INCI name

TALC

Talc

Abrasive Absorbent Anticaking Bulking Opacifying Skin protecting Slip modifierreviewed

A soft mineral powder.

What it is

Talc is a natural hydrated magnesium silicate mineral. It absorbs moisture, reduces friction and gives powders a silky slip.

Where it is used

Found in face and body powders, eyeshadows, blushes and some deodorants.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

Cosmetic talc must be free of asbestos; EU rules also set conditions for powders intended for young children. See the EU regulation section.

Functions

Abrasive: Removing unwanted tissue or foreign materials from various body surfaces, including mechanical tooth cleaning and/or gloss improvement.
Absorbent: Taking up water- and/or oil-soluble (dissolved or finely dispersed) substances.
Anticaking: Preventing agglomeration of particulate solids into lumps or hard masses (cohesive cake), thus allowing free flow of particles.
Bulking: Non-reactive (chemically inert), solid ingredients that dilute other solids and/or increase the volume of cosmetic products.
Opacifying: Reducing transparency or translucency of cosmetics.
Skin protecting: Helping to avoid harmful effects to the skin from external factors.
Slip modifier: Enhancing the flow properties of other ingredients without reacting chemically with them.

EU regulation

EU · Annex III, entry 59Talc: Hydrated magnesium silicate

Product type: (a) Powdery products intended to be used for children under 3 years of age (b) Other products
Conditions and warnings: (a) Keep powder away from children's nose and mouth
As of: 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223

Products with this ingredient (636)

Check a full ingredient list