Good Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

CI 77718 (Talc)

INCI: CI 77718

CAS Number
14807-96-6
Function
Colorant; Absorbent; Bulking Agent; Slip Modifier. Naturally occurring hydrated magnesium silicate mineral (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2). Used as a white colorant, opacifier, and texture modifier in cosmetics. Provides slip, smoothness, and opacity to face powders, eye shadows, blushes, baby powders, foundations, and body powders. CIR Expert Panel concluded Talc is safe as used in cosmetics. The primary safety concern is inhalation of fine talc particles, especially for infants and when used in aerosol or loose powder formats. Asbestos contamination risk requires strict purity controls on cosmetic-grade talc.
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status restricted
EU Max Conc. Annex IV (permitted colorant); Annex III (restricted substance with warning required for inhalable products and use on children under 3 years)
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Listed as a color additive exempt from certification under 21 CFR 73.2550. Permitted for coloring cosmetics generally, including cosmetics intended for use in the area of the eye. Cosmetic-grade talc must contain no detectable asbestos. FDA has proposed and then withdrawn rulemaking on asbestos testing methods for talc-containing cosmetics; ongoing regulatory focus on asbestos contamination testing.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
negligible
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

6 study endpoints found for CI 77718 (Talc). NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.

Endpoint Value Route Species Study Type Source
NOAEL 900 mg/kg bw/day oral rabbit Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 1600 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 1600 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 1200 mg/kg bw/day oral syrian hamster Developmental COSMOS_DB
dose_tested 900 mg/kg bw/day oral rabbit Developmental COSMOS_DB
dose_tested 1600 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Developmental COSMOS_DB

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Signal Word
WARNING
Pictograms
cancer;health haz
Hazard Statements
May cause damage to lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled
Short-term Exposure Effects
May cause mechanical irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance may have effects on the lungs. This may result in pneumoconiosis. See Notes.
Routes of Exposure
Exposure mainly occurs via inhalation.

Expert Verdict

Widely used and generally safe mineral colorant and texture agent with low dermal concern. Key regulatory watchpoints are inhalation risk from fine particle formats (EU restricts use in inhalable products for young children) and asbestos contamination risk requiring strict sourcing and testing controls.

⚠️
Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

inorganic-colorant mineral-pigment natural-origin eu-annex-iv eu-annex-iii-restricted fda-exempt-certification eye-area-permitted inhalation-risk asbestos-contamination-risk cir-reviewed infant-warning eu_children_restricted fda_food_additive eu_cosing_listed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CI 77718 (Talc) safe in cosmetics?

Widely used and generally safe mineral colorant and texture agent with low dermal concern. Key regulatory watchpoints are inhalation risk from fine particle formats (EU restricts use in inhalable products for young children) and asbestos contamination risk requiring strict sourcing and testing controls. The EU classifies CI 77718 (Talc) as "restricted". Safety rating: GOOD. 6 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is CI 77718 (Talc) allowed in the EU?

CI 77718 (Talc) EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: Annex IV (permitted colorant); Annex III (restricted substance with warning required for inhalable products and use on children under 3 years). This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does CI 77718 (Talc) do in cosmetics?

CI 77718 (Talc) functions as: Colorant; Absorbent; Bulking Agent; Slip Modifier. Naturally occurring hydrated magnesium silicate mineral (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2). Used as a white colorant, opacifier, and texture modifier in cosmetics. Provides slip, smoothness, and opacity to face powders, eye shadows, blushes, baby powders, foundations, and body powders. CIR Expert Panel concluded Talc is safe as used in cosmetics. The primary safety concern is inhalation of fine talc particles, especially for infants and when used in aerosol or loose powder formats. Asbestos contamination risk requires strict purity controls on cosmetic-grade talc.. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 14807-96-6.

What is the Margin of Safety for CI 77718 (Talc)?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

What is the NOAEL for CI 77718 (Talc)?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for CI 77718 (Talc) is 900 mg/kg bw/day based on a Developmental study via oral route in rabbit. A total of 6 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Is CI 77718 (Talc) classified as hazardous under GHS?

CI 77718 (Talc) carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: May cause damage to lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.

Compliance Tools

Check CI 77718 (Talc) compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
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