Document mmYemrMG7BnkXqog55g3nK8Od
FILE NAM E: Talc (TALC) DATE: 2016 DOC#: TALC138 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: FDA Info on Talc
Ingredients > Talc
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Protecting and Promoting Your Health
5/28/16, 12:12 PM
Talc
Talc is an ingredient used in many cosmetics, from baby powder to blush. From time to time, FDA has received questions about its safety and whether talc contains harmful contaminants, such as asbestos.
FDA's authority over cosmetic safety Under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), cosmetic products and ingredients, with the exception of color additives, do not have to undergo FDA review or approval before they go on the market. Cosmetics must be properly labeled, and they must be safe for use by consumers under labeled or customary conditions of use. Cosmetic companies have a legal responsibility for the safety and labeling of their products and ingredients, but the law does not require them to share their safety information with FDA.
FDA monitors for potential safety problems with cosmetic products on the market and takes action when needed to protect public health. Before we can take such action against a cosmetic, we need sound scientific data to show that it is harmful under its intended use.
Talc: What it is and how it is used in cosmetics Talc is a naturally occurring mineral, mined from the earth, composed of magnesium, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Chemically, talc Is a hydrous magnesium silicate with a chemical formula of Mg3Si40io(OH)2.
Talc has many uses in cosmetics and other personal care products; in food, such as rice and chewing gum; and in the manufacture of tablets. For example, it may be used to absorb moisture, to prevent caking, to make facial makeup opaque, or to improve the feel of a product.
Asbestos: What it is, why it's a concern, and how to prevent its occurrence in cosmetics
Asbestos is also a naturally occurring silicate mineral, but with a different crystal structure. Both talc and asbestos are naturally occurring minerals that may be found in close proximity in the earth. Unlike talc, however, asbestos is a known carcinogen. For this reason, FDA considers it unacceptable for cosmetic talc to be contaminated with asbestos.
Published scientific literature going back to the 1960s has suggested a possible association between the use of powders containing talc and the incidence of ovarian cancer. However, these studies have not conclusively demonstrated such a link, or if such a link existed, what risk factors might be involved. Nevertheless, questions about the potential contamination of talc with asbestos have been raised since the 1970s.
To prevent contamination of talc with asbestos, it is essential to select talc mining sites carefully and take steps to purify the ore sufficiently.
How FDA followed up on the latest reports
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/Produotslngredients/lngredients/ucm293184.htm
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Ingredients > Talc
5/28/16, 12:12 PM
Because safety questions about the possible presence of asbestos in talc are raised periodically, FDA decided to conduct an exploratory survey of currently marketed cosmetic-grade raw material talc, as well as some cosmetic products containing talc.
Because FDA's cosmetic laboratories do not have the equipment needed to perform the analyses, we searched for a qualified outside laboratory to do the work. We contracted with AMA Analytical Services, Inc. (AMA) of Lanham, MD to conduct this laboratory survey, based on demonstrated experience with asbestos analysis in complex matrices, appropriate facilities, equipment, personnel, analytical strategy, and budget criteria. The study ran from September 28, 2009 to September 27, 2010.
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How the survey was conducted
The first step was to identify cosmetic talc suppliers and talc-containing cosmetic products. We found seven talc suppliers identified in the 2008 edition of the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook and two more by searching online. The contract laboratory contacted each supplier to request samples of its talc. Of the nine suppliers identified, four complied with the request.
We found talc-containing cosmetic products to analyze by visiting various retail outlets in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The samples identified for testing included low, medium, and high priced products, along with some from "niche" markets, in order to cover as broad a product range as possible. A total of thirty-four cosmetic products containing talc were selected, including eye shadow, blush, foundation, face powder, and body powder. All cosmetic products were purchased from retail stores in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
The contract laboratory analyzed the samples using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods published by the New York State Department of Health, Environmental Laboratory Approval Program. Each sample was analyzed three times using both methods.
The results of FDA's survey and what they mean
The survey found no asbestos fibers or structures in any of the samples of cosmetic-grade raw material talc or cosmetic products containing talc. The results were limited, however, by the fact that only four talc suppliers submitted samples and by the number of products tested. For these reasons, while FDA finds these results informative, they do not prove that most or all talc or talc-containing cosmetic products currently marketed in the United States are likely to be free of asbestos contamination. As always, when potential public health concerns are raised, we will continue to monitor for new information and take appropriate actions to protect the public health.
The tables below list details for each of the cosmetic-grade raw material talc samples and cosmetic products containing talc that were analyzed in this survey. Limits of detection are shown below the table for each group of samples. Note: "NAD" means "no asbestos detected."
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Cosmetic-grade raw material talc
S u p p lie r
Product Identity
L o t#
% Asbestos by PLM
Rio Tin to M in e ra ls /L u ze n a c A m erica
Im perial 2 0 0 U S P
H10018
NAD
Rio Tin to M in e ra ls /L u ze n a c A m erica
Im perial 2 5 0 U S P
H10018
NAD
Rio T in to M in e ra ls /L u ze n a c A m erica
Im perial 4 0 0 U S P
H 06049-43
NAD
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/Productslngredients/lngredients/ucm293184.htm
% Asbestos by TEM NAD NAD NAD
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Ingredients > Talc
5/28/16, 12:12 PM
Rio Tinto M in e ra ls /L u ze n a c A m erica Rio T in to M in erals/L u zen ac A m erica Rio Tin to M in erals/L u zen ac A m erica Rio T in to M in erals/L u zen ac A m erica
O lym pic H U S P Suprem e H U SP Lot 2 Supra H USP Suprafino H U S P
H04018
NAD
H09219-7S NAD
H10018
NAD
H 6309-78
NAD
NAD NAD NAD NAD
PLM average limit of quantitation and limit of detection = 0.23% 0.01 TEM average limit of detection = 0.0000021 % 1.26567E-09 TEM average limit of detection = 0.021 ppm 0.001 TEM average limit of quantitation = 0.46% 0.01
Supplier Presperse Presperse Presperse Presperse Presperse Presperse
Product Identity Micro Ace P-2 Micro Ace P-4 Rose Talc Talc NK-48 TalClear BH TalClear LH
Lot # 33070516 37080823 2008-09 017 0306 070608 070529
% Asbestos by PLM NAD NAD NAD NAD NAD NAD
% Asbestos by TEM NAD NAD NAD NAD NAD NAD
PLM average limit of quantitation and limit of detection = 0.22% 0.01 TEM average limit of detection = 0.0000021 % 3.0099E-09 TEM average limit of detection = 0.021 ppm 0.003 TEM average limit of quantitation = 0.43% 0.02
Supplier
Sensient Cosmetic Technologies
Sensient Cosmetic Technologies
Sensient Cosmetic Technologies
Sensient Cosmetic Technologies
Sensient Cosmetic Technologies
Product Identity Lot#
% Asbestos by PLM
28355 Talc PP
W249-06 NAD
28368 Talc NBSB
W080720 NAD
28460 Talc F-MS W053-08 NAD
61631 Talc LCW 26449
NAD
R0175 Talc FHC W041397 NAD
% Asbestos by TEM NAD NAD NAD NAD NAD
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/Productslngredients/lngredients/ucm293184.htm
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Ingredients > Talc
5/28/16, 12:12 PM
Sensient Cosmetic Technologies
Sensient Cosmetic Technologies
R0255 Talc SI
W05630 NAD
R0435TalcAS
W061176 NAD
PLM average limit of quantitation and limit of detection = 0.22% 0.01 TEM average limit of detection = 0.0000022% 1.91529E-09 TEM average limit of detection = 0.022 ppm 0.002 TEM average limit of quantitation = 0.43% 0.01
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NAD NAD
Supplier
Brenntag Specialties, Inc.
Brenntag Specialties, Inc.
Brenntag Specialties, Inc.
Brenntag Specialties, Inc.
Brenntag Specialties, Inc.
Brenntag Specialties, Inc.
Brenntag Specialties, Inc.
Product Identity Talc IMP BCIMP1886L
Lot# H01018
% Asbestos by PLM
NAD
Supra H USP BC(*1718)
H10016 NAD
Imperial 400 USP BC (*1883) H01017 NAD
Talcron MP 60-30 USP (1745) B8141N1 NAD
Talc IMP BC IMP1820L
H07018 NAD
Talc Imperial USP BC IMP1885L
Lo-Micron USP BC 2755
H10017 NAD B7375N2 NAD
PLM average limit of quantitation and limit of detection = 0.23% 0.01 TEM average limit of detection = 0.0000021 % 2.10373E-09 TEM average limit of detection = 0.021 ppm 0.002 TEM average limit of quantitation = 0.46% 0.01
% Asbestos by TEM NAD NAD NAD NAD NAD NAD NAD
Cosmetic products containing talc Blush:
Brand
Shade
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/Productslngredients/lngredients/ucm293184.htm
% Asbestos by PLM
% Asbestos by TEM
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Ingredients > Talc
Maybelline New York Expert Wear Blush
Gentle Rose 109EWBR-30
N.Y.C. New York Color Cheek Glow Powder Blush
West Side Wine 652A
NARS Blush
Torrid 4017
NAD NAD NAD
NAD
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NAD NAD
Eye Shadow:
Brand Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner Black Radiance Eyeshadow Quartet
Stilla Eye Shadow Trio
Dior 5-Colour Iridescent Eyeshadow
Shade
Hazel Eyes 2222
Retro Chic 8805
Venus S461-03
Petal Shine 809
% Asbestos by PLM
% Asbestos by TEM
NAD
NAD
NAD
NAD
NAD
NAD
NAD
NAD
Foundation: Brand Black Opal True Color Liquid Foundation Laura Mercier Foundation Powder
Shade
% Asbestos by PLM
Heavenly Honey NAD
Number 2
NAD
% Asbestos by TEM NAD NAD
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Brand LA Colors Pressed Powder Revlon Color Stay Pressed Powder Cover Girl TruBlend Mineral Loose Mineral Powder Physician's Formula Summer Eclipse Bronzing & Shimmery Face Powder
Shade Nude BPP320 Fair 810 Translucent Fair 405 Moonlight/Light Bronzer 3104
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetlcs/Productslngredients/lngredients/ucm293184.htm
% Asbestos by PLM NAD NAD NAD NAD
% Asbestos by TEM NAD NAD NAD NAD
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Ingredients > Talc
Wet n Wild Bronzer Iman Luxury Pressed Powder Coty Air Spun Loose Face Powder Black Opal Color Fusion Powder
Black Radiance Pressed Powder
Posner Finishing Touch Pressed Powder N.Y.C. New York Color Loose Face Powder Almay Nearly Naked Loose Powder Clinique Stay Matte Sheer Pressed Powder BeneFit Hello Flawless Custom Powder Cover-Up for Face SPF 15 Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights Intermix Pressed Powder Guerlain Meteorites Poudre de Perles Illuminating Perfecting Pressed Powder Urban Decay Baked Bronzer
Body Powder:
Light/Medium 701
NAD
Clay Medium Dark
NAD
Translucent 070-24
NAD
Mosaic Raspberry Bronzer
NAD
Rich Mahogany Acajou riche 8607B
NAD
Honey Beige 53124
NAD
Translucent 741A
NAD
Light/pale 100
NAD
Invisible Matte 101
NAD
Me Vain? Champagne 1B168
NAD
Baked Stardust DL 106 NAD
Mythic Parfait 01
NAD
Gilded
NAD
Brand Johnson's Baby Powder CVS Brand Baby Powder Rite Aid Baby Powder Anti Monkey Butt Powder Assured Shower & Bath Absorbent Body Powder Angel of Mine Baby Powder Family Dollar Mild Baby Powder
Shade
% Asbestos by PLM
n/a
NAD
n/a
NAD
n/a
NAD
n/a
NAD
n/a
NAD
n/a
NAD
n/a
NAD
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/Productslngredlents/lngredlents/ucm293184.htm
5/28/16, 12:12 PM
NAD NAD NAD NAD
NAD
NAD NAD NAD NAD NAD
NAD
NAD
NAD
% Asbestos by TEM NAD NAD NAD NAD NAD NAD NAD
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Ingredients > Talc
Shower to Shower Morning Fresh Absorbent Body Powder
n/a
NAD
PLM average limit of quantitation and limit of detection = 0.19% 0.04 TEM average limit of detection = 0.0000044% 1.76229E-08 TEM average limit of detection = 0.044 ppm 0.018 TEM average limit of quantitation = 0.39% 0.08
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NAD
5/28/16, 12:12 PM
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetlcs/Productslngredients/lngredients/ucm293184.htm
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