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Talc is the softest, silkiest mineral on earth. Maybe even as smooth as a baby’s bottom… It’s high capacity to absorb water made it a great ingredient for baby and body powders and makeup. Also called talcum powder, it is used in many non-cosmetic products as well, including construction, plastics, rubber, coatings, pharmaceuticals, and paper, because it’s versatile and inexpensive.
Unfortunately, when talc is mined, it is frequently found alongside and intermingled with other minerals and substances including quartz and asbestos. During the process of turning talc from a rock to a powder, many minerals are removed. It is more difficult to remove the small fibers that make up asbestos. These fibers are a carcinogen, a cancer-causing agent. This means they can trigger unnatural cell mutations within a person’s body. Specifically, talc has been associated with the development of mesothelioma and ovarian cancers.
Why talc anyways?
Because it works really well and is a cheap filler that dilutes pigmented products. Talc gives powder-based makeup the ability to “set” liquid or cream-based products to keep them in place, absorb oil, and reduce shine.
Dating back to 1976, the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrances Association (CTFA), which is the trade association…
