According to the FDA, talc is a common ingredient in makeup products, but it’s not good for our skin. Read on to learn why you need to be wearing mineral makeup instead, by editor Trudi Brewer.
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Most of us shop for colour and consistency when buying new makeup. However, in a recent move to protect us from hidden nasties, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a proposed rule mandating standardised testing methods for detecting and identifying asbestos in talc-laden cosmetic products. Designed to safeguard public health, this initiative will address the potential risks of asbestos coming into direct contact with the skin, following a class action against a major beauty company. While talc itself is a natural mineral, used to absorb moisture and prevent the caking of makeup products, according to the FDA, the ingredient is often contaminated with the human carcinogen asbestos. This was highlighted when Johnson & Johnson made headlines as its beloved baby powder was linked to asbestos contamination. Some 38,000 lawsuits later, many claiming that trace amounts of asbestos in the talcum powder caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma in users, the beauty industry is now wary of what has been a commonly used ingredient. J&J has since announced the global discontinuation of its talc-based products and a plan to transition to cornstarch as a talc alternative. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) says there is sufficient evidence that asbestos causes mesothelioma and cancers of the lung, larynx, and ovary. But why take the risk with a beauty routine? But talc is still typically listed as a top ingredient in powder makeup products, foundations, concealers, and lipsticks. While there are no clean regulations on beauty products, many top brands are conducting their own research to establish their own standards regarding the ingredients they refuse to add to their formulations. If you’re looking for makeup products that are free of talc, consider some of our favourite clean beauty buys below.
Jane Iredale
A pioneer of clean makeup, Jane Iredale created a brand that is not only beautiful to wear but beneficial for the skin, so no-talc was a stand from its inception. This brand has been a staple in our beauty bags for decades, and with every innovation, we love it more. Their latest Skintuition SPF 30 Radiance-Boosting Liquid Foundation, $120, is an excellent example of this. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to enhancing skin radiance. The silky formula features a lineup of heavyweight ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, along with a superfood blend of apple fruit extract, sunflower, and jojoba seed oils, which work together to help plump fine lines. The SPF 30, made from zinc oxide, is the icing on the cake. Another must-try is the ColorLuxe High Impact Lip Glaze, $69. They offer a 3D mirror-like finish that is second to none, and the range of seven colours means you have one shade for every day of the week; our favourite is Siren, pictured here.
Tower 28
Relatively new to our shores (its home in NZ is Mecca), it makes sense that a beauty brand designed for sensitive skin would ban talc from its formulations. However, its no-nasties list is extensive, and includes everything from harmful allergens to everyday irritants. If you want an entrée into Tower makeup, the MakeWaves Lengthening + Curling Mascara, $39, promises a fanned-out, glamorous lash. For a sunscreen that rivals your favourite foundation, SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen, $63, available in 17 colours, is an excellent option for protecting skin all year round.
Kosas
Pegged as makeup for the ‘skincare freaks’, this clean colour is totally free of talc and 2,700 other harmful ingredients. The Dreambeam Comfy Smooth Tinted Base SPF 40, $78, comes in two colours with built-in SPF, which won't clog pores; it’s essentially skincare with benefits. Another cult favourite that lifts, separates and keeps brows in place all day while nurturing hair growth is Air Brow Clear Lifting Treatment Gel, $49. However, what is perhaps most coveted by beauty fans is the powder. Talc-free, Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder, $75, comes in four shades, pictured here as Translucent Candy. It’s featherlight and melts into the skin, leaving an airbrushed finish without looking cakey or feeling dry, thanks to the bamboo stem extract that helps reduce shine.
Bareminerals
Dedicated to using pure minerals to improve the skin's texture and tone, this brand is not only talc-free but also free from parabens, synthetic fragrances, and other potentially harmful additives. Anyone with rosacea or sensitive skin will swear by the calming influence of Complexion Rescue Skin Perfecting Tint, $73. It’s a 3-in-1 multi-tasking, lightweight gel-cream tint that comes in 20 shades with ingredients that are 98 per cent naturally derived. While this rosy pink highlighter, Gen Nude Blonzer, $57, available in five colours, pictured here, Kiss of Pink. A blush-bronzer-hybrid in a gel-cream formula that promises all-day wear.
Gen Nude Blonzer in Kiss of Pink and Complexion Rescue Skin Perfecting Tint.
Youngblood
Harnessing the power of Mother Nature, all the pigments and powders in this clean beauty buy are 100 per cent natural. A blend of pure minerals like titanium dioxide, iron oxides, and mica, with a generous helping of plant extracts and oils, that both tint the skin and nourish at the same time. Yes, and no irritants like the usual suspects: mineral oil, phthalates, artificial fragrances, preservatives or talc. From the Pro Sculpt Creme Contour Stick, $89, that glides on the skin where you want to show off a lit-from-within glow, to the luxurious Everglow Lip Oil, $62. A gloss-oil hybrid, infused with antioxidant-rich plant oils, drenches the lips in a mirror-like shine while plumping thanks to the benefits of peptides. It comes in five shades, pictured here, Bitten Berry. However, for us, one of their best beauty buys is the Weekender Palette, $125. Travel-friendly, double-sided palette, with nine gorgeous eyeshadows in matte, satin, and metallics. Two blush colours and two highlighters - colours to suit every skin tone.
Haus Labs
Lady Gaga is the founder of this collection of clean artistry makeup. An inclusive design to meet the makeup needs of every colour, age, and gender - its formulas are multi-benefit blends of skincare ingredients with natural mineral powders, all of which are talc-free. One cult beauty buy with a 54-strong shade selection is the Triclone Skin Tech Concealer, $60. Not only does it wipe out dark circles and hide blemishes, but it’s stacked with nourishing hyaluronic acid, brightening niacinamide, as well as a raft of antioxidant plant extracts and oils. Another must-try is the Color Fuse Blush Powder, $63. The brand describes it as a Bio-Radiant Gel-Powder Highlighter, to brighten dull skin, which is packed with arnica extract and bold mineral pigments that can leave a wash of freshness on the skin or a statement pop of pretty colour. There are six colours, pictured here: Dragon Fruit Daze.
So, what’s wrong with talc in makeup? Discover why it’s on the nasties list.