What are the concerns regarding talc in cosmetics？

When I write this article, I think Johnson & Johnson must empathize with this question; they have been involved in legal cases regarding talc almost every year since 2011, facing billions in compensation. How do we need to treat talc from a scientific viewpoint?
Talc is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate, made of ground natural mineral talc, as it is good at improving the product's texture, making it feel smooth to the skin. It is widely used in cosmetic products such as compact powder, eyeshadow, loose powder, and baby powder.

Why is talc leading a general concern?

It shall start from Johnson & Johnson (J&J). Some customers gave feedback after using their product containing talc (one is baby powder), which caused them ovarian or other cancers, and they started lawsuits against J&J. Some courts ruled that J&J’s baby powder was a factor in a woman's ovarian cancer; the public was shocked.

In 2024, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the WHO listed talc in Group 2A, which stands for probably carcinogenic to humans. In particular, talc that contains asbestos, due to the strong carcinogenicity of asbestos, is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen with the highest risk level, that is, determined to be carcinogenic to humans.

Why is talc considered probably carcinogenic to humans?

There is no direct evidence that pure talc causes cancer, but maybe in these way (not sure).
⦁ While using talc products, it is inhaled into our body and causes cancer in the long term.
⦁ As mentioned above, the impurities of asbestos in the talc product cause cancer. In nature, the talc mineral will contain a small amount of asbestos.
⦁ Talc absorbed by the reproductive organs might cause ovarian cancer.

What should we do?

Brands such as Chanel and L'Oreal announce they won't use talc anymore in their products. The EU and the US also revise their regulation on talc.

More and more brands are now using cornstarch as a substitute for talc to avoid any potential damage. I can't 100% say products that contain talc are not suitable for us, but maybe we should consider a substitute like other brands do. As a manufacturer, we need to care more about customers’ health.

Conclusion

Talc catches huge attention from the public, although there is no evidence that it causes cancer, we shall still keep an eye on it, especially for children, as their skin is thinner than adults' and more easily absorbs it. If we can, we'd better find a substitute ingredient.

FAQ

Q: What is the relationship between asbestos and talc?
A: Talc was produced by the talc mineral. In nature, asbestos always has a small amount in the talc mineral and can't be 100% removed in production.

Q: What cosmetic product contains talc?
A: Usually, body powder, pressed powder, eye shadow, and blush will have talc. Some in moisturizer and cream.

Q: If I need to use a talc product, what should I do to protect myself?
A: Firstly, we need to avoid inhaling the talc. Besides, we need to avoid using it on the reproductive organs.

Q: As a manufacturer, what can we do?
A: We need to find replacement ingredients and develop new formulas to keep or improve the products with better texture.