What it is
A natural hydrated magnesium silicate mineral mined from deposits that frequently also contain asbestos.
What it does
Anti-caking agent, absorbent, and texture modifier in powders, makeup, and baby products.
Why it’s a concern
IARC classifies perineal use of talc-based body powder as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic), and talc containing asbestiform fibres as Group 1. Multiple US jury verdicts between 2018 and 2023 found J&J liable for ovarian cancer linked to contaminated talc. FDA 2019-2022 testing detected asbestos in a subset of cosmetic talc samples.
Also known as
talcumhydrated magnesium silicate
CAS numbers
14807-96-6
Commonly found in
baby powdereyeshadowblushbody powder
Safer alternatives
- cornstarch
- arrowroot powder
- silica-based powders
Related chemical families
Sources
- IARC Monograph Volume 93
- FDA Talc Testing Results 2019-2022