Talc
- CAS
- 14807-96-6
- EC
- 2388779
- PubChem CID
- 165411828
- Molecular Formula
- H2Mg3O12Si4
- Molecular Weight
- 379.2700 g/mol
A moisture-absorbing powder. Inhalation is dangerous, and carcinogenic risk is debated due to the possibility of asbestos contamination.
What does it do?
A mineral-derived powder that absorbs moisture and provides slip.
Details
Talc is a powder of mineral origin; it absorbs moisture and provides slip. It is frequently found in baby powders and makeup products. Inhalation is dangerous, and its carcinogenic risk is a subject of debate due to the possibility of asbestos contamination. EU regulations mandate a warning to 'keep powder away from children's nose and mouth' for powder products for children under 3; additionally, it is recommended that talc be classified as carcinogenic.
Benefits
Functions
Restrictions
Where is it found?
Function & Use
Skin Protecting
Abrasive
Opacifying
Bulking
Absorbent
Anticaking
Regulatory note
- EU 1223/2009 Annex IIIRestricted
What The Sources Say
IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer)2
IARC Group 3 — Not classifiable as to carcinogenicity. The available evidence is insufficient for a classification. This does NOT mean 'safe'; it means 'not enough data'. (Monograph volume: 42, Sup 7). Caveat: IARC classifies HAZARD, not RISK — it says 'can cause cancer under some conditions', not 'causes cancer at cosmetic use levels'. Route and dose must be assessed separately. Data is a 01/2021 snapshot.
IARC Group 2B — Possibly carcinogenic to humans. Limited evidence in humans and insufficient evidence in experimental animals (or vice versa). (Monograph volume: 42, Sup 7). Caveat: IARC classifies HAZARD, not RISK — it says 'can cause cancer under some conditions', not 'causes cancer at cosmetic use levels'. Route and dose must be assessed separately. Data is a 01/2021 snapshot.
ToxValDB (EPA Toxicity Value Database)5
EPA ToxValDB skin/eye data — endpoint: Skin Sensitization, classification: Classification not possible. Caveat: this is an aggregated record; dose, species and route of exposure must be considered together.
EPA ToxValDB kanser değerlendirmesi: 2A - Probably carcinogenic to humans. Caveat: this is an aggregated record; dose, species and route of exposure must be considered together.
EPA ToxValDB genotoxicity: positive — positive reports: 7, negative: 4, Ames: positive. Caveat: this is an aggregated record; dose, species and route of exposure must be considered together.
EPA ToxValDB skin/eye data — endpoint: Eye Irritation, classification: Classification not possible. Caveat: this is an aggregated record; dose, species and route of exposure must be considered together.
EPA ToxValDB skin/eye data — endpoint: Skin Irritation, classification: Classification not possible. Caveat: this is an aggregated record; dose, species and route of exposure must be considered together.
Scientific References
- EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard — DSSTox identifiers mapped to CAS (2021r1)US EPA, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure
- EU CosIng — Cosmetic Ingredient Database full exportEuropean Commission, DG GROW
- IARC Monographs — Talc not containing asbestos or asbestiform fibres (Group 3 — Not classifiable as to carcinogenicity)IARC — WHO Uluslararası Kanser Araştırmaları Ajansı
- IARC Monographs — Talc-based body powder (perineal use of) (Group 2B — Possibly carcinogenic to humans)IARC — WHO Uluslararası Kanser Araştırmaları Ajansı
- OpenFDA Cosmetic Adverse Events (api.fda.gov/cosmetic/event)US FDA — unvalidated adverse event reports
- ToxValDB — cancerUS EPA — ToxValDB v97
- ToxValDB — genotoxicityUS EPA — ToxValDB v97
- ToxValDB — skin/eyeUS EPA — ToxValDB v97