Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in skincare and cosmetics for years. Unfortunately, a long history and “natural” status don’t guarantee that talc is actually safe to use.

Talc became widely popularized in the 1920s as baby powder, used to stop moisture buildup and friction in baby diapers, genital areas, feet, and other similar applications. However, concerns over asbestos contamination of talc arose in the late 1960s.¹ Questions over talc’s safety in skincare products have been ongoing ever since.

Baby powders are not the only products that use talc. It is a common ingredient in many cosmetic and skincare products still in use today. So is talc bad for your skin?

Here, we’ll take a look at the latest research and industry standards to help you decide if talc deserves a place in your skincare routine. 

What is talc? 

Talc is a natural, soft, white mineral that contains magnesium, silica, oxygen, and hydrogen. It is usually found in metamorphic rocks that are mined in the United States and other countries around the world.²

There have been concerns regarding the mining process of talc, as both talc and asbestos may be found in close proximity in the earth—and asbestos is known to cause certain cancers.³ This raises the question of whether talc can be safely mined and used in skincare products.

Dating back to the 1960’s literature has suggested a possible connection between using powders with talc and the development of certain cancers. However, the FDA has ongoing testing for asbestos contamination in talc-containing cosmetics, and based on the most recent findings, asbestos was not detected in any of the samples tested in 2022.⁴ Nevertheless, it is advisable to exercise caution regarding cosmetic products manufactured outside the U.S., as their safety standards may vary. 

Why is talc in cosmetics and body products?

Talc is found in a wide range of cosmetics and personal care items and serves various purposes. It has the ability to prevent clumping, enhance opacity, and improve the overall sensory experience of a product. ‌It can also help absorb moisture, giving a more pleasing feel to the skin.⁵ This versatility is what has made talc a go-to ingredient for many years.

Does talc cause cancer? 

The risk that talc products may be linked to cancer is still an ongoing debate. A 2022 meta-analysis in the Journal of General Internal Medicine looked at the combined results of 11 high-quality, cohort, and case-controlled studies on ovarian cancer risk and the frequency of talc use. The researchers concluded that women who use talcum powder on their perineal area frequently have a 31-65% higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.⁶

However, industry standards state that cosmetic-grade talc must not contain detectable asbestos minerals, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that talc is safe for use in cosmetics in present practice.⁷

Can you use talc on skin? 

Talc products have become safer to use thanks to modern mining practices and purification methods. A 2022 lab testing report released by the FDA showed all 50 products containing talc that were purchased from stores in the U.S. tested negative for asbestos.⁸ Further, the FDA has released an article on testing for asbestos in cosmetics, which is meant to stimulate discussion and help create cosmetic industry standards for future testing protocols and interpretations of results.⁹

Is talc safe on your face?

Talc that is used in cosmetics, also known as cosmetic-grade talc, cannot contain traces of asbestos fibers in the United States.¹⁰ However, inhalation of talc may still raise concern, though more research is needed.

Additionally, mineral and talc-based cosmetics have the potential to irritate sensitive skin. It is not advisable to apply talc to the skin when the skin barrier is absent or significantly compromised.¹¹

What skincare products contain talc?

Talc is used in a broad range of skincare products. ‌Although the powdery texture of natural talc may make you automatically think of body powders and solid pans of foundation or eye shadow, talc is also used in other less obvious places. Lipstick, eye liner, lotions, and even some bath products may contain talc. It is always best to check product labels or websites for a list of ingredients.

What alternatives to talc exist? 

You may be wondering what other ingredients are used in products that have talc-free labels. After all, the role of talc in keeping cosmetics dry, absorbing moisture, and enabling a smooth application may be beneficial when it comes to beauty products.

Here are a few talc alternatives that may be found in personal care products:¹²

• Cornstarch

• Rice starch

• Rice powder

• Tapioca starch

Only time and innovation will determine if any of these alternatives become the go-to talc replacement in skincare and body products. ‌New research suggests that rice starch may be a multi-purpose ingredient that not only replaces the benefits of talc but may also offer enhanced stability for other ingredients allowing them to be more effective.¹³

However, because starches are natural, plant-derived substances, they can become the ideal breeding ground for microbes.¹⁴ Care in the processing and handling of starch in cosmetics is necessary and starch-based cosmetics may have a shorter shelf-life unless otherwise stabilized.

Here are a couple of talc-free, starch-based cosmetics you can consider:

• Palladio Rice Pressed Face Powder 

• Lush Sleepy Dust Dusing Powder

Or you could stick to the more traditional mineral-based talc replacements in products such as:

• Honeybee Gardens Pressed Mineral Foundation

• Laura Mercier Ultra-Blur Talc-Free Translucent Loose Setting Powder

• Lawless Beauty’s

   

  Make Me Blush Talc-Free Velvet Blush.

Put your safety first

Cosmetic and body product choices are constantly evolving to reflect the latest science and best practices available. Although talc was the go-to foundation of many products in the past, newer and safer alternatives are now available.

If you are concerned about talc in your beauty products, be sure to check product labels or look up ingredient lists from the manufacturer online. Also, be aware that not all countries have the same standards regarding talc and possible asbestos contamination. Always purchase high-quality products from reliable sources.

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Start your skin quiz

Curology offers a full line of skincare products tailored to your skin’s type and needs. Our licensed dermatology providers can assist you in creating a skincare routine that helps to achieve your goals. Get started* on your personalized skincare journey today.

P.S. We did the homework, so you don’t have to:

1. Rosner, D. and Markowitz, G. Baby Powders and the Precautionary Principle. American Journal of Public Health. (September 2020).

2. USGS. U.S. Talc—Baby Powder and Much More. Industrial Minerals of the United States, Numbered Series, Fact Sheet 065-00. (2000, n.d.).

3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Talc. (2022, December 7).

4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Talc. (2022, December 7).

5. Fiume, M.M., et al. Safety Assessment of Talc as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. (2015, July 30).

6. Woolen, S.A., et al. Association Between the Frequent Use of Perineal Talcum Powder Products and Ovarian Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Gen Intern Med. (2022, February 2).

7. Fiume, M.M., et al. Safety Assessment of Talc as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. Ibid.

8.  U.S. Food & Drug Administration. FDA Releases Data from the Agency’s 2022 Testing of Talc-Containing Cosmetic Products for Asbestos. (2022, December 7).

9. Rubin, R. Improving the Detection of Asbestos in Cosmetics. JAMA. (2022, February 15).

10. Wargala, E., et al. Health Effects of Dyes, Minerals, and Vitamins Used in Cosmetics. Women. (2021, November 8).

11. Fiume, M.M., et al. Safety Assessment of Talc as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. Ibid.

12. Prospector Knowledge Center. Now Trending in Search: Talc Alternatives. (2016, September 23).

13. Pueknang, J. and Saewan, N. Stability and Anti-Aging of Encapsulated Ferulic Acid in Phosphorylated Rice Starch. Molecules. (2022, May 27).

14. Mohiuddin, A.K. An extensive review of face powders: Functional uses and formulations. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science. (January 2019).

15. Woolen, S.A., et al. Association Between the Frequent Use of Perineal Talcum Powder Products and Ovarian Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Gen Intern Med. Ibid.

16. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. FDA Releases Data from the Agency’s 2022 Testing of Talc-Containing Cosmetic Products for Asbestos. Ibid.

17. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. FDA Releases Data from the Agency’s 2022 Testing of Talc-Containing Cosmetic Products for Asbestos. Ibid.

18. American Academy of Pediatrics. Make Baby’s Room Safe: Parent Checklist. (2020, August 14).

Meredith Hartle is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Curology. She earned her medical degree at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO.

*Cancel anytime. Subject to consultation. Results may vary.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Meredith Hartle, DO