunburn: Arrowroot can be used as a base in after-sun gels or lotions, where it calms burning sensations and helps the skin heal faster.
Fights Acne & Reduces Oil: Its absorbent nature reduces excess oil and sebum, helping to dry out blemishes, balance oily skin, and reduce pore blockages that cause breakouts .
Minimizes Blackheads & Rough Texture: Arrowroot’s fine texture optionally acts as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and helping to clear impurities from pores.
Accelerates Wound Healing: Arrowroot powder’s minor antibacterial properties and absorbing qualities aid the healing of small cuts, mild wounds, and insect bites, protecting against minor infection.
Calms Inflammation: Arrowroot reduces redness and swelling, offering relief for conditions like eczema or dermatitis.
Mild Exfoliation: Using arrowroot as a gentle scrub smooths the skin and supports the renewal of healthy skin cells .
Natural Baby Powder: Arrowroot is a safe alternative to talcum powder for babies, absorbing moisture, preventing diaper rashes, and providing gentle comfort.

How To Use Arrowroot On Skin

DIY Face Mask: Combine arrowroot powder with yogurt, oatmeal, and a pinch of turmeric for a soothing skin mask. Leave on the skin for 15 minutes and rinse for smoother texture and reduced blackheads.
As a Mattifying Primer: Dust a small amount on cleansed skin or mix into moisturizer for a shine-free, smooth finish before makeup.
In Creams and Lotions: Add arrowroot to homemade or store-bought body lotions or creams to enhance texture, reduce greasiness, and lock in moisture.
For Body Balms: Mix arrowroot into salves or butters to give products a light, non-greasy feel while keeping skin soft.

Arrowroot Benefits For Hair

Arrowroot powder’s oil-absorbing power isn’t just useful for skincare—it’s also a boon for hair health, scalp comfort, and daily styling. Here are the most valuable ways it revitalizes hair:

Natural Dry Shampoo: Arrowroot powder instantly absorbs excess scalp and hair oil, offering a simple, chemical-free alternative to commercial dry shampoos. Just sprinkle a little powder at the roots, wait a minute, and brush out for a refreshed, clean look .
Adds Volume & Texture: The fine powder creates volume at the roots, giving lifeless or fine hair a thicker, bouncier appearance without weighing down strands .
Safe for Sensitive Scalps: Arrowroot is gentle and free from harsh preservatives or fragrances, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Reduces Scalp Oil & Itch: Regular use of arrowroot powder on the scalp helps control oil production, relieves itchiness, and prevents greasy buildup between washes.
Helps With Dandruff & Inflammation: Its calming properties can soothe minor scalp irritation, mild eczema, or dandruff, promoting a healthier scalp environment.
Creates Glossy, Soft Hair: Arrowroot helps hair retain a clean, polished, yet non-greasy finish, leaving it soft and naturally shiny.
Clears Residue: It’s effective at lifting dirt and residue from the scalp, refreshing hair between traditional washes.

How To Use Arrowroot For Hair

DIY Dry Shampoo: Mix arrowroot powder with a little cocoa powder (for brunette tones) or dust it alone onto the scalp. Massage in, wait a minute or two, then brush or shake out excess.
Scalp Treatment: Mix with aloe vera gel and a drop of tea tree oil for a scalp-soothing mask. Apply to partings, leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse.
Boost In Styling: Work into roots and lengths before heat styling for extra lift and shape, especially for limp or fine hair.

Arrowroot Benefits For Overall Health

The health benefits of arrowroot extend beyond its topical uses. For centuries, it has featured in traditional diets and wellness systems as an easily digestible, nourishing starch. Here are arrowroot’s major internal benefits:

Supports Healthy Digestion: Arrowroot is easily digestible, making it ideal for those recovering from illness or with sensitive digestive systems. The starch soothes the gut lining and helps regulate bowel movements .
Weight Management: As arrowroot is filling but low in calories and fat, it may assist with portion control and satiety when used in soups or porridge.
Prebiotic Effects: Arrowroot serves as a prebiotic, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and thus supporting a healthier digestive tract and immune function.
Heals Minor Wounds Internally: Arrowroot’s calming properties are sometimes used in herbal remedies for mild internal inflammation or as part of a convalescent diet after illness.
Gluten-Free Cooking: Arrowroot powder acts as a gluten-free thickener for sauces, soups, and baked goods. This makes it ideal for those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or who want to avoid wheat-based flours.

Nutritional Composition of Arrowroot

Nutrient	Content (per 100g, approx.)
Calories	65–80 kcal
Carbohydrates	13–17 g
Protein	0.8 g
Fat	0.2 g
Fiber	1.3 g
Calcium	6–12 mg
Potassium	150–490 mg
Iron	0.4 mg

Arrowroot is valued not just for its nutritional simplicity, but also for its lack of allergens and easy assimilation by the body.

How Can You Use Arrowroot Powder?

Arrowroot’s versatile properties mean it can be seamlessly incorporated into both your beauty regime and daily meals:

Skincare: Use as a natural makeup primer, add to creams, or treat rashes and chafing.
Dry Shampoo: Apply to roots to absorb excess oil between hair washes.
Homemade Deodorant: Its natural absorbency makes it a popular component in DIY, aluminum-free deodorants.
Thickener in Cooking: Substitute arrowroot powder for cornstarch in soups, gravies, sauces, and desserts for gluten-free, easily digestible thickness.
Baking: A staple in gluten-free baking and baby foods for its easy digestibility and smooth texture.

Are There Any Side Effects of Arrowroot?

Arrowroot is widely regarded as safe and is non-toxic for most people when used topically or consumed in food amounts. However, keep in mind:

It is generally considered hypoallergenic, but extremely rare cases of allergic reaction may occur. Always patch test before using on skin, especially for babies.
For those on very low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets, arrowroot’s starch content may be unsuitable in significant amounts.
If using in baby food or for feeding infants, always ensure thorough cooking and moderate amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can arrowroot help with oily skin?

A: Yes, arrowroot’s excellent absorbency can mattify oily skin and keep shine under control, making it a natural alternative to synthetic powders.

Q: How is arrowroot powder different from cornstarch?

A: Arrowroot is derived from a tropical plant root (Maranta arundinacea), is gentler on the skin, gluten-free, and forms a clearer, shinier gel than cornstarch. Cornstarch, being a common allergen and heavier, may not be as well-tolerated for sensitive individuals.

Q: Is arrowroot safe for babies and sensitive skin?

A: Yes; arrowroot powder is free from common irritants and chemicals, making it safe for use as a baby powder or on sensitive and irritated skin. Conduct a patch test if in doubt.

Q: Does arrowroot powder help with hair growth?

A: While not a direct growth stimulator, arrowroot keeps the scalp healthy, reduces inflammation, and limits buildup, indirectly supporting healthier hair and improved growth environment.

Q: Can arrowroot powder be used every day?

A: Yes, for topical uses like hair oil absorption or as a facial powder, it is generally gentle enough for daily use. Adjust frequency based on your skin or hair needs.

Key Takeaway

Arrowroot powder is a versatile, natural remedy for enhancing skin, hair, and total wellness. Its gentle nature, oil-absorbing qualities, and ease of incorporation make it a staple in clean beauty and holistic nutrition. Whether you’re managing oily skin, calming irritation, revitalizing hair, or seeking a gluten-free cooking alternative, arrowroot offers a safe, effective, and time-honored solution.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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