When it comes to skincare formulas, we all seek products that are both beneficial to our beauty needs and healthy for our bodies. However, distinguishing between what's good and what's harmful can be challenging. We've been alerted to the potential dangers of parabens and phthalates, but many other ingredients in the products we use daily also warrant scrutiny.
One such ingredient under the spotlight is talc, due to its potential links to cancer and concerns about its safety in cosmetics.
Understanding Makeup and Ingredient Safety
Before delving into the potential harms of talc in cosmetics, lets clarify a few points about makeup and safety. One major misconception is about natural products. The term 'natural' is relative and subjective.
Natural products can sometimes be harmful, while synthetic ones can be more effective and safer. People care about the naturalness of their makeup, but most medications they take are synthetic.
Instead of prioritizing natural ingredients, evaluate each ingredient based on its actual effects on the skin and body to determine its safety.
What Is Talc?
Talc is a natural mineral and the softest mineral on record, used in various products, including cosmetics. In cosmetics, the purest form is usually used. This mineral is mined from open-pit mines worldwide and is used as a dilutant in cosmetics. Talc is milled easily and mixed with pigments to achieve the desired effect.
Talc is very water-absorbent and has been used for centuries to help with moisture and prevent skin breakdown and inflammation. It's also known for absorbing oil and reducing shine.
Casale, co-founder of MAC, has used talc since he began in the industry. "Thirty years ago, everyone used talc," he says. For instance, he used talc in MAC's Studio Fix Powder Foundation. "The problem with talc is that it leaves a white, chalky residue on the skin," he notes. Previously, people preferred a dry powder look, but now the trend is a natural glow.
When Casale reformulated the Cover FX line five years ago, he decided to stop using talc. "It's too chalky," he says. Instead, he chose ultra-fine mica, a mineral that can range from glittery to glowy depending on particle size. "Mica disappears when rubbed into the skin, unlike talc," Casale explains. This change wasn't initially for safety concerns but for a better finish on the skin.
Is Talc Safe?
Talc became controversial when Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $72 million in damages to the family of a woman who died from ovarian cancer after using talcum powder for feminine hygiene for 35 years. More cases are pending, but there is no definitive answer on whether talc in cosmetics is harmful. Most brands still use the mineral. According to the American Cancer Society, talc poses a danger to miners or workers exposed to asbestos-contaminated talc fibers, but its use in cosmetics has not been established as a significant concern.
The Drawbacks of Talc
Most skin types can tolerate talc, but sensitive skin may experience irritation, especially in specific areas of the face. People with sensitive skin reactions and those who hive easily might see increased irritation from the rubbing of talc particles. The primary health concern with talc is inhalation. Inhaling cosmetic talc in makeup and hygiene products might cause respiratory problems and lung disease, and it can also irritate the eyes.
The Final Takeaway
Talc is found in many products, from crayons to cosmetics. In cosmetics, talc has historically been used to absorb excess oil on the skin. However, brands like Cover FX have recently moved away from talc-based formulas due to its chalky finish and potential to irritate the skin. Additionally, talc's safety is questioned due to potential asbestos contamination. While more research is needed on the impact of talc in cosmetics, it's important to consider this information when choosing beauty products.
Kaye's Beauty Book is here to help you choose better products that suit your skin, hair and lifestyle. All of the products mentioned are carefully researched and selected to ensure that the most credible information comes to you. If you do buy a product from one of our links, Kaye's Beauty Book may earn a commission.
II DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, not everything works for everybody. I recommend you test the product before completely using any new product. II
Comments