What is talc and why are talc alternatives needed?
Talc is an additive in many types of cosmetics and is primarily used to absorb moisture, prevent caking, add opacity, or enhance texture. Talc is a naturally occurring mineral with a chemical formula of Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂ (magnesium, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen).
There has been concern for many years about a potential link between talc and instances of cancer, although studies have not conclusively proven such a link. There has also been concern about asbestos contamination in talc, since both minerals are often found in close proximity.
As studies continue, it is important for cosmetics brands to have talc alternatives that can be used in product formulations, especially products that may be applied to children or to sensitive areas of the body where potential links to ovarian cancer have been suspected.
Sensifeel Talc Alternatives from Sensient
Sensient Beauty produces several high-quality mineral powders designed as alternatives to talc in cosmetic applications. The Sensifeel product line is ethically sourced from the coastal plains of the Southeastern United States, and Sensifeel products are well-suited for pressed or loose powders and tinted moisturizers.
Sensifeel Soft TA – Applications for pressed/loose powder, tinted moisturizer
INCI
- UNTREATED – Sensifeel Soft TA: Mica, Kaolin
- SURFACE TREATED
- Sensifeel Soft TA AS: Mica, Kaolin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane
- Sensifeel Soft TA BA*: Mica, Kaolin, Persea Gratissima (Avacodo) Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Tocopherol (*Coming Soon)
REGULATORY STATUS
- Globally compliant
COSMETIC BENEFITS
- Transparent with glowy finish
- Soft and dewy feel
Sensifeel Mica-22 – Applications for pressed/loose powder, tinted moisturizer
INCI
- UNTREATED – Sensifeel Mica-22: Mica
- SURFACE TREATED
- Sensifeel Mica-22 AS*: Mica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane (*Coming Soon)
- Sensifeel Mica-22 BA*: Mica, Persea Gratissima (Avacodo) Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Tocopherol (*Coming Soon)
REGULATORY STATUS
- Globally compliant
COSMETIC BENEFITS
- Provides opacity
- Soft and creamy feel
Product Identity Sheet
DOWNLOAD – Sensifeel Product Identity Sheet VHM
Additional Reading
Talc – Cosmetic Ingredient Overview By the FDA
Excerpts from the article:
Talc is an ingredient used in many cosmetics, from baby powder to blush. From time to time, FDA has received questions about its safety and whether talc contains harmful contaminants, such as asbestos.
Asbestos: What it is, Why it is a Concern, and How to Prevent its Occurrence in Cosmetics: Asbestos is also a naturally occurring silicate mineral, but with a different crystal structure. Both talc and asbestos are naturally occurring minerals that may be found in close proximity in the earth. Unlike talc, however, asbestos is a known carcinogen when inhaled. There is the potential for contamination of talc with asbestos and therefore, it is important to select talc mining sites carefully and take steps to test the ore sufficiently.”
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