Talc (Talcum)
Talc is a natural mineral that absorbs moisture and gives softness to products such as face powder, blusher and eyeshadow. In 2024 the IARC classified talc as Group 2A (“probably carcinogenic to humans”); the evidence in humans is limited, and much of the debate relates to past problems with asbestos contamination. Cosmetic talc must be asbestos-free; in practice, the most concrete precautions are not to inhale loose powders and not to use them on babies.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
The lower end is for products that are hard to inhale, such as pressed powder and eyeshadow; the upper end is for loose powders that easily become airborne and for regular use in the genital area.
What is talc and what does it do?
Talc is a soft mineral made up of magnesium, silicon and oxygen, found in nature as rock. It is ground into a fine powder. In cosmetics it absorbs moisture and oil, reduces friction, gives the product a silky feel and helps pigments spread evenly on the skin.
Outside cosmetics, it is widely used as a filler in medicine tablets, in the food industry, and in the manufacture of paper, paint and plastics.
Which products contain it?
- Face powder, blusher, eyeshadow and bronzer
- Baby powder and body powders
- Dry shampoo and some deodorants
- Some medicine tablets and chewing gums
What does the 2024 IARC classification say?
In 2024 the IARC classified talc as Group 2A. This decision is based on limited evidence in humans (in particular the association between using powder in the genital area and ovarian cancer), sufficient evidence in animal experiments and strong mechanistic findings. The IARC also stated that the possibility that talc in the human studies had been contaminated with asbestos, and limitations in the research methods, could not be completely ruled out. In the EU, the European Chemicals Agency's (ECHA) Committee for Risk Assessment recommended in 2025 that talc be classified as a carcinogen (Category 1B); the legal consequences of this recommendation and its effect on cosmetics have not yet been finalised.
An important distinction: talc containing asbestos is considered Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans), like asbestos itself. The Group 2A classification applies to asbestos-free talc and indicates the level of the evidence, not that a risk is certain.
The problem of asbestos contamination
Talc and asbestos can form in the same geological settings in nature. This means asbestos fibres can get mixed into talc during mining. The detection of asbestos in some cosmetic talc products in the past led to the issue receiving a great deal of public attention.
Today, talc used in cosmetics is required to be asbestos-free, and manufacturers are expected to test the raw material accordingly. In the EU, powder products intended for children under three must also carry a warning that the powder should be kept away from the child's mouth and nose.
Who should be careful?
- Babies: Baby powder becomes airborne and can irritate the lungs when inhaled. Paediatricians recommend not using powder on babies; barrier creams can be used for nappy rash instead.
- People who regularly use powder in the genital area: The debate about a link with ovarian cancer relates to this type of use; giving up this habit is a simple precaution.
- People with asthma or lung disease: Inhaling loose powders can worsen coughing and shortness of breath.
What to do when you see it on a label
There is no need to panic about talc in a pressed powder or eyeshadow bought from a reputable manufacturer. If you use loose powder, tap the brush away from your face and take care not to breathe in the dust. If you would rather avoid talc, products based on cornstarch, mica or silica can be alternatives; for babies, barrier creams containing zinc oxide can be used instead of powder.
Frequently asked questions
Does talc cause cancer?
The IARC has classified asbestos-free talc as Group 2A (probably carcinogenic); the evidence in humans is limited. Talc containing asbestos, however, is a definite carcinogen, which is why cosmetic talc must be asbestos-free.
Is it safe to use baby powder?
It is not recommended, because inhaling the powder can cause lung irritation in babies. Barrier creams are a more suitable option for nappy rash.
Is the talc in eyeshadow or blusher risky too?
With pressed products, little dust gets into the air. The main things to watch are inhaling loose powders and regular use in the genital area.
How do I know my product is asbestos-free?
It is not stated on the label; in the EU and Türkiye, cosmetic talc is legally required to be asbestos-free. Buying products through regulated channels, labelled in line with local rules, is the best assurance.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.