Last year, our law firm reported on the connection between talcum powder and mesothelioma.
In short, talc—a naturally-occurring mineral used in many cosmetic and personal care products—has been linked to the development of mesothelioma and other illnesses in users.
Talc itself isn’t the main problem. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, is often found in the same excavation sites from which talc is sourced. The American Cancer Society recognizes that, while asbestos-free talc has not been conclusively linked to cancer, asbestos-containing talc can and does cause cancer.
Because of where it is found geologically, a talc deposit can easily be contaminated by asbestos. This requires manufacturing and production companies to take careful measures to ensure toxic fibers don’t make it into their products.
However, we have not seen most companies take these life-saving measures. Instead, we’ve seen negligent mining and manufacturing practices that have led to the presence of asbestos in many everyday consumer products.
Now, in 2023, there has been more litigation than ever against major talc product companies. Below, we’ll discuss the ongoing risk of asbestos in cosmetic talc products and what you can do if you or a loved one became ill.
The mesothelioma legal team at Frost Law Firm, PC is currently taking on new clients in need of expert legal counsel for complex asbestos-related disease cases. Please contact our office for a completely free and confidential case consultation.
FDA Action on Asbestos-Containing Cosmetic Products
In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a series of emergency announcements warning consumers of the risk of certain personal care products.
These announcements garnered national attention and carried with them a shock. The primary reason for the outcry was due to the fact that these were products directly marketed for use by infants, children, and teens—specially, Johnson’s baby powder and cosmetics sold at the national tween-focused retailer Claire’s.
Between March and October of 2019, the FDA issued advisories to avoid products that had tested positive for asbestos during testing conducted on behalf of the FDA by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and AMA Analytical Services:
Mar. 5, 2019
- Claire’s Eye Shadows – Batch No/Lot No: 08/17
- Claire’s Compact Powder – Batch No/Lot No: 07/15
- Claire’s Contour Palette – Batch No/Lot No: 04/17
June 6, 2019
- Beauty Plus Global Contour Effects Palette 2, Batch No. S1603002/PD-C1179
- Claire’s JoJo Siwa Makeup Set, SKU #888711136337, Batch/Lot No. S180109
Sept. 6, 2019
- Beauty Plus Global Inc. City Color Collection Matte Blush (Fuchsia), SKU #849136008807, Lot No. 1605020/PD-840
- Beauty Plus Global Inc. City Color Cosmetics Timeless Beauty Palette, SKU #849136012958, Lot No. 1510068/PD-C864R
- Beauty Plus Global Inc. City Color Bronzer (Sunset), SKU #849136016017, Lot No. 160634/PD-P712M
- Beauty Plus Global Inc. Beauty Plus Global Inc. City Color Shimmer Bronzer (Caramel), SKU #849136017106, Lot No. 1612112/PD-840
Oct. 18, 2019
- Johnson’s Baby Powder Lot #22318RB
Cosmetic Products Known To Contain Talc
The products recalled by the FDA are not the only ones that may contain asbestos. And they are far from the only ones to contain talc.
A 2020 study published in the Environmental Health Insights journal found that 3 of the 21 powder-based cosmetic products tested contained cancer-causing asbestos. One of those products was marketed explicitly as safe for use by children. The study made a point of emphasizing that the standards companies are currently using to test and verify the safety of their products are outdated. Better oversight needs to be enacted to ensure the safety of all talc-containing products that hit the market.
The personal care and cosmetic products listed below have been verified to include talc ingredients. They have been rated from Low to High Hazard in terms of cancer, immunotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity concerns by the nonprofit entity Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Please note that this is not a complete list of talc-containing cosmetic products—nor does the existence of talc in a product necessarily mean there is asbestos present.
Some of these products are in the process of having their formulas altered to remove talc. Older versions will still contain the ingredient. Also note that different shades and colors of the same product may contain varying levels of talc. We advise you to direct any questions you may have to your health care provider and mesothelioma attorney.
- MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation (Low Hazard)
- Ulta Beauty Adjustable Coverage Foundation (Low Hazard)
- Sei Bella Eyeshadow (Low Hazard)
- Maybelline Shadow Blocks Eyeshadow (Low Hazard)
- Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish Color Corrector (Low Hazard)
- Kokie Cosmetics Kissable Liquid Lipsticks (Low Hazard)
- Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Sticks (Low Hazard)
- Benefit Hoola Bronzer (Moderate Hazard)
- Erborian BB Cream (Moderate Hazard)
- Huda Beauty The Overachiever High Coverage Concealer (Moderate Hazard)
- Medusa’s Makeup Baked Eyeshadow (Moderate Hazard)
- Veet Legs & Body 3 in 1 Gel Cream Hair Remover (Moderate Hazard)
- IMAN Cosmetics Luxury Concealing Foundation (Moderate Hazard)
- Drybar Detox Dry Shampoos (High Hazard)
- Degree Advanced 72H Antiperspirant Deodorant, Lavender & Waterlily (High Hazard)
- CoverGirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Liquid Makeup + Sunscreen (High Hazard)
- Dermacol Matt Control Makeup (High Hazard)
- Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Classico Mascara (High Hazard)
- L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Powder (High Hazard)
- JD Glow Cosmetics Eyeshadows (High Hazard)
- NYX Professional Makeup Plump Finish Setting Spray (High Hazard)
- Physicians Formula Powder Palette Blush (High Hazard)
- Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen (High Hazard)
- Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette (High Hazard)
- CoverGirl TruBlend Pressed Powders (High Hazard)
- Batiste Volumizing Dry Shampoo (High Hazard)
Were You Diagnosed With an Asbestos-Related Disease After Exposure to Talc?
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, or you lost a loved one to this type of disease, we want to help.
Frost Law Firm, PC is a victims’ rights personal injury law firm specializing in mesothelioma cases. We have national recognition in the field of asbestos litigation, and personal experience with this deadly cancer.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. A real attorney will answer your questions and advise you of your options for legal and financial recovery.
