Is cosmetic talc related to ovarian cancer?

It is widely used in cosmetic products such as baby powder and adult body and facial powders, as well as in a number of other consumer products. In its natural form, some talc contains asbestos, a substance known to cause cancers in and around the lungs when inhaled (see Asbestos). read more

The link between use of cosmetic talc powder and ovarian cancer is unclear as of now due to lack of good evidence. There were some old case-control studies that showed mild association between cosmetic talc use around genitals in women and increased ovarian cancer risk, but many of those studies suffered from recall bias or selection bias. read more

Many “natural” cosmetic companies have chosen to use arrowroot instead of talcum powder, citing the risks associated with talc and cancer. Some beauticians also claim that arrowroot has additional benefits for the skin and hair, but these assertions are unproven. read more

The journal Cancer Prevention Research published a study in June 2013 that showed an increased risk of ovarian cancer between 20 and 30 percent for women who used talcum powder for intimate personal hygiene. read more