Talcum powder (also known as baby powder) contains 99.8% talc, a soft mineral that absorbs moisture to keep skin dry. The most famous brand is Johnson’s® Baby Powder, used to prevent diaper rash in babies for over 120 years. Johnson & Johnson, the world’s largest talcum powder distributor, started selling the product to U.S. families back in 1894. Talc is also the key ingredient in various body powders the company markets to women for feminine hygiene. Unfortunately, studies now show long-term talc use carries certain health risks.

Where Does Talc Come From?

Talc is a silicate mineral that forms in natural deposits inside the Earth along with asbestos. It’s composed of three core elements: oxygen, silicon and magnesium. Since most talc deposits also contain asbestos fibers, contamination during the mining process is always a concern. Talc is the #1 ingredient in most powder-based makeups, baby and body powders. However, the FDA doesn’t regulate or approve talc the same way it does drugs or food. Instead, the FDA categorizes talc as a cosmetic. The agency doesn’t approve or require safety testing on any products that contain talc as an ingredient.

The FDA also cannot order cosmetic recalls to remove products from stores. Voluntary recalls for talc-based products that contain asbestos, a known carcinogen, are more common. One recent example is Claire’s March 2019 recall of three talc-based makeup products marketed and sold to children.

Talc-Based Powders Popular Among Athletes, Women

You’ve probably seen gymnasts clap their hands together before walking onto the mat, releasing delicate white powder into the air. Talc-based powders are popular with athletes because it keeps their hands dry while they compete. You’ve also seen pool players rub talc-based powders on their cue sticks; bowlers use it before picking up a ball. For years, Johnson & Johnson marketed their Shower to Shower line of talc-based products to women during the summertime. Many women sprinkled it between their sheets each night before bed or into their underwear to help absorb sweat. However, the American Cancer Society found talc use near women’s genitals makes them 33% more likely to develop ovarian cancer. In addition, talc particles easily become airborne and pose inhalation risks to babies and adults alike.

Inhaling airborne talc can lead to a lung condition called pulmonary talcosis. For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) expressly recommends that moms avoid using baby powder altogether. If you love the way talcum powder smells or feels on your skin, try switching to a cornstarch-based powder instead. They’re just as effective for absorbing sweat, smell just as good and don’t pose any cancer risks for consumers.