Why We Don't Use Talc or Bismuth Oxychloride
Why We Don't Use Talc or Bismuth Oxychloride
MAD Minerals does not use talc or bismuth oxychloride in any formulation. While these ingredients are common fillers in many mineral makeup brands, they can cause skin irritation, inflammation, and adverse reactions—especially in people with sensitive or reactive skin.
Here's why we exclude them, what the science says, and what we use instead.
What Is Talc?
Talc is a soft mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. It's used in cosmetics as a filler and absorbent because it's inexpensive and creates a silky texture.
Why we don't use it:
Contamination risk: Talc deposits can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. While cosmetic-grade talc is supposed to be asbestos-free, testing inconsistencies and regulatory gaps make this difficult to verify.
Respiratory concerns: Talc is a fine powder that can be inhaled during application, potentially irritating the lungs over time.
Pore-clogging potential: Talc can settle into pores and mix with sebum, contributing to clogged pores and breakouts in acne-prone skin.
Unnecessary filler: Talc adds bulk but provides no skincare benefit. It dilutes the active mineral content of the formula.
What Is Bismuth Oxychloride?
Bismuth oxychloride is a synthetic compound created as a byproduct of metal refining. It's added to mineral makeup to create a pearlescent, shimmery finish and improve adhesion.
Why we don't use it:
Common irritant: Bismuth oxychloride has a crystalline structure with sharp edges that can cause itching, redness, and irritation—particularly in people with sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema.
Cystic acne trigger: Many users report cystic breakouts after using products containing bismuth oxychloride, likely due to its pore-clogging properties.
Not a true mineral: Despite being marketed as part of "mineral makeup," bismuth oxychloride is a synthetic chemical, not a naturally occurring mineral.
Unnecessary additive: The shimmer and adhesion it provides can be achieved with safer, natural alternatives like mica.
What the Research Says
Studies on talc have raised concerns about asbestos contamination and links to ovarian cancer when used in personal care products. While the FDA does not ban talc in cosmetics, independent testing has found asbestos in some talc-based products, prompting recalls and lawsuits.
Bismuth oxychloride is recognized as a skin irritant by dermatologists and cosmetic chemists. Its crystalline structure can physically irritate the skin barrier, leading to inflammation and breakouts.
For these reasons, clean beauty brands and dermatologists increasingly recommend avoiding both ingredients—especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
What MAD Minerals Uses Instead
Instead of talc and bismuth oxychloride, MAD Minerals formulations rely on:
Zinc Oxide: Anti-inflammatory, soothing, and provides natural UV protection
Titanium Dioxide: Safe mineral pigment with broad-spectrum sun protection
Iron Oxides: Natural earth pigments for color without synthetic dyes
Mica: Naturally occurring mineral that adds subtle luminosity without irritation
These ingredients are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and provide real skincare benefits—not just filler.
How to Identify Talc and Bismuth Oxychloride on Labels
Check the ingredient list on any mineral makeup product. Talc and bismuth oxychloride are required to be listed by name.
If you see either ingredient, especially near the top of the list, it's a primary component of the formula—not a trace additive.
Many brands market themselves as "mineral makeup" while still using these fillers. Always read the label.
Who Should Avoid Talc and Bismuth Oxychloride?
Anyone with sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone skin should avoid both ingredients. If you've experienced unexplained breakouts, itching, or irritation from mineral makeup in the past, talc or bismuth oxychloride may be the cause.
Switching to a talc-free, bismuth-free formula often resolves these issues immediately.