Talc
Magnesium silicate mineral. In powders, eyeshadows and compacts it absorbs sebum, cuts shine and adds slip. Cosmetic-grade talc is mandatory tested to be free of asbestos.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Oily, Combination
- Use with caution
- Dry
About this ingredient
Talc (hydrated magnesium silicate Mg3Si4O10(OH)2) is a natural mineral. Used in cosmetics as an absorbent, filler and slip agent. Mechanism. The platelet structure delivers soft slip and absorbs sebum. Reduces T-zone shine and makes powders even. In colour cosmetics it forms the base of most powders, eyeshadows, blushes, compacts. Where applied. Pressed and loose powders, eyeshadows, blushes, baby powders, deodorants. All cosmetic majors (L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, MAC, Chanel) use talc in colour lines. Evidence base. Talc as filler effectively absorbs sebum. In acne-prone patients high concentrations may worsen pore-clogging (Fulton rating 1). Safety. CIR confirmed safety of cosmetic talc. Key point: cosmetic talc undergoes mandatory asbestos-free testing (USP, EU, FDA standards). Cosmetic talc is not the same as industrial talc. Ovarian-cancer controversy. In 2018-2020 large lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson (baby talc powder contaminated with asbestos) led to multibillion-dollar settlements and product withdrawal. The issue was asbestos contamination, not talc itself. Modern cosmetic talcs are clean. Genital-area use. AAD and WHO since 2006 advise against talc in feminine-hygiene powders and on female genitalia (Cramer 1999, IARC 2006) – association with ovarian cancer in long-term use. Pregnancy and lactation – safe on the face. Avoid on genitalia and lower abdomen.
Frequently asked questions
Is Talc safe during pregnancy?
Talc is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Talc for?
Talc suits: normal, oily, combination. Use with caution in: dry.
What is Talc and what does it do in cosmetics?
Magnesium silicate mineral.
Is Talc comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 1/5 – very low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Talc?
The INCI name is Talc. It may also appear as: Talcum, Magnesium Silicate.
See Talc in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
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