I don't look at talc as unsafe, per se, and do not avoid using it if it's something I really want. Talc is a common ingredient in lots, if not most, drugstore and dollar store cosmetics. The thing, I think, that irks me most is that it's a very inexpensive ingredient, so one would understand the product pricing at those stores, but the more upscale brands use it too, and charge an arm and a leg for their products that contain it.