Johnson & Johnson talcum powder safe for use

The formulation of talcum powder marketed by Johnson & Johnson in Malaysia met the requirements under the Guidelines for Control of Cosmetic Products in Malaysia.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said talcum powder was made of talc, a naturally occurring mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate.

"Talc can be classified into industrial grade and cosmetic/pharmaceutical grade, which is usually more pure and does not contain asbestos – a substance known to cause cancer," he said in a statement Friday.

In response to the recent report by local and international media, as well as to the statement of the Consumers Association of Penang about talc being linked to cancer, Noor Hisham said talc was not listed as a banned ingredient in the formulation of cosmetic products.

In fact, he said talc had been used in the formulation of talc-based cosmetic products as it was great as moisture absorption agent, lubricating agents, anti-caking and skin softening agent as well as fragrance carrier.

Noor Hisham said talc was also widely used in cosmetic products across the globe, including in Europe, Canada, United States and Asia.

So far, he said there was no report made to the Drug Control Authority involving adverse effects of talc found in cosmetic products.

Besides, he said there was a prospective cohort study by Women's Health Initiative which found that there was no connection between the use of cosmetic talc and the risk of ovarian cancer.

"Any information related to product safety issues will be addressed accordingly and the Health Ministry will take the appropriate regulatory action if necessary.

"The ministry will also continue paying attention to any current studies and motoring the situation for any development," he added.