Because we don’t play when it comes to what goes on your skin.
You might’ve heard the buzz—or the lawsuits—about talc in beauty products. But if you’re still wondering what talc actually is, or why Explicit Essentials said “hell no” to using it, this post is your no-BS breakdown.
Let’s talk about the ingredient big beauty brands don’t want to explain… and why we ditched it from the jump.
🧂 First of All, What Is Talc?
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral made up of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. It’s super soft, absorbent, and has been used for decades in things like:
Baby powder
Pressed makeup
Dry shampoo
Body powders
Sounds harmless, right?
Not so fast.
🚨 The Problem with Talc: Contamination & Cancer Risks
Here’s where it gets shady: talc is often found near asbestos—another naturally occurring mineral, but one that’s linked to cancer and banned in many countries. When talc is mined irresponsibly, it can be contaminated with trace amounts of asbestos.
There have been:
Multiple lawsuits (yes, including that one against Johnson & Johnson)
Studies linking talc to ovarian cancer and respiratory issues when inhaled
Ongoing concern from scientists and clean beauty watchdogs alike
❌ Why We Said NO to Talc
At Explicit Essentials, we don’t wait for a scandal to rethink our formulas. We build everything from the ground up with your safety—and our values—in mind.
That’s why we:
Never use talc in our dry shampoo, chafing powder, or body products
Use clean, skin-friendly alternatives like arrowroot powder and kaolin clay
Because you deserve soft, fresh skin without worrying about what’s hiding in your product label.
🧼 Wait, If You Don’t Use Talc—What Do You Use?
Glad you asked. Our talc-free products are formulated with:
Arrowroot powder – super gentle + naturally absorbent
Kaolin clay – detoxifying and oil-absorbing without irritation
Clean, ethical mica – for a shimmer that’s safe and stunning
💅 Talc-Free = Intentional AF
We’re not here to cut corners. We’re here to create products that feel good, smell good, and don’t compromise your health.
And if that means tossing talc in the trash? We’re good with that.
🖤 Every product you buy from us is talc-free, cruelty-free, and made by women who actually care what goes into your body care routine.