Is Talcum Powder Safe?

In July 2024, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) announced that talc is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” This statement comes from research published in the journal Lancet. This research has shown a possible link between talc and ovarian cancer, as well as solid evidence of cancer in animals that were tested.

The report highlighted that people who reported using talc in their personal care routines or those who worked in industries like pulp and paper — where workers can be exposed to talc — had an increased rate of ovarian cancer.

The safety of talc itself remains under study as research continues on potential adverse effects. This naturally occurring mineral is mined and processed for personal care products — such as cosmetics and baby powder — to prevent caking, improve product texture or absorb moisture.

In its natural form, talc can be contaminated with varying levels of asbestos, a carcinogen that causes mesothelioma, lung cancer and ovarian cancer. There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure. So, is talcum powder safe to use?

Some studies suggest an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and respiratory diseases among talc miners and millers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deems it unacceptable for cosmetic talc to contain asbestos.

That said, there are currently no laws in the U.S. banning the use of asbestos in consumer talc products, making it an ongoing concern. As of March 2025, 58,206 talcum powder lawsuits were pending.

Some studies link talcum powder and cancer, especially ovarian cancer. Research is ongoing, but there are two prevailing theories regarding how talcum powder may cause ovarian cancer. The first hypothesis assumes asbestos contamination in talc products. The second relates to talc use on or near the perineal (genital) region of people with ovaries.

The American Cancer Society reports some research shows a higher cancer risk in certain groups of people who use talcum powder. A systematic review published by the National Institutes of Health in 2022 concluded: “This review suggests an increased risk of ovarian cancer associated with frequent perineal powder exposure of 31% to 65%.”

Exposure to talcum powder can lead to respiratory conditions. A February 2023 review of talc inhalation in both rats and humans stated that animal data combined “with the pulmonary effects observed in exposed talc miners” warranted a STOT-RE 1 designation. The STOT-RE 1 category designates hazards found to be toxic to humans or animals after repeated exposure.

The FDA has traditionally rated talc as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS). When mined, manufactured, and used according to recommendations, talc is considered safe for skin use and ingestion in food products. However, asbestos occurs naturally within the earth with talc. Purifying talc contaminated with asbestos fibers is challenging.

Long-term exposure or inhalation of talc may increase the risk of cancer and other conditions. It may lead to health problems if applied to the genitals, broken skin, armpits or groin. Talcum powder may also harm babies, as studies have shown that its use may lead to various respiratory issues.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends protections for industrial talc workers to protect themselves from harmful effects. These recommendations include using “any particulate respirator equipped with an N95, R95 or P95 filter (including N95, R95 and P95 filtering facepieces) except quarter-mask respirators.”

Several myths about using talcum powder exist, such as the safety of pure, uncontaminated talc and the effectiveness of asbestos testing. The need for more research leads to confusion regarding the safe use of talc products.

Understanding the risks of talc in consumer products is key to making informed decisions.

Myth: Talc is only a problem if it contains asbestos.

Fact: Asbestos has long been known to be harmful, but new research suggests that talc might also be risky for our health, even without asbestos. The 2024 IARC report found that talc can cause ongoing inflammation and upset the normal growth and death of cells in our bodies.

In addition, a May 2024 report from the National Institutes of Health published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found an increased risk of ovarian cancer among heavy talcum powder users.

Asbestos-free talc can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs. It can cause short-term effects such as eye damage, rashes, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure to talc may result in bronchitis and, in rare cases, potentially fatal lung scarring.

Myth: There are no concerns about talc in food and supplements.

Fact: Research has shown a link between ingesting asbestos and cancers such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer found in the tissue linings of internal organs, most commonly the lungs.

Read food ingredient labels for talc or talcum powder. Look for magnesium silicate, the primary component of talc.

Supplements are not regulated the same way drugs are. The FDA doesn’t approve or regulate dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring safety standards and correct labels for their dietary supplement products.

Myth: Products with talc are all tested for asbestos and deemed safe.

Fact: The FDA currently has limited oversight over the cosmetic talc industry and doesn’t require manufacturers to test for asbestos. Companies largely police themselves and test products to ensure consumer safety. However, the testing processes have inherent issues.

No test can guarantee that talc is free of asbestos. Tests have detection limits that prevent them from accurately identifying asbestos fibers. Talc doesn’t contain an even distribution of asbestos, so even the most sensitive tests can miss fibers if absent from the testing sample.

Despite long-recognized shortcomings in accuracy, polarized light microscopy tests remain the standard. For higher-quality testing, labs with expertise in asbestos testing perform electron microscopy, but this method is highly complex and labor-intensive.

In December 2024, the FDA proposed a new federal rule to “establish and require standardized testing methods for detecting and identifying asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products.” If Congress approves this rule, cosmetic companies will be required to test their talc products to ensure they are free from asbestos.

Editor Lindsay Donaldson contributed to this article.