Hi Jamie,
It drives me insane when I see hair and beauty editors still recommend baby powder after all these years and all the press coverage about how traditional talc (made from asbestos like products) has been shown to trigger cancer in some cases. It is a pet peeve of mine.
I have used baking soda on my hair but personally it makes my hair feel gritty. I like the cornstarch as the base because it feels so soft. I also like finely ground oat bran.
I think everyone will have a different preference depending upon their hair type, texture and condition.
Thanks for sharing about your baby powder experience. I wish more people would share so eventually beauty editors would stop recommend it.