Silica microspheres: safe alternative to talc

Once a popular ingredient in cosmetics, talcums and baby powders, talc has come under question for its potential toxicity. Talc is a soft, smooth and natural mineral that is crushed and refined into a fine powder for use in cosmetic formulations.

Having similar properties to silica but much cheaper in cost, talc is a main ingredient in liquid and powder makeup such as blush, eyeliner, eye shadow and foundation. It provides lubrication and improves product texture and feel.

When mined from the earth, talc deposits often are located in close proximity to asbestos, a cancer-causing agent. Therefore, digging for talc too deep or near an overlapping asbestos deposit will capture this contaminant. As a result, mined talc can contain asbestos, creating a risk for cancer

Talc powder and ovarian cancer

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