As a dry shampoo user, you know that the best products work by soaking up excess oil and odors without having to wash your hair.
But did you know that most dry shampoos have an ingredient called talc?
Talc is one of the most common ingredients in beauty products because it absorbs moisture and powdery substances well.
You’ll find it in everything from makeup to baby powder—and yes, even some hair products!
Why do dry shampoos have talc?
Talc is the most common ingredient in dry shampoo.
It’s used to help absorb oil and dirt from your scalp, which helps make your hair look clean. It also helps give the product a powdery feel, which contributes to its absorbent action. Talc can help absorb excess moisture and control static electricity as well.
What does the FDA say about talc in dry shampoos?
The FDA has not set a limit on the amount of talc that can be used in dry shampoo. The same goes for baby powder, which also contains talc.
The FDA states that: “Talcum powder is widely used in cosmetics, particularly baby powders and deodorants. The primary use of talcum powders is to absorb moisture. The exact mechanism by which asbestos causes pleural mesothelioma (a type of lung cancer) is unknown; however, it may result from inhalation of fibers such as asbestos or other similar materials.”
How much is actually in dry shampoo?
Dry shampoo formulas vary in the amount of talc they contain, and it can be hard to know exactly how much is in your favorite brand.
Talc is a natural mineral that occurs around the world, but the good news is that it’s been approved by the FDA for use as an additive in cosmetics and personal care products.
As a result, you won’t find talc in any type of food or drug item — only those intended for personal use.
However, some people may be allergic or prone to respiratory problems when exposed to talcum powder or other dusts containing asbestos (which has been banned for use in cosmetic products).
You may want to avoid using dry shampoos if you’re concerned about this possibility and consult your doctor if you have any concerns about what ingredients are safe for you to use.
Which dry shampoos have the most/least amount of talc?
While some manufacturers have started to use corn starch as an alternative to talc for their dry shampoos (a natural choice), there are still plenty of options available that use this traditional ingredient.
So if you’re looking for something with a little more kick under your scalp than what corn starch can offer, then don’t worry!
You can still buy yourself some great products with talc in them without having any problems with allergies or sensitivities!
Are there any other ingredients that can be used instead of talc in dry shampoo formulas?
If you are concerned about the use of talc in your dry shampoo, keep reading.
Talc is one of the most common ingredients in dry shampoos, but it’s not the only one.
There are several other ingredients that can be used instead of talc in dry shampoo formulas.
Some common alternatives include cornstarch, arrowroot powder and kaolin clay which all absorb oil at a similar rate as talc does.
Silica is another option as well because it absorbs oil as well as acts as a thickening agent for your formula.
Is it safe to use a different type of powder than what’s recommended on the label (e.g., cornstarch instead of talc)?
You can use cornstarch instead of talc, but it’s not recommended.
Although the mineral is a natural part of soil and rocks, some studies indicate that talc may be linked to an increased risk for ovarian cancer.
Whether you opt for cornstarch or other non-talc powders, make sure to read the product label carefully before you buy.
Final Thoughts
Given the fact that talc has been linked to cancer in some studies, it’s worth asking your doctor if using a dry shampoo with this ingredient really is safe.
And even if it isn’t, there are plenty of other powders out there you can use instead!
You don’t have to give up on dry shampoo just because it contains talc—it’s just one more thing we all need to think about when making this purchase.
