Talc – it’s something you might not think twice about, but this soft, absorbent mineral is found in countless cosmetic products we use daily. From baby powders that keep skin dry and fresh to makeup that enhances our features, talc has been a beauty industry staple for decades.
But here’s the thing: while talc might seem harmless, there’s a growing conversation about whether it’s actually safe for us. Now, you might be wondering, “What’s the big deal? It’s just a powder, right?” Well, there might be more to it than you think.
In recent years, the use of talc, especially in products like baby powders and makeup, has sparked concerns, particularly around the risk of cancer. But talc isn’t just in powders and makeup – it’s also in products like deodorants, which we rely on daily. So, what’s the truth behind these concerns?
Today, we’re here to dive deeper into the widespread use of talc in the cosmetic industry. Stick with us as we fetch you the actionable answers to your dilemma.
Talc in Baby Powders – The Risk of Cancer
Baby powders have long been a staple for keeping babies’ skin dry and free from irritation. Ever wonder what are these powders made of? TorHoerman Law notes that, like all talcum powders, baby powders are made of talc – a mineral that occurs naturally in the Earth.
The Parents blog notes that the presence of talc in baby powders is generally safe to use for both babies and adults. It is the risk of inhaling the powder that poses the real threat. Because the talc particles present in these powders are extremely fine,
When you dab your little one’s face with baby powder, they can inhale some of it, leading the fine particles into their lungs. This makes them vulnerable to developing lung pneumoconiosis – a lung condition caused by breathing in particles.
Once the talc from baby powders enters your baby’s body, it can also trigger side effects like coughing, vomiting, convulsions, and irritated throat. Johnson and Johnson, the primary seller of talcum-based baby powders for hundreds of years, has faced significant backlash for their risks.
Many parents have filed a Johnson and Johnson talc lawsuit against the company for its negligence and lack of warning. Attorneys associated with the suits estimate that they could be settled for an amount ranging between $100,000 and $1 million.
Talc in Makeup Products – Safe or Unsafe?
Talc has been a common ingredient in makeup for years thanks to its ability to provide a smooth, silky finish. It’s found in everything from foundation to eyeshadow, which helps to improve the texture and application of the products.
However, the safety of talc in makeup has come under scrutiny due to its potential contamination with asbestos, a known carcinogen.
Talc is mined from the earth, often in close proximity to asbestos deposits. This proximity raises concerns because, during the mining process, talc can become contaminated with asbestos fibers.
Asbestos is a well-known cause of lung cancer and mesothelioma when inhaled, which makes the use of talc in cosmetics particularly worrisome. This risk is amplified in powder-based products, where particles can easily become airborne and be inhaled by consumers.
Despite these concerns, the FDA classifies talc as “generally recognized as safe” when it is asbestos-free. Dr. Marta Pazos, a cosmetic chemist at Rejuvalift Beauty, tells PopSugar that talc is unharmful to the skin, even in its purest form.
Pazos also points out that when applied topically and in moderation – as is true for makeup – talc is non-irritant, non-carcinogenic, and non-allergenic. This makes their presence in makeup products completely safe.
Other Chemicals that Make Your Cosmetics Harmful
We’ve learned so far that talc in itself is not exactly the toxic ingredient in cosmetics – in the absence of asbestos. However, there are certain other chemicals that are a staple in most cosmetic products that you should be more careful about.
If your quest is to make your personal care safer, learning about them can certainly come in handy. Let’s quickly go through them:
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas often used in cosmetics as a preservative to prevent bacterial growth.
It’s commonly found in products like nail polish, hair straighteners, and eyelash glue. However, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer, particularly with prolonged exposure. It can also trigger skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Stacy Steinmetz, a cosmetic biochemist, tells Byrdie that the naturally occurring is often disguised on the labels of cosmetic products. Since it’s a gas, most manufacturers list formaldehyde-releasers as an ingredient, often confusing the unsuspecting consumers.
Due to these health risks, many people are now choosing formaldehyde-free alternatives for their beauty routines.
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) are petroleum-based compounds commonly used in cosmetics as emulsifiers and thickeners. You’ll find them in products like creams, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners because they help create a smooth texture and enhance moisture retention.
CosmeBio notes that PEGs are particularly controversial in the cosmetic industry because of the process in which they are created.
This process, called ethoxylation, involves the use of ethylene oxide, which is a highly toxic and carcinogenic gas. As a byproduct generated using this carcinogen, PEGs themselves are also unsafe and should be avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the pharmaceutical use of talc?
In the pharmaceutical industry, talc is commonly used in its “magnesium silicate” in its hydrated form. The pharmacists use it as an anti-caking agent, which comes in handy while improving the powder flow in tablet compression. The medications that contain magnesium silicate include Aspirin, Gabapentin, Ibuprofen, and more.
Why are phthalates considered harmful?
Also referred to as “plasticizers,” phthalates are oily liquids without color or odor that do not evaporate easily, thereby being used in perfumes. They’re also present in nail polishes, aftershave lotions, and cleansers. These chemicals are recognized as endocrine disruptors, proving to be detrimental to people’s hormonal balance.
Is talc used in the food industry?
Yes, it is. The purified form of talc, being hydrophobic in nature, functions as a great separating agent, preventing the formation of lumps in many foods. For this reason, it is used in starch and starch mixtures, cheese, baked goods, and seasonings.
Talc as a mineral is undeniably a useful one, finding applications across various industries. The cosmetic industry happens to be one of them. However, because of the threat of inhalation and the potential presence of asbestos, talc poses possible dangers as a cosmetic ingredient.
