Just as “gripe water” disappeared from our lives and asbestos was removed from building materials, talcum powder, especially varieties containing carcinogenic substances, has almost vanished from use. So, what is the story behind talcum powder? Talcum powder is made from talc, a naturally occurring soft mineral primarily composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. As a powder, it has high absorbency, helping to keep skin dry, reduce friction, and prevent rashes, which makes it popular in personal care and cosmetic products.
The use of talcum powder dates back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians and Romans used it for health and cosmetic purposes, such as face powder and as a base for eye makeup. It was also used in traditional medicine and various handicrafts in ancient cultures. In the 19th century, the use of talc expanded significantly following the discovery of large deposits in Ontario, Canada, which paved the way for commercial mining. By the 1890s, companies like Johnson & Johnson began incorporating talc into their products to soothe skin irritation caused by medical plasters.
Toward the end of the century, the company introduced Johnson’s Baby Powder, helping establish talcum powder as a household essential for both children and adults. By the early 20th century, talcum powder had become a staple ingredient in baby powders, face powders, and deodorants. Johnson & Johnson, along with other companies, heavily marketed the powder to women and young children through strategic advertising, firmly embedding it in the world of cosmetics and personal hygiene.
Over time, scientific and environmental concerns began to surface regarding the use of talcum powder, as some natural talc deposits were found to be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. By the 1970s, regulatory agencies started requiring talc-free formulations in cosmetics, following studies that raised concerns about a potential link between long-term talc use in the intimate area and an increased risk of ovarian cancer. However, the scientific consensus on this link remains controversial and inconclusive. As a result, major manufacturers in recent years have shifted to cornstarch-based alternatives. The word “talc” has a rich and layered etymology, reflecting its long historical journey through multiple cultures and languages.
It entered European languages through Medieval Latin talcum or talc, which was used to describe transparent or shiny minerals such as talc or mica. The Latin word, in turn, is derived from the Arabic word talaq, which was used to describe various transparent or shiny minerals. The Arabic word originates from the Persian word talka, which referred to “medicine” or “medicine” and was later used to describe this soft mineral.
Overall, the word reflects a linguistic history extending from Persian to Arabic, then to Middle Latin, and finally to modern languages. It was used to describe minerals with transparent or greasy properties and for a variety of applications. Finally, it is important to avoid purchasing cheap products containing this powder and to be sure to read the contents of any package, as the scientific debate over its safety is still ongoing.
By Ahmad alsarraf
email: [email protected]
