First up, it's important to realize that the FDA requires companies to list talc as the first ingredient if there is any amount present. So, for instance, in the Laura Mercier powder there is only a small amount present. The talc helps to mattify which is needed because the powder is sooo light weight and finely milled that without the talc it would basically blow away. Another example is mac shadows which only contain the tiniest amount of talc but it has to be listed as the first ingredient. Also, talc is not likely to cause a problem on the face. In most powders talc is not going to be a problem. If you try a setting powder that is fragrance free and it irritates then it could be something else or it could contain a large amount of talc (this is often true in cheaper products since talc is such a cheap ingredient that some affordable brands add a lot of as filler). I would say give the Laura Powder a try. It's bomb.com and is very unlikely to irritate. And, if for whatever reason you decide it's not for you, just return it. Gotta love Sephora's return policy.