Lets face it, there are a lot of nasty things floating around in our makeup products right now.  Everything from preservatives to skin irritating alcohol can be found in our favorite cosmetics. One ingredient that has been in the spotlight lately is talc, and its supposed connection to cancer. Talc can be found in everything from eye shadows to liquid foundations, and is often used to soak up excess oil which is why it is often marketed to those with oily/ acne prone skin.

While a lot has been said about talc, many of the info out there is sensationalized, and doesn't paint an accurate picture. So what's the real deal about talc? Is it actually dangerous? We're here to set the record straight on this mineral, and offer you a shopping guide in the form of a list of talc free makeup brands we know you'll love.

So What is Talc?

Talc, otherwise known as talcum powder, is a  soft white, grey, or pale green mineral that is mined from underground rocks. It is used in a wide variety of ways and can be found in everything from antacids to baby powders and deodorants. As mentioned above, it's used in makeup to soak up excess oils, leaving the skin with a less shiny more matte finish. Outside of makeup, it can also be found in skin care showing up in everything from moisturizers to cleansers (don't worry Moella Beauty does not use talc!).

 Why is Talc Considered Dangerous?

Talc is considered dangerous because of it's supposed connection to cancer. You might remember a certain brand being thrown in the spotlight recently over claims its baby powder causes ovarian cancer. One of the main ingredients in baby powder is talc, and well naturally it was blamed as the culprit. 

What many people don't know however is that the talc in the baby powder was found to be contaminated with asbestos. You see talc is a mineral that has to be mined from underground deposits, many of these deposits also contain asbestos another more dangerous mineral that causes cancer. Due to both minerals being in such close proximity to each other, it is possible for asbestos to contaminate talc as it is being mined. That contaminated talc then finds its way into our makeup and skin care products potentially causing harm.

Unfortunately there is no way to know for sure which brands use talc that hasn't been contaminated with asbestos. Talc contaminated with asbestos has been found in everything from baby powder to children's makeup. The best way to avoid coming into contact with contaminated talc is well to avoid talc all together. Which brings us to...

Talc Free Makeup Brands To Check Out

For those looking for talc free makeup brands, you'll find that all natural/organic cosmetic brands are the best way to go. These brands are usually committed to providing customers with a safe beauty experience. As this list will show, there are exceptions to this rule.

Au Naturale

Vapor Organic Beauty

Coverfx

Makeup Geek

Ecco Bella

Rejuva Minerals

Impulse Cosmetics

Smashbox

Silk Naturals

Pacifica

Afterglow Cosmetics

MBA Cosmetics

Epic Mineral Beauty

Nvey Eco

Shiro Cosmetics

Shea Moisture

Star Crushed Minerals

Origins

Juice Beauty

Burt Bees

100 Percent Pure

Honest Beauty

It Cosmetics

Josie Maran Cosmetics

RMS Beauty

theBalm

Jane Iredale 

Jurlique

Physicians Formula (only the Organic Wear Line)

Affordable Mineral Makeup

Omiana

Pur Cosmetics

How to Avoid Potentially Dangerous Makeup

A great tool to use to avoid buying makeup that contains talc is the Think Dirty App. The app gives you not only information on the ingredients in your favorite products, but also provides a safety rating to better help you avoid dangerous ingredients in cosmetics. The Think Dirty App is available for download on the App Store and on Google Play.

Have anything to add? Know of any makeup brands that deserve recognition for there talc free ingredients? Feel free to comment below.