According to Reuters, Chanel, Revlon, and L’Oreal are starting to discontinue their products containing talc and develop new products that do not contain talc. More companies may follow in their footsteps as the public concern over the ability for talc to cause cancer increases. If you want to know if a product contains talc, the best way to find out is to look at the ingredients and visit the company website for clarification.
Dangers of Talc Products
Many powders used for cosmetic or health-related items include talc. As one of the most recognized minerals in the health and beauty industry, talc-containing products have now had associations with the increased risk of mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, peritoneal cancer, and testicular mesothelioma. When used as a hygiene product, powders that are not talc-free can expose users to the carcinogen asbestos. When the soft mineral talc occurs in the ground, it typically occurs next to another mineral, asbestos.
Talc often contains asbestos particles as well, leading to an increased risk of the development of certain types of cancers. Some consumers look to find products that will absorb moisture and prevent chafing that are much safer than these asbestos-containing talcum powders. In order to remain safe, many consumers look for powders that are talc-free.
The Link Between Talc and Cosmetics
Talc is not only in powders that make claims regarding the prevention of chafing or assist with the absorption of moisture. Talc powder also occurs in cosmetic products as a way to not only absorb moisture but also give the final cosmetic beauty product a smooth and silky feel. Some makeup and cosmetic products include talc, such as eyeliner, eyebrow pencils, lipsticks, eye shadows, face powders, concealers, mascaras, blush, and foundations. Additionally, many cosmetic makers include talc in other beauty or health-related items such as lotions, face masks, or moisturizing creams.
It is important to note that the cosmetic industry has not received directed or detailed scrutiny regarding the use of talc in their products; therefore, not as much research has occurred with respect to talc in cosmetics and the risk of developing cancer. However, as a consumer, you have the right to look and see if the cosmetic makeup or powders that you plan to use are talc-free as a safety precaution.
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Powders That Are Talc Free
As consumers continue to educate themselves on the dangers of certain types of chemicals and products they consume and use in their home, some people look to see if there are cosmetic products or powders that are talc free. Several different types of ingredients will occur in these types of powders, in order to replace the moisture-absorbing properties and anti-chafing properties of talc. Some of the types of ingredients that are consistently found in powders that are talc free include the following:
- Cornstarch
- Baking soda
- Tapioca starch
- Arrowroot starch
- Kaolin clay
- Rice starch
- Oat flour blends
In some cases, dedicated and ingenious consumers have actually created their own powders that are talc free from these ingredients and recipes that the internet provides.
Talc-containing Powders and Food
Most people only consider talc in reference to powders or beauty related products. However, the use of talcum-containing powders in food is a common occurrence. For example, rice products are often coated with talc, which has led to a higher instance of stomach cancer, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Additionally, according to research published in the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS), many vitamin supplements contain talc, which is often listed as “Magnesium Silicate” on the label.
Some supplements use this type of talc in order to coat a gummy vitamin or tablet, or even use it as a filling agent within a vitamin supplement. Shockingly, talc is not considered a food-grade material according to the United States Food and Drug Administration, and yet it is still allowed to occur within foods. Research and information published through a government initiative by the Office of Dietary Supplements and the United States Department of Agriculture list all supplement ingredients for consumers, which includes the ability for consumers to discover if their supplements contain talc.
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Learn How We Can Help You Today
While consumers learn more and more about the possible carcinogens located in their daily household products, many are consistently turning towards more natural products, including powders that are talc-free.
If you believe that your exposure to talc-containing products resulted in a serious medical condition such as mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, peritoneal cancer, or testicular mesothelioma, learn how our legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you. Call us at (800) 794-0444.
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