Talc (Talcum Powder)

High Concern

Cosmetic Ingredient

Also known as

talctalcum powdercosmetic talcmagnesium silicate

The concern

IARC Group 1 carcinogen for perineal (genital) use — classified as causing ovarian cancer in 2023. When naturally contaminated with asbestos fibres, it is also a lung carcinogen. Linked to $2.1bn jury verdict against Johnson & Johnson.

Read the source: IARC

What to look for on labels

This ingredient may appear under any of the following names or codes on product labels:

Talc (Talcum Powder)
talc
talcum powder
cosmetic talc
magnesium silicate

Learn more

Read the full evidence directly from the authoritative source.

View source — IARC

Data sourced from IARC, FDA, EFSA, WHO and EWG public data. For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical or legal advice.

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