Talc has been used in beauty products for almost as long as humankind has been manufacturing beauty products. It’s also been used in everything from medical grade disposable gloves to condoms and diaphragms. Historically, though, it hasn’t always been the safest option. Industrial talc can contain asbestos as well as aluminum. But, today’s cosmetic grade talc is a completely different story!
Talc Safety
The Good
It is a highly stable ingredient that prevents caking, absorbs moisture, improves texture and mattifies. The stability matters for talc safety. Many talc alternatives can trigger allergies, cause skin reactions, or spoil.
Cosmetic talc in the US is also milled in such a way that it is a “non-respirable particle”. Meaning that the inhalation risk is extremely low. The EWG also has it listed as ‘Low’ in terms of its overall hazard.
So what’s all the hubbub then?
The Bad
Well, as mentioned above, cosmetic grade talc is asbestos free and, at least in the US, milled to be non-respirable. But what about industrial talc?
Industrial talc has a high probability of containing asbestos. As we all know, asbestos is a carcinogen. It is also extremely harmful. Because of this, the FDA finds it “unacceptable for cosmetic talc to be contaminated with asbestos”.
The Ugly
Studies regarding talc safety are still continuously ongoing. There are small studies that have come to an indirect conclusion that talc may have an impact on cancer rates. There are just as many studies that say to the contrary. Cosmetic grade talc is perfectly safe according to those studies. Then there are those that site inconclusive. The American Cancer Society takes all of these into consideration and have, at this point, stated that “there is very little evidence at this time that any other forms of cancer are linked with consumer use of talcum powder”.
Here at Alexandria Professional® we take our consumer’s safety as an utmost concern. We ensure our Vertal 6 Drying Powder is made from the highest quality powder. It is perfume free, hypoallergenic and 99% aluminum free. Perfectly safe for sugarist and client alike!
