Talc is the main component of talcum powder, henceforth the name talcum powder. The chemical name of talc is, hydrated magnesium silicate. Talcum powder has a clear or dusty appearance. It can be translucent or opaque. Talcum powder ingredients render the skin a smooth and glossy appearance. It has other ingredients also, that make its composition perfect for application over skin.
Excluding its beautifying properties, talc serves many purposes. It is used in many industries like pharmaceuticals, paper making, plastic, rubber, food, electric cables, etc. Greenish or grayish talc is known as soapstone or steatite. This variant finds application in sinks, electrical switch boards, stoves, etc. Talc has a glazing sheen and due to this property, its widely used in ceramic industries. It's also used as food additives.
Ingredients in Talcum Powder
Composition of talcum powder depend on the company manufacturing the products. Different brands of talcum powder have different composition and so the quality of products. Here's the list of chemical compounds that constitute talcum powder.
- Silicon dioxide
- Magnesium oxide
- Calcium oxide
- Iron(III) oxide
- Aluminum oxide
- Zinc oxide
- Benzoin
- Calcium carbonate
Harmful Effects of Talcum Powder
Talcum powder can pose considerable threats if inhaled in larger excess, accidentally. Talc is the most deleterious ingredient in talcum powder. Inhalation of talc by babies might lead to chocking and asphyxiation. It's a potent carcinogen and causes inflammation to lungs. It causes cancers if applied heavily on armpits and genital areas. In females it can also cause ovarian cancer, if there's slow deposition of talc particles. Silicate, one of the key ingredients is also harmful to the lungs.
Homemade Powder Recipe
If your skin is very sensitive to chemical products, you can prepare talcum powder at home. It's easy to make and gentle on skin.
- At first you need to decide the quantity of product you need. Then mix equal proportions of tapioca starch, cornstarch and arrowroot powder in a bowl. Mix them thoroughly.
- For fragrance, add essential oils like lavender, rosemary, etc in absorbent cotton pad.
- Place the perfumed cotton ball inside the container and shake well. Let it be inside the mixture for 24 hours.
- Remove the cotton ball from the powder and once again mix the powder.
- The powder is now perfumed.
- Store it in talcum powder bottles.
