In January 2026, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published its evaluation on the use of talc in cosmetic items. This technical document reviews proposals for classifying talc under the GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. Officials stated that current evidence does not justify classifying talc as a carcinogen. The assessment focuses solely on talc free from asbestos and excludes any samples containing asbestos trace.
Talc Frequently Found Near Asbestos Deposits
Talc, also known by its chemical formula Mg₃(OH)₂Si₄O₁₀, is a magnesium silicate mineral. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, rubber, paper, ceramics, agriculture, and food processing rely on talc for its properties as a filler, separator, and anti-caking agent. In personal care, it appears in products like body powders. An ongoing concern involves talc deposits often existing alongside asbestos-a perilous carcinogen. Even minimal asbestos contamination can make talc hazardous. The UK regulatory assessment strictly omits talc samples tainted by asbestos.
EU Assigns CMR Status to Talc
The Netherlands completed a risk management options analysis (RMOA) that addressed occupational exposure to talc in the European Union. Following the analysis,a harmonized classification proposal was filed. Findings indicate talc without asbestos or asbestiform fibers should receive the Carc. 2 (H351) and STOT RE 1 (H372 for respiratory exposure) categories.The EU’s Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) supported this view and even advised that talc devoid of asbestos be classified more strictly as Carc.1B (H350) under CLP rules. The EU is poised to prohibit talc in cosmetics by 2027.
Divergence in UK’s Assessment from EU Position
British authorities examined the RAC’s rationale and the scientific submissions made to the HSE. The review weighed these alongside GB CLP requirements and relevant technical guidelines. The HSE agrees with the RAC on classifying talc as STOT RE 1, H372 (relating to respiratory risk). Though, they do not agree with upgrading talc to Carc. 1B (H350), pointing out insufficient data to declare talc a carcinogen. As a result, the HSE does not support the RAC’s full CMR classification for talc.
Other Regulatory Discrepancies Between UK and EU
Regulatory decisions between the EU and the UK have diverged before. For example, in 2025, tea tree oil was categorized by the EU as a reproductive toxicant (Repr. 2), but the HSE in Great britain lifted this status. This creates differences in permitted concentrations and cosmetic product rules between the two markets.
