In 2015, Johnson & Johnson made headlines as its beloved baby powder was linked to asbestos contamination. Some 38,000 lawsuits later, many claiming that trace amounts of asbestos in the talcum powder caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma in users, the beauty industry is wary of the commonly used ingredient. HBO Max’s Not So Pretty docuseries, released in April of 2022, also spotlights its dangers. Today, the company announced a global discontinuation of its talc-based products and a plan to transition to cornstarch.
While talc itself is a natural mineral, often used to absorb moisture and prevent the caking of makeup products, according to the FDA, the ingredient is often contaminated with traces of asbestos. Asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen and per the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there is sufficient evidence that asbestos causes mesothelioma and cancers of the lung, larynx, and ovary.
Talc is usually listed as a top ingredient in powder makeup products, but is also found in formulas like foundation, concealers and lipsticks. As such, more and more beauty lovers are making the switch to talc-free products. While there are no “clean” regulations on beauty put forth by the FDA, many beauty brands are conducting their own research and making their own standards when it comes to which ingredients they refuse to formulate with. If you’re looking for makeup products that are free of talc, try these brands.
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