TALC (CAS No. 14807-96-6) is powdered, hydrous magnesium silicate. The substance is used as ingredient in cosmetic products in many functions (e.g. bulking, anticaking, opacifying, etc.) for a long time.
TALC is currently indicated in Annex III-59 of the EU Cosmetics Regulation1223/2009 , according to which products containing TALC must indicate safety warnings (specifically when intended for children), and manufacturers must ensure complete absence of asbestos contamination.
In September 2024, the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) adopted the classification of TALC as a CMR 1B substance . This classification has been decided due to a potential risk of cancer following repeated exposure, especially through inhalation.
According to Article 15 of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, once a substance is classified as CMR 1A or 1B, its use in cosmetics will be automatically prohibited, unless a specific exception is granted. An application for such an exception has been already submitted following the publication of the classification. If this application fails, the ban of TALC for cosmetics may be announced in late 2026 and take effect by early 2027. The UK HSE is currently conducting a parallel assessment and will most probably follow the EU’ approach.
Cosmetic manufacturers and brands should keep an eye on all developments and consider reformulations ahead of an anticipated EU and UK ban of TALC accordingly.