A recent FDA expert panel has recommended banning talc in consumer products over health concerns, prompting the agency to consider sweeping regulatory action.
At a Glance
- FDA panel convened May 20, 2025, to assess the safety of talc in food, drugs, and cosmetics
- Experts cited links between talc use and ovarian cancer, particularly with genital exposure
- Asbestos contamination in talc remains a major concern
- Magnesium stearate suggested as a safer alternative
- FDA previously proposed mandatory asbestos testing for talc-based products
Health Risks and Scientific Debate
At the May 2025 meeting, FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary warned that talc could have carcinogenic and pro-inflammatory effects, questioning its continued use in everyday consumer products. The panel, composed of independent experts, examined decades of data and raised significant concerns about the risks, especially in women who use talc-based products in the genital area.
Dr. Nicolas Wentzensen, a gynecologic oncologist, noted the challenge of isolating talc’s effects from those of asbestos—a frequent contaminant in natural talc. Meanwhile, Dr. Nicole Kleinstreuer recommended magnesium stearate as a safer substitute with a more favorable toxicological profile.
Epidemiologist Dr. Joellen Schildkraut acknowledged that while definitive proof of causality is lacking, the potential risks warrant removal from non-essential use. “If you don’t need to use it, why take a chance?” she said.
Regulatory Trends and Global Shifts
The FDA has already taken steps toward stricter regulation. In December 2024, it proposed a rule requiring cosmetic companies to test talc-containing products for asbestos, seeking to standardize testing protocols across the industry.
This domestic move aligns with global momentum: the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2024 reclassified talc as “probably carcinogenic,” and the European Union is planning a ban by 2027. These developments may accelerate reformulations by global cosmetics and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Watch a report: FDA panel recommends talc ban amid cancer concerns.
Industry Fallout and Consumer Guidance
If adopted, a U.S. ban would mark a significant regulatory shift, impacting a wide range of industries—from baby powder and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and food additives. Companies would be forced to reformulate products, undergo new safety testing, and respond to heightened consumer scrutiny.
The FDA is now reviewing the panel’s findings, and while no final decision has been announced, consumer advocates see this as a pivotal moment in the push for ingredient transparency and long-overdue health safeguards.
Until a formal ruling is made, experts recommend that consumers check product labels, opt for talc-free alternatives, and stay informed on regulatory updates as the FDA moves closer to potentially phasing out talc-based consumer goods.
