Why is talc in my make-up and is it safe?

Why is talc in my make-up and is it safe?

From What in the World by BBC World Service

April 16, 2026 · 11 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the safety of talc in make-up and its potential link to asbestos.

Today we’re talking talc… that white powder that is sometimes found in make-up. There’s been a lot of chat recently about the safety of talc. So, in this episode we find out why it’s in our make-up and cosmetics, and whether we should be avoiding it. BBC journalist Phoebe Keane, who produced the podcast series Talc Tales, explains what talc is and its link to asbestos, a known carcinogen. We also discuss the different tests that are used to determine if talc has been contaminated with asbestos. The World Health Organization has classified talc as “probably carcinogenic to humans”. Several companies, including Johnson & Johnson, Chanel and L’Oreal have been quietly moving away from using talc-based products in recent years. But do consumers care about this? We hear from Savannah, a PhD student and make-up content creator. And what can you use if you want to avoid talc in make-up? Jen Novakovich, a science communicator and cosmetic scientist, suggests some alternatives. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Mora Morrison and Benita Barden Video producer: Tim Hodges Editor: Verity Wilde and…

People in this episode

Host: Iqra Farooq

Guests: Savannah, Jen Novakovich

Topics covered

  • talc
  • make-up safety
  • cosmetics
  • asbestos
  • carcinogens
  • consumer awareness
  • alternatives to talc

Keywords

  • talc
  • make-up
  • asbestos
  • carcinogenic
  • cosmetics
  • safety
  • alternatives

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: World Health Organization, Johnson & Johnson, Chanel, L’Oreal, BBC World Service

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