B-50 Complex

IARC classifies cosmetic-grade talc not containing asbestos as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans); perineal talc use as Group 2A (probably carcinogenic). Johnson & Johnson voluntarily withdrew talc-based baby powder from US/Canada in 2020 and globally in 2022 after extensive litigation tied to ovarian-cancer and mesothelioma cases. The 2018 FDA contamination survey found asbestos in 9 of 52 cosmetic talc products tested. As a supplement excipient talc is a pure manufacturing convenience — no nutritional or functional benefit to the user — so the asbestos-exposure risk has no offsetting upside. Safer alternatives (silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, rice hulls) are widely available.

Chassaing et al. 2015 (Nature, PMID 25731162) tested polysorbate 80 directly and showed it thinned the gut mucus barrier, altered microbiota composition, and induced low-grade inflammation and metabolic syndrome in mice. The strongest human evidence is for a related emulsifier rather than polysorbate 80 itself: Chassaing 2022 (Gastroenterology, PMID 34774538) was a controlled human feeding RCT of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) that found microbial encroachment into the mucus layer — polysorbate 80 has not been tested in an equivalent human trial. In vitro work (e.g. Roberts 2010) shows polysorbate 80 enhances bacterial translocation across intestinal epithelium, and observational data link overall dietary-emulsifier exposure to IBD risk. EFSA is mid re-evaluation of polysorbates (E432–E436). For a supplement excipient with purely cosmetic function (improving the look/texture of soft gels and liquids), the gut-barrier risk profile is unfavorable when safer alternatives (sunflower lecithin, MCT carriers, gum acacia) are widely available.

A salt of stearic acid used as a lubricant in tablet and capsule production

A polyether polymer used as a tablet coating and plasticizer

Synthetic, water-soluble polymer used as a film former and binder in immediate-release tablet coatings

Fine silica powder used to prevent clumping

Plant-derived cellulose used as a binder and filler in supplements

Calcium and phosphorus compound used as binder