In cleansers, shampoos and bubble baths these ingredients serve no purpose other than to make the product appealing to the eye. In lipsticks, eyeshadows and blushes these pigments remain on the skin for hours at a time and in the case of lipstick are actually ingested. Mineral pigments such as iron oxides and titanium dioxide are suitable alternatives to artificial colors. Certain colors like hot reds and bright oranges and pinks are not obtainable with mineral pigments. Talc - Commonly used in face and body powders.
Inhalation poses a risk of cancer because of possible asbestos contamination.
Be particularly cautious with powders for babies. Alternatives for talc are powdered arrowroot and cornstarch. The container that the product is stored in can also contribute to the safety of the product. Optimally prouducts are best stored in glass containers because plastic containers can interact with the products that they are storing. Clay masks have the ability to pull toxins from the skin and should always be stored in glass or purchased in a dry form which prevents them from leaching toxins from a plastic container or tube.