16 Best Makeup Artist-Approved Talc-Free Setting Powders For Makeup – 2024
Give your skin a smooth and natural finish to radiate a natural glow all day.
Georgina GoetzMakeup Artist 
Georgina Goetz is a professional MUA from Hamburg, Germany, with three years of experience. She started her career with an apprenticeship as a hairdresser at “Marc Gruenkemeyer and Stylists,” a salon specialized in curls and fine hair. ... more
baishali bhattacharyaMA (English) Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior ... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
A setting powder is always the last step of your makeup regimen every day. However, the moisture and oil-absorbing ingredient talc in the setting powder often irritates the skin and might cause skin cancer. That’s why we have got some of the best talc-free setting powder options for you.
Setting powder is the perfect last step to hold your makeup in place. It also increases its staying power of it. It helps your skin stay put and smooth by absorbing excess oil, shine, and sweat and prevents caking. But, you don’t need talc to do this trick because we have listed the 16 best talc-free setting powders for you after carefully going through unbiased reviews online from users. Keep reading to find the best one for you and get flawless skin with harmless makeup instantly. After all, no one deserves to get harmed while looking gorgeous, like a timeless beauty.
In This Article
16 Best Talc-Free Setting Powders
1. Best Non-Comedogenic: bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil Finishing Powder SPF 25
The bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil Finishing Powder combines the benefits of skin care and makeup in one product. This dermatologist-tested setting powder is infused with SPF 25 and provide broad-spectrum sun protection to the skin. It is recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen. The ultra-lightweight formula melts into the skin and offers buildable and non-cakey coverage for a translucent matte finish and an airbrushed effect.
It is formulated with 100% natural mineral-based ingredients that are ideal for sun protection and nourish the skin. This talc-free setting powder smoothens the skin tone by minimizing imperfections and concealing pores, whether worn over makeup or on bare skin. It absorbs oil, soothes your skin, and maintains a younger-looking complexion. Kristi Bergman, a beauty creator on YouTube, says, “I really like how my skin feels with no foundation and just this setting powder. The product offers a refreshed and rejuvenated look to my skin. It does not make my skin look chalky or dry, it just softens my face.” If you need more convincing, feel free to take a look at this YouTuber’s video featuring the reviewer’s experience on the merits and demerits of the product.
A blogger says, “For a moment let’s forget this contains SPF and focus on its capabilities as a loose powder – finely milled so it never feels heavy nor cakes on the skin regardless of how frequently you apply throughout the day. If like myself you have skin that is easily irritated this will more than likely be one of the gentlest formulas you will use as it is free from talc, fillers, and fragrance. No, it doesn’t offer blurring technology but on the plus side it does not cling to dry areas nor will it settle into fine lines and/or enlarged pores. In my opinion, it offers very little coverage but rather creates a breathable, soft matte finish that does help keep excess oil and in turn shine at bay (i).”
Pros
- Lightweight
- Buildable coverage
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-cakey
- Suitable for all skin types
- Non-drying
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- SLS-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- PEG-free
- Tree nut-free
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 1,150 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
2. Best Vegan: Aesthetica Banana Setting Powder
The Aesthetica Banana Setting Powder is designed as a lightweight setting powder that sets your makeup to provide a long-lasting matte effect. It helps absorb excess oil, blur imperfections, and conceal pores to give you a flawless finish. The soft banana yellow undertone or tint ideally complements fair, light, and medium to tan skin tones while covering any redness, pink blotchiness, and blue under-eye circles. The high-quality and luxurious velour puff complements the lightweight powder beautifully by enabling easy application and offering an excellent payoff. This pore-minimizing setting powder is not tested on animals and can surely turn out to be a great purchase for conscious consumers.
Pros
- Non-drying
- Non-cakey
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 6,170 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
3. Best Satin Finish: Physicians Formula Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder
The Physicians Formula Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder is the ultimate beauty secret for a flawless complexion with added sun protection! It offers an airbrushed finish, reducing the appearance of imperfections and blemishes. The lightweight formula blends seamlessly on the skin, providing a natural-looking, even-toned complexion that lasts all day. It is dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and free of any harsh ingredients. It also comes with an air-cushion blender sponge that helps you get an impeccable flawless satin finish and protected complexion in an instant! Natalie, a blogger, says, “I can vouch for its lasting power as it really stays put all day long. The company also claims that it visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores, which I have noticed it does do. But best of all, the coverage it provides is just incredible – if you have a lot of imperfections to cover such as acne scars or dark spots, this is a really good drugstore option! I have to build it up to get the level of coverage I prefer, and I really like that it doesn’t cake up even though I have to apply multiple layers (ii).”
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Dermatologist-tested
- SPF 30
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May be cakey
"I like this pressed powder because it does not clog pores in my skin. It gives flawless coverage with a natural finish. It is ideal for the summer season as it offers a warm glow. I also like its shade range which is ideal for darker skin tones."
bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil Finishing Powder SPF 25 Best Non-Comedogenic | Aesthetica Banana Setting Powder Best Vegan | Physicians Formula Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder Best Satin Finish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | AllColor | Combination, oily, normal, dryColor | - |
| Dimensions | 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches | 3.3 x 3.3 x 1.8 inches | - |
| Weight | 1.6 Ounces | 0.7 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,150 | 6,170 | - |
| Price | $16.99 | $19.97 | $11.98 |
4. Best Non-Cakey: Elizabeth Mott Set For Life Loose Setting Powder
The Elizabeth Mott Set For Life Loose Setting Powder is specifically formulated to deal with the incompatible ashy effect in selfies or photos. The product gives you a flawless satin-matte finish without settling into your fine lines, preventing any caking or creasing. It also gets rid of excess oil and shine and retains your skin’s natural moisture content. You can use it as a finishing powder and a baking powder to keep your makeup going strong. It ensures your makeup lasts throughout the day. It provides a sensational coverage and is fade-proof for up to 10 hours.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Non-drying
- No white cast
- Non-cakey
- Sweat-resistant
- Oil-resistant
- Reduces flashback in photos
- Crease-proof
- Fade-proof
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
"This setting powder controls oil in humid climates. It gives me a non-cakey look and makes sure that my face appears glowy. It blends well and does not become flakey. I touch up my face with it once or twice to ensure that it stays throughout the day."
Pro Tip5. Best Hypoallergenic: Mineral Fusion Setting Powder
This setting powder by Mineral Fusion has a natural formula that is designed to perfectly set your makeup for an airbrushed effect. It provides buildable sheer coverage that minimizes shine. It is extremely silky and lightweight, owing to its triple-milled minerals. These minerals and kaolin clay work together to absorb oil for a soft matte finish. The formula also contains soothing botanical ingredients like cucumber, aloe, and licorice root that calm and comfort the skin. Reviewers online love this powder as it offers the perfect finish with a sheer and natural look that is ideal for an everyday look. This sensitive skin-friendly setting powder can surely be your skin’s best friend and leave the skin feeling fresh and youthful!
Pros
- Non-drying
- Hypoallergenic
- Easy to blend
- Lightweight
- Safe for sensitive skin
- EWG certified
- No artificial fragrances
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Needs frequent reapplication
6. Best Weightless Formula: Facetheory Loose Powder
The Facetheory Loose Powder blurs your skin imperfections and open pores. The mattifying powder formula offers a natural and smooth finish. This talc-free face powder is formulated with corn starch-modified, di-starch phosphate, and silica. It also contains finely milled rice starch that keeps shine at bay. The lightweight formula blends seamlessly and allows your skin to breathe without feeling cakey. It even tones your skin and acts as a fixing powder for foundation and concealer. Reviewers have loved using this finely milled powder for their everyday minimal makeup. You can also use this silica-based setting powder for baking to enhance the longevity of your makeup base and keep it shine- and crease-free.
Pros
- Blends seamlessly
- Provides soft-focus look
- Controls shine
- Buildable coverage
- Non-cakey
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Triclosan-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- MEA-free
- DEA-free
- TEA-free
- No PEGs
- SLS-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Paraffin oil-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not suitable for dry and mature skin types
- May leave a white cast
"This loose powder gives me full coverage. It has a lightweight texture that settles easily. It gives me a silky finish and absorbs excess oil in my face. I also recommend it for darker skin tones because it does not leave a whitish cast."
Pro Tip7. Best Multipurpose: Sacelady Loose Powder: Black Gold Series
The Sacelady Talc Free Loose Powder from its Black Gold Series is popular among makeup enthusiasts. It is designed to work as a matte finish setting powder by minimizing excess oil and evening out the skin tone. It is infused with anti-caking properties to set better and define your makeup. This micronized powder also blurs imperfections, including pores and fine lines. It comes in three different shades of transparent, medium, and natural that can be used according to your skin tone for exceptional results. This waterproof setting powder can be used as an eyeshadow base, setting powder, and dry shampoo for oily hair.
Pros
- Organic formula
- Non-cakey
- Multipurpose
- Safe tested for sensitive skin
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Alcohol-free
- Affordable
Cons
- None
8. Best Mattifying: Cover FX Matte Setting Powder
If you are on the search for a mattifying as well as a fragrance-free setting powder that doesn’t cake or settle into fine lines while ensuring a flawless makeup look, try the Cover FX Matte Setting Powder. The skin-friendly formula is infused with micronized green tea leaves that calm the skin and prevent free radical damage. It also contains kaolin clay to control shine, absorb excess oil, and diminish the appearance of pores. The blend of vitamins C, E, and F provides antioxidant protection to your skin against environmental aggressors. This vegan setting powder is available in three shades that are designed for light, medium, and deep skin tones. Vanity on Instagram calls this formula a ‘matte magic’.
Pros
- Non-drying
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Paraben-free
- Alkyl sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Gluten-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"This setting powder controls oiliness and makes the skin appear even-toned. It has a lightweight texture that blends easily and settles without patchiness. I like that it does not dry out my skin and keeps my makeup in place. It might require a touch-up after some hours, but it builds up without a cakey look."
9. Best Non-Drying: Kiko Milano Invisible Touch Face Fixing Powder
This translucent and velvety soft-setting powder from Kiko Milano is designed to contain the shine on your face. It is a sheer setting powder that provides a long-lasting matte finish. The dermatologist-tested, talc-free setting powder helps conceal imperfections and sets your makeup without modifying your skin tone. It is extremely lightweight as a hypoallergenic setting powder and adheres excellently to the skin for an almost-not-there feel.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-cakey
- Non-drying
- Long-lasting
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Ideal for all skin types
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- None
"I like this powder's lightweight texture. Moreover, it gives me a silky finish without making my face appear cakey. It pairs well with any foundation and makes the skin look radiant."
10. Best Dermatologically Tested: Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder
The Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder is extremely lightweight and effortlessly melts into the skin to set your makeup for a smooth finish. This non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested setting powder helps blur imperfections and hides pores for a flawless airbrushed effect. The micro-refined silica in the formula allows this powder to feel soft and silky on your skin. The invisible shade is colorless and works universally on any skin tone to provide a natural and shine-free look as the best oil-free setting powder.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Expensive
"This setting powder offers a great finish to my skin. I use it sparingly as a small amount goes a long way. It keeps my makeup fresh and creaseless. It pairs well with other makeup products and controls shine decently. It does not leave a whitish cast when I apply it with a brush."
11. Best For Oily Skin: True + Luscious Velvet Matte Oil Control Pressed Powder
This all-in-one makeup solution acts as a setting powder, finishing powder, and powder foundation. The True + Luscious Velvet Matte Oil Control Talc-Free Pressed Powder has a silky smooth texture which makes it a perfect setting powder for all skin types. It provides sheer-to-medium buildable coverage that conceals pores, blurs imperfections, and evens out the overall skin tone.
This blurring setting powder is infused with kaolin clay to soothe redness and silica to help the powder adhere to the skin. Together, these ingredients absorb excess oil and sweat. The triple-milled powder also contains vitamin E to protect your skin barrier. It ensures a natural, shine-free, non-dry and cake-free look. The cruelty-free setting powder comes in five different shades that are ideal for very fair, fairest, light medium, rich tan, and deep skin tones with neutral to pink undertones. Makeup blogger Nasreen Matin says, “I love the product. It is safer to use than other products. It is infused with a bunch of ingredients like aloe vera and grape juice extracts. The packaging is really pretty as well.”
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-toxic
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"This compact powder delivers a natural and matte finish. It makes my face look shiny. It gives me great coverage, even during hot summer days. It smooths out my face without making it appear cakey or flakey."
12. Best Clean Formulation: Honest Beauty Invisible Blurring Loose Powder
The Honest Beauty Invisible Blurring Loose Powder is specially formulated without talc, ensuring a breathable application that do not clog pores or settle into fine lines. It effortlessly sets your makeup, providing a smooth and velvety texture that lasts all day without creasing or caking. The translucent powder’s shade is universally flattering, making it suitable for all skin tones. Say goodbye to unwanted shine and excess oil, as this setting powder offers a shine-free, matte look that creates a soft-focus effect and enhances the natural and timeless beauty of your skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to apply
- Suitable for all skin types
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- May be drying
"This product controls oiliness in my face and delivers a matte finish. I like how it makes my face look blurred and covers the imperfections. I usually pair it with a hydrating base to make sure that my face does not dry up."
13. Best Brightening: Bellapierre Banana Setting Powder
The Bellapierre Banana Setting Powder is specially designed to correct dark circles and dark spots for an even complexion. It is perfect for brightening and color-correcting, and it effortlessly sets your makeup, ensuring a smooth, matte finish that lasts all day. It works like magic to reduce the appearance of fine lines, pores, and imperfections, leaving your skin looking airbrushed and radiant. Its lightweight formula is suitable for all skin types, offering a seamless and flawless application. Embrace the power of banana magic and unlock the secret to a flawless, photo-ready look that truly shines.
Pros
- Crease-proof
- Non-cakey
- Hypoallergenic
- Matte Finish
- Paraben-free
- Nut-free
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Nanoparticles-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Less in quantity
14. Best Shine Control: Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder
The Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder is specifically formulated for skin that experiences excess oil production. It glides onto the skin like a dream, provides good coverage and a seamless, airbrushed effect that blurs imperfections and fine lines. It is enriched with the goodness of bamboo extract that reduces shine, Chinese peony that minimizes the appearance of pores, and passionfruit leaf extract that smoothes the skin, allowing for the perfect look for your base makeup.
Its translucent formula adapts to all skin tones, ensuring a natural and radiant look. The unique soft-focus technology diffuses light, giving you a luminous, matte finish that lasts all day without caking or settling. Embrace the power of this unique setting powder and enjoy makeup that feels as light as air, all day long.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Non-drying
- Non-chalky
- Gluten-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- No brush or sponge applicator
"This power has a skin-friendly formula. It feels light on my skin and does not cause any cakiness. It blends well with the other makeup products and does not make the overall makeup budge. What is best about it is that it does not give a whitish tint on darker skin tones."
15. Best Compact Case: Ecco Bella FlowerColor Pressed Powder
The Ecco Bella FlowerColor Pressed Powder delivers a flawless, matte finish that minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines. It also leaves your skin looking smooth and radiant. It has flower wax-coated pigment that helps you get an extra layer of protection and gives good coverage. This powder also has skincare benefits as it is enriched with vitamin E, aloe vera, and green tea extract that gives your skin a natural glow. Its lightweight formula provides buildable coverage that lasts all day, ensuring a picture-perfect look without cakiness. It comes in a compact paper case with a mirror and application puff that helps in easy on the go application making it travel-friendly.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Preservative-free
- Fragrance-free
- Travel-friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Shade may oxidize to become darker
16. Best Long-Lasting: FV Translucent Setting Powder
The FV Translucent Setting Powder is formulated to lock your makeup in place while keeping excess shine at bay. Its lightweight formula blends seamlessly into the skin, delivering a sheer, soft focus effect blurring imperfections without clogging pores. Say goodbye to touch-ups throughout the day, as this matte-finish setting powder ensures your look stays fresh from morning to night. The oil-control formula stays on for a long time without smudging or getting too dry. This versatile powder is a must-have for achieving a natural, airbrushed complexion.
Pros
- Non-ashy
- Non-greasy
- Waterproof
- Sweatproof
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May cause reactions on sensitive skin
"This powder does not make my skin crease. It gives me a smooth finish and makes my skin appear radiant. It keeps the makeup in place and makes sure that it does not smear or smudge. I use a brush to apply it properly."
A good setting powder is a necessity if you want your makeup look to set well and last long. When it comes to buying a talc-free setting powder for your skin, a few factors can help you make the right choice. Let us take a look at them below.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Talc-Free Setting Powder
- Finish Type
Choose a powder that blends effortlessly with the type of skin you have. For people with oily to combination skin types, look for translucent setting powders that impart a natural glow to the skin. If you are looking for a setting powder for oily skin, avoid talc-based powders as they may cake or crease your makeup. Similarly, for dry skin, you can go for a hydrating setting powder that offers nourishing benefits. You can test these powders or go through the reviews online to be sure of what will work best for you.
- Shade
Whether you have fair skin or a darker skin tone, choosing the right setting powder for your skin tone is very important. Ideally, your setting powder should match your foundation shade. If it’s too light, it will look white and ghostly on the face. On the other hand, if it’s too dark, it can make your foundation look streaked. In case you are unsure of your shade, pick a translucent one. These translucent setting powders are basically colorless setting powders when applied on any skin tone.
- Skin Issues
Pay attention to the kind of skin issues you are looking to cover up with makeup. Maintaining healthy skin is also crucial. Look for powders that offer solutions to concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, excess oil, and acne-prone skin. Also, patch test the product before using it to prevent potential reactions.
Infographic: Talc-Free Setting Powder: Buying Guide And Application Tips
Using a setting powder is the final step in your daily makeup routine. It keeps your skin smooth by absorbing excess oil, gloss, and sweat and preventing caking. However, the moisture and oil-absorbing talc components in setting powder frequently irritate the skin and may increase the risk of skin cancer. Hence, selecting a talc-free and oil-absorbing setting powder is the best choice.
In the infographic below, get to know more about choosing the best setting powder and also check out some beauty tips on how to apply it. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Makeup can change your overall look. But your makeup might turn out greasy if a good setting powder is not applied. A setting powder helps the makeup to stay long. Unlike regular powders, talc-free powders prevent irritation and skin harm, enhancing the staying power. For instance, the bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil Finishing Powder SPF 25 offers UV protection, the Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder provides a finely milled finish, and the True + Luscious Velvet Matte Oil Control Pressed Powder evens out skin tone. In addition, some setting powders listed in the article melt the skin offering buildable coverage, while some powders offer flawless finish, and some retain the skin’s natural hydration content. So consider investing in the setting powders that provide the desired look without affecting your skin. And restrain from using powders that need frequent application. Georgina Goetz, a professional makeup artist says, “There are a lot of ways to set your makeup look at home. The question is, what do you want to achieve with the setting? Is it supposed to last all day? Does it need to withstand your dancing moves and the heat of a club? Or does it need to be a gentle setting for a photo or just light powder? So do we need a product or a tool for that? And in my opinion one should not look at the product first but at the tools at hand. If you bake your face with a powder puff, the results tend to be more cakey and long lasting than if you just use a setting brush. This looks much more natural and is just lightly setting the makeup in place. If one has normal or oily skin, these products are definitely something you should try out! For clients with rather dry skin, I would recommend skipping on the powder completely and rather go look for a self setting liquid foundation.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use talc-free powder?
Inhaling talc power can cause serious respiratory problems like breathing trouble, coughing, eye irritation, and a burning sensation in the throat. Some people experience the side-effects immediately while others may experience it in the long run.
Is there a difference between talc and talcum powder?
No. There is no difference between talc and talcum powder. Talcum powder is made from talc which is a mineral that contains elements like oxygen, silicon, and magnesium.
Do all powders contain talc?
Most cosmetic products right from baby powder to blush contain talc. However, health-conscious brands are now offering more and more talc-free options.
Which makeup brands do not contain talc?
There are many cosmetic brands such as bareMinerals, Banana, and Sacelady that offer talc-free options.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
(i) The Sunday Girl.
http://www.thesundaygirl.com/2015/03/bareminerals-mineral-veil-finishing.html
(ii) Natalie Loves Beauty
https://www.natalielovesbeauty.com/2013/11/physicians-formula-mineral-wear-talc.html
