Talc

FAQ

What is talc?
 
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral, mined from the earth.  It comes from the same family as clays and is used as an ingredient in many types of cosmetic products. Cosmetic grade talc has the highest grade of quality and purity.   
 
What is talc used for? 
 
Talc is known for its absorbing properties, smooth feel, and ability to disperse pigments. A very limited number of Avon products contain talc and those that do always use cosmetic grade talc.  
Why is the safety of talc under question?
 
Asbestos is also a naturally occurring mineral that may be found in close proximity to talc in the earth.  There are talc mining sites that do not contain asbestos, but talc mined from certain sites may be contaminated with asbestos.  Unlike talc, asbestos can cause cancer when inhaled.  We only use cosmetic grade talc which has been tested to confirm that it does not contain asbestos. 
 
Are Avon’s products safe to use?
 
Yes. Any product that carries the Avon name has undergone a rigorous and thorough safety evaluation.  We have the same standards of quality and safety worldwide and are fully compliant with all regulations related to product ingredients and safety. 
 
The small amount of talc used in a few products is the highest quality, cosmetic grade and has been tested to confirm that it does not contain asbestos.