If you’ve been online recently, you’ve probably seen headlines stirring up worry about talc in cosmetics. As a founder, a mother, and someone who has lived inside the beauty industry for over a decade, I understand why people feel uneasy. When we put something on our face every day, we want assurances, not question marks, the internet is scary. Most importantly, we don't want to add to fearmongering, just help you make informed product decisions.
So today, I want to break this down clearly and openly:
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What talc is
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Why people worry about it
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What the FDA just changed
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And most importantly: what Cheekbone Beauty has been doing for years to keep talc out of your routine
Our story with talc is one of learning, shifting, and choosing values over convenience. And I think it’s worth sharing.
What Is Talc, Really?
Talc is a soft mineral used traditionally in beauty because it creates that silky, blendable texture we all grew up with. It was the “go-to” ingredient in powders for generations.
But here’s the issue:
Talc is often mined in areas where asbestos, a known carcinogen, occurs naturally. When talc is contaminated, the risk increases, especially for products that become airborne, like loose powders.
Inhalation is the biggest concern. That’s why baby powders and loose face powders have been at the center of so many conversations over the last decade.
Cream formulas pose far less inhalation risk, but if the talc itself is contaminated at the source, it’s still something brands need to take seriously.
The FDA’s Recent Decision — What It Means
In late 2025, the FDA withdrew a proposed new rule that would have set standardized testing requirements for asbestos in talc-containing cosmetics.
This wasn’t a cancellation of existing protections, because the truth is, there were never strong federal testing requirements in the first place.
The FDA has said it does plan to reissue a rule in the future, but as of now, there is no set timeline.
What this means for consumers: Brands are still largely responsible for ensuring their own talc safety. Some will test rigorously. Others won’t. And without a federal standard, it leaves people wondering who they can trust.
Cheekbone Beauty’s Talc Timeline: A Clear Look at Our Journey
We’ve been paying attention to this conversation for years, long before the headlines resurfaced. Here’s our step-by-step path to becoming a fully talc-free brand.
🌿 Before 2020: Rethinking Traditional Beauty Ingredients
Even early on, we were watching the growing concerns around talc. Studies, lawsuits, and public health reviews were raising real questions about contamination risks, especially in powders that could be inhaled.
Our internal team began asking the right founder-style question:
“If there’s a safer path forward, why not take it?”
🌿 2020: Cheekbone Removes Talc From All Powder Products
In 2020, we took our first big step.
We removed talc from every powder formula at Cheekbone Beauty.
That meant reformulating and shifting to alternatives that delivered the same beautiful texture without talc. It wasn’t always the easy road, but it aligned with our values.
From that moment on, Cheekbone Beauty sold no loose or pressed powders with talc.
🌿 2020–2022: Two Cream Eyeshadow Pencils Still Contained Talc
We believed in transparency then and now, so here’s the truth:
We still had two cream eyeshadow pencils that used talc during this period.
Important context:
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These were creams, not powders — meaning no inhalation clouds.
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Our manufacturing partners confirmed the talc used was asbestos-free using the best available testing methods.
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Even with that assurance, I wanted better than “it’s probably fine.”
As the science and the public conversation evolved, so did our expectations of ourselves.
🌿 2022: Cheekbone Becomes a Fully Talc-Free Brand
By 2022, we reformulated those final two products.
From that year forward:
Every Cheekbone Beauty formula became 100% talc-free — and remains that way today.
This wasn’t a reaction to regulations. It wasn’t a marketing trend.
It was a decision rooted in our values, our culture, and a commitment to doing better every year we exist.
Why We Chose to Remove Talc — Even Before Regulations Caught Up
1. Inhalation risk matters.
Even asbestos-free talc raised questions, especially in airborne formats. If something could pose a long-term health concern and wasn’t essential, we didn’t want it in your routine.
2. Asbestos contamination is hard to eliminate at the mining level.
Even well-tested talc has shown inconsistencies across the industry. That lack of certainty didn’t align with how we choose ingredients.
3. Our values guide every formula.
Cheekbone was built on transparency, responsibility, and honouring community. Our formulas have to reflect that leadership not the minimum standard, but the right standard. (Honestly, with what information we have, humans are so imperfect.)
Going talc-free was simply the path that aligned with who we are.
What This Means for You Today
Here’s the part I want every Cheekbone customer to feel confident about:
Cheekbone Beauty has zero talc in any current formula.
We have been fully talc-free since 2022.
So, while the industry debates regulations and the FDA refines its approach, your products from us are already rooted in the safer, forward-thinking choice.
It’s one of those decisions that honours tradition caring for people first while embracing a better future.
Our Commitment Going Forward
We will continue to:
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Stay informed on ingredient safety
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Reformulate when science evolves
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Share openly about what’s in our products
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Hold ourselves to a higher standard than the regulatory minimum
You deserve honesty and clarity, not fear or confusion.
Thank you for trusting us with your skin. I don’t take that lightly.
Miigwech for being here on this journey with me.
— Jenn Harper
Founder & CEO, Cheekbone Beauty