Since a jury awarded $72 million to a now-deceased cancer patient who had sued Johnson & Johnson over their talcum powder products, it’s time to take a closer look at this controversial ingredient.

What Is Talc?

Talc is a mineral that is mined and then usually ground into powder. Talc is often found alongside the well-known carcinogen asbestos, which can end up being ground into the powder as well.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that, based on their ongoing testing, talcum powder in the US has been asbestos-free since the 1970s. That said, there is still no consensus about whether talc by itself can cause cancer.

Products That Contain Talc

Talc’s usefulness is wide ranging. It can be used as an absorbent, an anti-caking agent, or as a filler. It can make products more opaque, more buoyant, or more slippery.

It’s pretty obvious that “talcum powder” contains talc, but where else might talc be lurking? You probably have several talcum powder products in your house right now. In fact, you’ll find talcum powder in many everyday items you use, including:

    • Cosmetics – Blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, foundation, lipstick, and face powder can contain talc because it absorbs moisture and prevents caking. It can help to soften the feel of cosmetics and make them opaque. It can also be used as a component in coloring.
    • Personal care products – Lotions, creams, soaps, deodorants, face masks, tampons, or feminine hygiene pads can include talc. Unfortunately, tampons and feminine pads aren’t required to list ingredients on the packaging so you can’t be sure whether they are talcum powder products.
    • Food – Talc is an FDA-approved food ingredient which prevents clumping and acts as a filler. It can be found in gum, the glaze on candies, seasonings, food coloring, olive oil, rice, processed egg products, dry goods like powdered milk, cheese, cured meats, and salt.
    • Paints – Talc is hydrophobic which means it resists water, making some paints waterproof. It also resists corrosion while increasing paint’s ability to adhere to surfaces.
    • Pharmaceuticals – Talc can be used as a base for powdered drugs. It also has an anti-itching and cooling effect on skin. Vitamin supplements can also contain talc.

    How to Decode Talc On An Ingredients List

    To determine whether items in your house are talcum powder products, check the ingredients labels for these synonyms:

    • Cosmetic Talc
    • French Chalk
    • Talc (MG3H2 (SIO3) 4)
    • Agalite
    • Asbestine
    • B13
    • B9
    • Beaver White 200

     

    Remember, it hasn’t been proven that talcum powder products cause cancer, nor has the FDA recommended that you toss out everything you own that contains talc. It is, however, recommended that you start reading labels, avoid talcum powder products when possible, and maintain awareness of which of your household items contain talc.