Does Talc Clog Pores? (What to Know)

Does Talc Clog Pores

Talc is one of the skincare and cosmetic products’ most commonly used ingredients. One of the earliest introductions to talc for a lot of people is through baby powder, most especially Johnson baby powder. Over the years, talc has proven to be a powerhouse ingredient to be used in various cosmetics products. 

Clogged pores often occur as a reaction to many things. However, people who are prone to clogged pores are those with oily/ sensitive skin. This indicates that the skin type of an individual has a large role to play when it has to do with pores clogging.

Generally, clogged pores are caused by the blocking of the skin pores by oil, dirt, and others. The good thing is that clogged pores can be treated. However, the right product is required. 

Yes, Talc can clog pores. This indicates that products with some amount of talc in them can clog the skin’s pores and lead to acne breakouts. This reaction may be seen more in people with sensitive/oily skin types. You should only use products that contain talc on prescription by your dermatologist. 

This does not mean talc is a generally bad ingredient, it only means that not everyone can use products that contain talc. For one, some of the products may have a large amount of talc that may be too much and harmful to your skin type. This is why you must understand your skin type before using any products. 

Talc Exokaubed

Talc also goes by another name i.e., talcum. In its original form, talc is known as a clay mineral and is regarded as the softest mineral. Talc is popularly known for being used in the cosmetics industry. However, it is frequently used for other purposes, such as diluting pigment in paint, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and so on.

Talc, in its natural form, does contain some form of the nutrient since it is a natural ingredient. However, a natural ingredient does not make it safe for human use, especially on the skin.

Talc contains water-absorbing content, which is known and used to absorb and stop sweat, moisture, and oil. Its ability to absorb moisture is why it is used in the cosmetics and beauty industry. 

Skin texture, unhealthy with with enlarged pores and rosacea, red rashes. Allergic and redness.
Image: Envato Elements

Does Talc Clog Pores? 

According to the FDA, talc is not tagged as harmful for use in cosmetics; it is considered “generally safe”. However, several studies have found that the process of mining talc may have caused it to be contaminated. Talc is mined close to asbestos, which is a cancer-causing substance.

There are speculations that the contamination from asbestos may have made talc unsuitable to use on the skin. However, these speculations are not yet made into facts. 

Although the drying effect in talc keeps the face and skin dry, it can cause clogged pores and eventually lead to acne breakout on the face. This is peculiar to users with sensitive and oily skin. Users with dry skin may also experience over-dryness and flakiness of the skin when they use talc. 

The following are other damages talc may cause to the skin; 

1. Dry Natural Oil Secretion

Although it can be in excess, natural oil is required for healthy skin. Applying talc or talcum powder on the skin to reduce the production of natural oil can harm the skin. In the process of drying the oil, the powder can make the skin dry and become prone to dry skin issues i.e., flaky skin. 

2. Skin Infection

Talc/talcum powder contains a percentage of corn starch. When this combination is applied to certain sensitive areas of the body, it can increase the chances of getting skin infections and irritation, such as rashes. It can also lead to redness in the areas in which it is applied. 

3. Dangerous to Sensitive Skin

Mineral talc is frequently found in talcum powder. The mineral talc can irritate already delicate skin or an open wound. If it gets into the eyes, it can be quite damaging. Users may feel increased redness and irritation to the skin region where it is applied. 

Although some products use talc in combination with other ingredients that may make it suitable for your skin, however, you may never know which ingredient combination suits your skin type best. Hence, we do not advise you to conduct a test on your skin with different products. 

What Ingredients Are Best For Unclogging Pores? 

If you have been using products that contain talc, you should discontinue it so it doesn’t continue to damage your skin. Next, we suggest you visit your dermatologist. Your dermatologist will give you the right prescription that best suits your skin type. 

Although talc is a natural ingredient with natural nutrients, it may not be the best for your skin, especially if you have a sensitive/ acne-prone skin type. Besides the speculations that talc may be contaminated with cancer-causing substances, its drying effect may be too much for the skin.

It can cause other skin issues in the body. If you have oily skin, we recommend you talk to your dermatologist to recommend the right product for you.  

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