Is Talc (asbestos risk) Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Talc (asbestos risk) is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name Talc. CAS 14807-96-6.
Is Talc (asbestos risk) banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | body powder, eyeshadow, baby powder |
| CAS number | 14807-96-6 |
What is Talc (asbestos risk)?
Talc (asbestos risk) (Talc) is a mineral powder.
Why is Talc (asbestos risk) used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Talc (asbestos risk) dangerous? Documented risks
Can be contaminated with asbestos; the EU requires asbestos-free talc and restricts use near the mouth/children.
Products that may contain Talc (asbestos risk)
- Secret Shower Fresh Invisible Solid AntiperspirantSecret
- Secret Clinical Strength Invisible SolidSecret
- Old Spice High Endurance Pure Sport AntiperspirantOld Spice
- Maybelline Eyeshadow PaletteMaybelline
- e.l.f. Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palettee.l.f.
- CoverGirl Clean Pressed Powder FoundationCoverGirl
- NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder FoundationNYX
- Secret Clinical Strength Smooth SolidSecret
How to avoid Talc (asbestos risk): safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Talc (asbestos risk)
Is Talc (asbestos risk) banned in the EU?
Talc (asbestos risk) is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Talc (asbestos risk) in US cosmetics?
Yes — Talc (asbestos risk) can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Talc (asbestos risk)?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Talc (asbestos risk) automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Talc (asbestos risk)?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Talc (asbestos risk).
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Talc (asbestos risk) or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.