Talc
Also known as: Talcum powder, Magnesium silicate
Last updated:
Talc (magnesium silicate) is a mineral used as an absorbent, slip agent, and bulking agent in cosmetics. It is permitted in all major markets provided it is free of asbestos contamination, which can co-occur in natural talc deposits. The EU lists talc in Annex III with the condition that it must not be applied to children under 3 in powder form. FDA does not have a federal asbestos limit in cosmetic talc but has tested products and issued safety advisories when contamination was found.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Status | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | Restricted | Annex III; not for use on children <3 in powder form; must be asbestos-free | Annex III #61 |
| United Kingdom | Restricted | Mirrors EU restrictions | UK Cosmetics Regulation |
| United States | Permitted | Must be asbestos-free; FDA has issued advisories on specific tested products | FDA cosmetic talc testing program |
| Canada | Restricted | On Hotlist with conditions | Health Canada Hotlist |
Safety profile
The primary safety question for talc is asbestos contamination. Asbestos and talc share geological origins and can co-occur in natural deposits. The cosmetic industry standard (USP, JP, EP) requires asbestos-free talc verified by polarized light microscopy (PLM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Litigation in the US, particularly around perineal talc use and ovarian cancer, has prompted some major brands to discontinue cosmetic talc voluntarily.
Common uses
- Pressed powder and loose powder cosmetics
- Eyeshadow and blush (binding agent)
- Body powders (regulated in EU for children <3)
Primary sources
Regulatory status is current to the "Last updated" date above. Always verify against the regulator's authoritative publication for the specific market and product category before relying on this summary for compliance decisions.
Check your full formulation
Cosmetica analyzes complete ingredient lists across 15 markets with citation-backed findings — not one ingredient at a time.