Wed 11 Mar 2009
Talc in Cosmetics
Posted by MollyLoretta under Beauty Blog
[9] Comments
Another question was proposed that I should write a blog regarding the use of talc in cosmetics. Now, we all know that lately I love and adore research, so here goes!
What’s the talc rumor?
In case you haven’t heard, the rumor with talc is that it clogs pores, and causes cancer by containing asbestos. Is this true, or is just another misinformed rumor?
The first thing we have to remember is that there are different grades of anything natural; there are industrial grades, cosmetic grades, different chemical formations, and different ways of mining (mineral oil, silica, titanium dioxide, and aluminum are great examples of cosmetic ingredient rumors!).
So, does cosmetic grade talc contain asbestos?
Bummer to be the bringer of bad news, but…. NO! It doesn’t! This is confirmed by X-Ray diffraction examination of cosmetic grade talc. There are purity regulations regarding talc powder as proposed by the FDA, these specifications are that talc does not contain any asbestos.
What if I inhale talc? Will I be more likely to get cancer?
Lucky for us, there is a regulation for this too. In any loose powder products, there is a size regulation on the particles of talc that can be used. It must be milled to a large, non-respirable particle size (>5 µm).
The consensus? Cosmetic grade talc is safe for use, and less irritating than bismuth oxychloride (a common mineral ingredient). It helps to create a natural-matte finish in powders, and is common in MANY facial powders as well as eye shadows. Few breakouts have been observed strictly from talc; it is considerably better for your skin than many other particles we put on our faces.
1. http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/HBI/26
2. http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient_details.php?ingredient_id=199
3. http://www.cosmeticscop.com/dictionary_term.aspx?tid=2040&lid=534&term=talc
9 Responses to “ Talc in Cosmetics ”
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[...] the FDA among other sources (which are sited on my blog, as always) regarding talc in cosmetics. Feel free to read it here. Also my blog on mineral oil, as well as my blog regarding titanium dioxide and aluminum [...]
informative for me, like that
injectable filler
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Asbestos is one hell of a health hazard that is why we have removed all asbestos based insulation in our homes.*”‘
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Asbestos would really crap your lungs if you inhale bits of it.;”"
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Not totally correct.
There is a possibility for transient asbestos fibers in talc. I doubt that the regulation about the size of the talc particle will not allow the particle itself to penetrate the loungs anyway even if you wont ‘breathe’ the particle completely in. That actually sounds silly.
Talc has been linked to cancer when used in genital areas by women, and that is a fact. For the rest, there is simply not enough independent research about long term effects when used in different ways.
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MollyLoretta Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 1:48 pm
I’m talking of it’s use in cosmetics, not it’s use in baby powder or other ingredients used around genitals. Please keep in mind of that, I state it very clearly in my post.
Certain size particles can embed, other sizes cannot, is the point. This is why there is a limitation on the size of particles of almost everything that goes into cosmetics (cosmetic chemistry student, I’m well aware of the difference between industrial grade and cosmetic grade, which a lot of people forget when they read and comment on my blog). I strictly discuss cosmetic grade ingredients, and often get my information straight from the FDA and scientific studies thus far on an ingredient’s use in cosmetics.
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Asbestos is very dangerous to the health, this material is already banned*~”
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MollyLoretta Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Please actually read blog posts before commenting, thank you.
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