what is talcum powder

Talcum powder is a powder made from talc, a natural mineral composed primarily of hydrated magnesium silicate. Talc is soft, smooth, and finely ground to create this powder, which is used to absorb moisture and reduce friction on the skin, making it helpful in preventing rashes and keeping skin dry. Talcum powder is commonly found in baby powders, cosmetics, adult body powders, deodorants, and some pharmaceuticals. It was historically popular in products like Johnson & Johnson's Baby Powder until concerns arose about contamination with asbestos—a cancer-causing agent sometimes naturally found alongside talc in the earth. Although refined talc for cosmetics is intended to be asbestos- free, inhaling talcum powder can still cause respiratory issues. Talc’s softness makes it useful as a lubricant and thickening agent in various industries beyond cosmetics, including paper, paint, and plastics. However, safety concerns have shifted many products away from talc toward alternatives like cornstarch-based powders.