Talc in cosmetics: why it's flagged
Short answer
Talc is flagged by Olive Detective as a low concern in cosmetics. Mineral powder; asbestos-contamination risk if not purified. The flag is class-level and precautionary, based on FDA talc testing; IARC (perineal use) — it describes the ingredient class, not the safety of any particular product.
What the concern is
- Carcinogenicity concern — flagged by IARC or an equivalent body for review.
How it appears on an INCI list
Cosmetic labels use INCI names, which are standardised worldwide, so the same wording appears on a product bought anywhere. This class is matched on talc.
How it affects the score
Cosmetic scoring follows the Yuka method: a product with only green and yellow ingredients has its score floored at 50, any orange ingredient caps it below 50, and any red caps it below 25. This ingredient is yellow, so it does not cap a product's score by itself.
Source: FDA talc testing; IARC (perineal use)
Other cosmetic ingredients we flag
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