Talc as a solution to foot perspiration?

Sweating is a normal and natural response of the body to high heat. To lower the temperature, the body secretes sweat through the sweat glands. Given its anatomy, the foot tends to sweat a lot. In fact, there are approximately 600 sweat glands per square centimetre on the sole of the foot, compared to 65 per square centimetre on the back and 110 per square centimetre on the forearms. While sweat is not the cause of the bad odours that sometimes afflict the feet, it can promote skin problems such as fungal infections when produced in excess, in addition to being a source of social discomfort.

To prevent the discomfort associated with excessive sweating, some people turn to talc, a white powder of mineral origin. Typically composed of doubly hydroxylated magnesium silicate, it is known for its matifying properties that allow it to attract and absorb excess sweat. This effect comes from its complex ionic chemical structure, which has a strong attraction for polar molecules such as water. At first glance, talc would thus seem to be an interesting solution to combat excessive sweating. Furthermore, studies have shown that this agent can reduce friction by acting as a dry lubricant, suggesting that it could reduce the risk of blisters on the feet.

This latter assumption, however, has not been confirmed in vivo. Indeed, several studies involving hundreds of individuals have investigated the effect of using talcum powder on feet in relation to blister formation, but none have revealed any difference between the various groups. Furthermore, some research has suggested that the combination of sweat and talcum powder on the skin could clump together and become abrasive, although the exact mechanism of action has not been specified. It does seem possible, however, that talcum powder, by excessively drying the skin, could weaken the skin barrier and be responsible for irritations.

Furthermore, it is crucial to understand that talc has been under scrutiny for several years due to its harmful health effects. In 2012, the National Agency for Food Safety, Environment and Labour (ANSES) published a report demonstrating that the analytical methods used on talc deposits did not allow for the exclusion of asbestos fibres in its composition. As a reminder, the inhalation of asbestos can have severe consequences on the respiratory system (lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma...).

Following a very recent study published in the journal The Lancet Oncology, the World Health Organisation has also issued a warning about the dangers of talc. In 2024, talc was classified as "probably carcinogenic to humans" (group 2A) based on a combination of "limited" evidence of cancer in humans, "sufficient" evidence of cancer in animals, and "strong" mechanistic evidence in vitro.

As a precautionary principle, we do not use talc at Typology.

The use of talc to combat excessive foot perspiration is therefore strongly discouraged. In addition to adopting strict hygiene by washing your feet every day and changing your socks daily, we recommend turning to deodorants with a healthy composition specifically intended for feet. The use of absorbent insoles can also help, as can wearing "breathable" shoes. It is also possible to try opting for lightweight socks, made of linen for example. However, if the problem of excessive foot perspiration persists, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional so that they can prescribe an adequate solution for hyperhidrosis.