Clean Beauty and Talc: Can They Coexist?

Clean beauty is no longer just a hype, but has set the bar for beauty moguls, regular make-up users and conscious consumers. While consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the excipients used in their skincare and cosmetics and what they apply to their bodies, clean beauty is becoming the standard. Terms like “non-toxic”, “natural”, and “sustainable” are becoming non-negotiables.

Quality, transparency, and science are the key factors determining if talc can be used for cosmetic, pharmaceutical and personal care products. The controversy first started due to the potential contamination of Talc with asbestos.

What is clean beauty about?

Clean beauty is usually non-toxic, safe for long-term use, ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. Talc itself is safe and not the issue itself, and the mineral is safe to use for all grades and applications. The only concern would be whether the talc used in products is contaminated and how pure the talc itself is.

A few facts that make Talc use eligible for Cosmetic use:

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges that asbestos-free talc is safe for cosmetic use.
• The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union concluded that talc is safe in cosmetic applications when used properly.
• A study in the Journal of Toxicology and Risk Assessment published in 2020 found no evidence linking asbestos-free talc to cancer or toxicity when used in typical personal care products.

Is Talc suitable for Clean Beauty?

Talc has to undergo rigorous testing to verify that it is asbestos-free through techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD) and polarised light microscopy (PLM). Clean beauty also considers the impact on both humans and the environment. Clean Talc is sourced from reputable mines with ethical labour practices and minimal ecological disruption. Brands should also disclose the origin, grade, and testing results of their talc. Transparency builds consumer trust and demonstrates a commitment to safety.

Why is Talc still considered in Clean Beauty?

When used, talc offers several benefits that align with clean beauty principles. Asbestos-free talc is non-reactive and gentle on the skin, which makes it ideal for all skin types. It is free from preservatives and synthetic fillers and naturally absorbent and smooth-textured. Talc also does not easily degrade or oxidise. Very well-known beauty brands still use talc, as they source clean and pure talc.

What should you look out for?

Look for Talcum Powder brands that disclose their sourcing and lab testing, and products manufactured under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). Furthermore, look out for other certifications that test Talc for purity, such as ISO.

Clean Beauty and Talc can not only co-exist, but if sourced well and pure talc, then it is the definition of clean beauty as it is a natural mineral for sensitive skins, to help in oil absorption, makeup, and has many other uses. Like many other ingredients or excipients, talc has been misunderstood due to a lack of clarity around the quality standards of talc. Brands that use pure, high-grade talc should strive to openly communicate their safety, benefits, and historical significance in the personal care industry.

Clean is a term that should be used carefully and not be manipulated through marketing, but be science-backed, responsible and honest. It is not about labelling something as talc-free, but rather asbestos-free. Talc offers great qualities when used responsibly.

Why should we still use Talc in Beauty Products?

When using pure, asbestos-free and ethically sourced talc, then there are good reasons to keep Talc.

Talc has been used for centuries in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and skincare due to its excellent physical properties. It is the softest mineral on Earth (Mohs hardness 1), it is chemically inert, meaning it is non-reactive and non-irritating to skin and naturally absorbent.

It is an excellent solution for oil absorption and a mattifying agent; it absorbs moisture and sebum without clogging pores or triggering breakouts, suitable for pressed and loose powders, setting powders, mattifying primers and blotting powders.

Talc has a naturally silky, lightweight texture that’s hard to replicate. It gives products a luxurious feel and enhances application by improving spreadability, reducing caking or clumping, and delivering a soft-focus effect that blurs pores and fine lines.

There are many synthetic alternatives like mica, silica and starches that try to imitate the physical properties, but often fall short in feel and performance.

Meanwhile, talc enhances product stability and longevity, as talc does not degrade easily. Hence, it stabilises formulations and keeps products from oxidising or separating. Often used for eyeshadows, blushes, face powders and foundation compacts.

Pure Talc is non-allergenic, non-irritating and non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores.

Talc does not contain asbestos when sourced from a responsible mine and has to be tested for asbestos content, hence if asbestos-free it is a safe property