Talc is most famous as the main ingredient in talcum powder, commonly marketed as baby powder. While talc is still used in makeup and other items, you won't see powders made from talc in many stores these days. Major manufacturers now make baby powder without talc in the United States.

Historically, yes, but in 2026, most major brands of baby powder are made from cornstarch rather than talcum powder. Following thousands of lawsuits and health concerns regarding asbestos contamination in talc, Johnson & Johnson officially discontinued talc-based baby powder globally in 2023, transitioning entirely to a cornstarch-based formula. While you may still find "talcum" listed on some specialized or generic powders, the industry standard has shifted away from the mineral. Cornstarch is generally considered safer for inhalation and infant use, as it does not carry the same risk of containing trace amounts of asbestos. However, pediatricians still advise parents to be cautious when applying any fine powder near a baby's face to prevent respiratory irritation. When shopping, you should check the ingredients list for "Zea Mays (Corn) Starch" as the primary component to ensure it is talc-free.