Talc Side Effects In Cosmetics

Manufacturers use talc as an ingredient in common products such as baby powder makeup and paint.

Talc side effects in cosmetics.

While ovarian cancer is the most common and fatal complication of prolonged talcum powder use other side effects do exist. Talc particles are easily airborne and inhaling talcum powder can cause coughing wheezing shallow breathing as well as a chronic lung condition called pulmonary talcosis. The drawbacks of talc. The powder serves as a lubricant and adds softness and shine to products.

Additionally if makeup containing talc gets into your eye it can cause redness and the sensation that something is stuck in your eye. But some studies link it to mesothelioma ovarian cancer and respiratory problems. According to the american cancer society talc is not a known carcinogen and while asbestos contaminated talc is a danger for talc miners or other workers who come in contact with natural talc fibers it is not a concern for cosmetics. The talc will get into the deeper layers of the skin and cause what s called a foreign body granuloma.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Talc may cause problems if it s swallowed or inhaled. Generally speaking though the talc used in cosmetics can be considered safe beyond the occasional irritation or breakout suffered by people with sensitive or acne prone skin. Specifically it is known to cause mesothelioma.

Talcum powder side effects. After the talc is mined it needs to be purified correctly to ensure that it is free from asbestos fibers. From time to time fda has received questions about its safety and whether talc contains harmful contaminants such as. Johnson johnson faces more than 3 000 lawsuits for its baby powder products which women allege caused their ovarian cancer.

This is not super common but it certainly can occur. While talc is generally well tolerated in personal care products that you d be putting on the skin like makeup there is a risk if you apply talc to abraded skin or wound. Despite being hit with numerous verdicts including the most recent which toppled 110 million johnson johnson still maintains that its product is safe and refuses to place a warning on their talc based products. Most people tolerate talc well but the mineral can have unintended side effects.

Using talcum powder for feminine hygiene may increase the risk of ovarian cancer by as much as 33 some studies report. Talc is an ingredient used in many cosmetics from baby powder to blush. Asbestos and talc minerals are often found beside each other in the earth which can cause contamination in cosmetic products.