Beauty brands reformulate products amid talc concerns

Several well-known beauty brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Nars, and Laura Mercier are reformulating products to remove talc, a common ingredient in powder-based cosmetics, NBC News reported.

Talc has traditionally been used for its texture-enhancing properties, helping powders feel smooth, blend evenly, and reduce shine, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Bowles. It is generally well tolerated and not a common allergen.

Despite talc’s versatility, affordability, and compatibility with other ingredients, some brands are choosing talc-free formulations due to regulatory pressures and consumer concerns, NBC News explained.

Experts say that a product containing talc is not necessarily unsafe; factors like dose, application, and supply chain are important. Reactions to powders are more often linked to fragrances or preservatives rather than talc itself.

Consumers are advised to consider these factors when choosing cosmetics, and some brands have always offered talc-free options or recently introduced them as part of their product lines.