Talc
Decode Label flags Talc as a moderate concern in cosmetics and personal care (carcinogen). It appears in 9 of the 893 published products we have analysed (1%).
The concern
Cosmetic powder — potential asbestos contamination; ovarian cancer concern
Talc can be naturally contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Perineal use of talcum powder has been linked to ovarian cancer in multiple studies and class-action lawsuits. Johnson & Johnson discontinued its talc-based baby powder globally in 2023. Prefer cornstarch-based alternatives.
Most relevant to
How common it is in this catalogue
Measured across every product Decode Label has analysed — not estimated, and not taken from anyone else's dataset.
By category
Regulatory position
From the published regulation itself. Each row links to its source.
| Authority | Status | Reference | Scope / limit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU-CosIng | Restricted | Annex III 59 | (a) Powdery products intended to be used for children under 3 years of age (b) Other prod... | View → |
Hazard classification
This is a RAC scientific opinion recommending harmonised classification, submitted to the European Commission; it is NOT yet a legally binding EU classification. Concerns asbestos-free talc specifically.
Identity
- Canonical name
- Talc: Hydrated magnesium silicate
- INCI name
- TALC
- CAS number
- 14807-96-6
- EC number
- 238-877-9
Also appears on labels as
Questions
Is Talc safe?
The EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 permits Talc in cosmetics only within set limits (Annex III, entry 59). Why it is flagged: Cosmetic powder — potential asbestos contamination; ovarian cancer concern. Decode Label treats it as a moderate concern in cosmetics and personal care. It appears in 9 of the 893 published products we have analysed (1%).
How common is Talc in Indian packaged products?
Decode Label found Talc in 9 of 893 published products (1%), most often in Bath & Body, Baby & Kids.
Which authorities have classified Talc?
EU — ECHA RAC opinion (26 Sep 2024) proposes Carc. 1B + STOT RE 1 — not yet adopted into CLP Annex VI.
Is Talc restricted or banned anywhere?
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (CosIng), Talc has 1 restricted entry. Each is shown with its annex reference and a link to the source in the Regulatory position table.
Who should be most careful with Talc?
Anyone using this regularly.
Products containing Talc
9 published products, each with its own full analysis.
Related ingredients
Other entries in the register with the same kind of concern.
Method and limits
- Prevalence counts published products whose decoded ingredient list matches this substance or one of its label synonyms, using the same matching the score itself uses. It describes our catalogue of 893 products, not the Indian market as a whole.
- Presence is not dose. An ingredient list gives order, not quantity, unless the pack declares a percentage. Nothing here estimates how much of this substance any product contains.
- A classification is not a verdict on a product. An agency classifies a substance under defined conditions of exposure; whether that matters in a given food or cosmetic depends on route, concentration and use.
- Last updated. This register entry was last changed on 28 September 2026.
- Corrections. Every figure here is reproducible from the sources named. If something is wrong, tell us and we will correct it and say what changed.