Absorbable dusting powders suitable for medical, consumer and industrial applications such as lubricating gloves and medical apparatus are prepared by treating starch with a hypochlorite to remove protein and oxidize some of the hydroxyl groups. The modified starch dusting powders are free flowing and are characterized by a protein content of less than about 0.15% by weight and hydroxyl groups oxidized to a level of from about 0.03 to about 0.5% by weight. Protein content can be reduced further by washing with water.