Good Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Talc

INCI: TALC

CAS Number

14807-96-6

Function

Absorbent; anti-caking agent; bulking agent; slip agent; opacifier; used in powder cosmetics, dry shampoos, face powders, body powders, and talc-based foundations

Safety Rating

GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted

EU Max Conc. No specific EU concentration limit. Heavy metal impurities in talc raw material must comply with BVL/BfR trace limits: lead ≤ 10 ppm (general), arsenic ≤ 2.5 ppm, nickel ≤ 10 ppm (soluble), cadmium ≤ 0.1 ppm. EU requires documentation of technically unavoidable heavy metal impurities in the PIF. Nano form (particle < 100 nm) would require pre-market notification.

🇺🇸 US Status permitted

US Notes FDA surveys confirmed talc-containing products (powders, blushes, eye shadows, compact powders) consistently show highest heavy metal concentrations among cosmetic categories. FDA has tested talc for asbestos contamination (separate concern from heavy metals). MoCRA requires all mineral-heavy formulations to have documented heavy metal testing for safety substantiation.

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)

adequate

Dermal Absorption

low

Sensitization

low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

6 study endpoints found for 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 permitted mineral ingredient that is the primary carrier of heavy metal impurities in powder cosmetics. FDA survey data confirms talc-containing formulations show the highest heavy metal concentrations of all cosmetic categories. Every batch requires documented ICP-MS heavy metal testing for MoCRA safety substantiation and EU PIF compliance. Evaluate geological source carefully and require asbestos-free certification (USP or ISO).

⚠️

Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

heavy-metal-impurity-source icp-ms-batch-testing-required asbestos-certification-required inhalation-risk mocra-substantiation-required eu-pif-documentation-required high-risk-powder-products geological-source-dependent eu_children_restricted fda_food_additive eu_cosing_listed jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Talc safe in cosmetics?

Is Talc allowed in the EU?

Talc EU regulatory status: permitted. Maximum allowed concentration: No specific EU concentration limit. Heavy metal impurities in talc raw material must comply with BVL/BfR trace limits: lead ≤ 10 ppm (general), arsenic ≤ 2.5 ppm, nickel ≤ 10 ppm (soluble), cadmium ≤ 0.1 ppm. EU requires documentation of technically unavoidable heavy metal impurities in the PIF. Nano form (particle < 100 nm) would require pre-market notification.. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Talc do in cosmetics?

Talc functions as: Absorbent; anti-caking agent; bulking agent; slip agent; opacifier; used in powder cosmetics, dry shampoos, face powders, body powders, and talc-based foundations. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 14807-96-6.

What is the Margin of Safety for 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 Talc?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for 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 Talc classified as hazardous under GHS?

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 Talc compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder

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82 Allergen Checker

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Substance Compliance

Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions

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MoS Calculator

Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology

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Heavy Metal Limits

Compare limits across jurisdictions

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