Talc

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Talc?

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 8 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Talc avoid - not safe for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For infants 6–12 months (older babies), talc is not recommended. It can be breathed in and may be contaminated with asbestos-like fibers; some health agencies have raised cancer concerns and some countries restrict its use.

What to Do

Avoid using powders that contain talc on babies. Choose talc-free alternatives (for example cornstarch-based baby powders) and keep any powder far from your baby's face. If you must use a powder, sprinkle it into your hand away from the baby and then apply it to the skin to reduce dust clouds. Store products out of reach.

⚠️Warnings

Do not apply talc near a baby’s nose, mouth, or diaper area; do not use on broken or irritated skin. Watch for coughing, noisy breathing, persistent cough, or breathing trouble after exposure and call your pediatrician if these happen. These warnings follow findings and restrictions reported by health agencies (for example IARC, Health Canada, and Environment Canada) about contamination and cancer concerns.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: Government and health review bodies have linked talc to cancer. The ingredient record includes listings of 'known human carcinogen' and notes evaluations by an international cancer research agency (IARC) that found evidence connecting talc exposure to cancer in some uses. This means using talc (especially powdered forms that can be inhaled or used in the genital area) has been tied to increased cancer risk in some studies.
Banned: Several regulators limit or restrict talc in cosmetics. The ingredient record shows use and manufacturing restrictions cited by the EU Cosmetics rules and Health Canada, meaning some governments have banned or tightly limited talc in certain products or concentrations.
Organ Risk: A national environmental health agency (Environment Canada) classifies talc as expected to be toxic or harmful to non-reproductive organs and gives it a medium human-health priority. The record also flags contamination with asbestos-like (asbestiform) fibers, which can damage lungs after inhalation.
Long-Term Risk: The harms linked to talc (cancer and organ damage) are tied to repeated or long-term exposure. Agencies that reviewed talc list these long-term health concerns, so regular use over time raises added risk.
Absorbed: The ingredient record notes enhanced skin absorption for talc in some uses. That means talc or impurities in talc may more easily get past the skin and into the body in some product forms.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Talc

This ingredient may also be listed as:

talcum powdertalc super fintalcsuper fine talcTalc super finSuper Fine TalcP 3COSMETIC TALCFRENCH CHALKTALC (MG3H2(SIO3)4)MAGNESIUM SILICATE TALCHYDROUS MAGNESIUM SILICATETALC35592-05-3DTXSID10189057SILICIC ACID (H2SIO3), MAGNESIUM SALT (4:3)

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Talc

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Talc or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Talc

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Talc safety and effects.

Common Questions About Talc

Can older babies safely use Talc?

Talc is not recommended for 6-12 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the cancer risks of Talc for older babies?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the banned risks of Talc for older babies?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Talc for older babies?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of Talc for older babies?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the absorbed risks of Talc for older babies?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Talc?

Talc is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

Is this appropriate for older babies to using products with Talc?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 6-12 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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