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Talc

What Talc is & what it does

A soft mineral powder that absorbs oil, adds slip, and gives a smooth, silky, matte finish. It improves the feel of powders and creams.

What is Talc and what does it do in sunscreen?

Talc is a soft mineral powder used as a mattifier. In a sunscreen or tinted formula it absorbs oil, adds slip, and gives a smooth, silky, matte finish. It is especially common in powder and tinted products where it improves how the product feels and looks on skin.

Is Talc safe?

Yes, when it is cosmetic-grade. Talc used in skincare and makeup is purified and tested to be free of asbestos, which is the contamination that historically caused concern. As a finished cosmetic ingredient it sits on the surface of the skin and is well tolerated. The main caution is to avoid heavily inhaling loose powders.

Does Talc clog pores?

Generally no. Talc is an inert mineral powder that absorbs oil rather than adding it, and it is not considered comedogenic for most people. It is used to mattify and smooth, so it is an unlikely cause of breakouts compared with the oils and waxes in a formula.

Is Talc natural?

Yes. Talc is a naturally occurring mineral, a hydrated magnesium silicate that is mined and then purified for cosmetic use. The purification step is what ensures it is asbestos-free and safe for skin.

What else is Talc called?

On an ingredient list it simply appears as Talc, which is both its common and INCI name. It is the same mineral often associated with talcum powder. In sunscreens it is most common in powders and tinted formulas.

Sunscreens with Talc

We rate 312 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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