article by Sarra Ben Ammar
Talc, a commonly used makeup ingredient, has a well-documented history of asbestos contamination. Some children’s and adult’s cosmetic brands that use talc have been found to contain asbestos. The presence of asbestos in makeup raises significant health concerns, potentially leading to cancer through exposure to asbestos in makeup products.
What’s the relationship between talc and asbestos?
Due to the proximity of talc and asbestos in nature, mined talc may carry asbestos traces. Yet, talcum powder remains a component in several makeup brands.
A study published in November 2020 revealed that 14% of tested cosmetic products containing talc also showed asbestos traces.
Why is talc used in makeup?
Makeup incorporates talc to impart a soft, silky texture and to serves as a filler, diluting pigmented makeup products. It is a common ingredient used in various cosmetics like powder compacts, finishing powders, eye shadows, blushes, foundations, and creams.
Talc’s reputation as the softest mineral on Earth makes it ideal for absorbing moisture and reducing oily skin appearance. It is frequently used in makeup face powders to “set” foundations, providing a natural dry finish.
Is talc still being used in makeup?
Only some renowned makeup brands have chosen to eliminate talc from certain products.
Despite recalls in 2019 due to asbestos contamination of some cosmetic products, no significant plans have been announced by these entities to cease talc use in cosmetics.
While manufacturers do not intentionally add asbestos to makeup, the lack of stringent regulations around cosmetic-grade talc contributes to the issue. The relaxed oversight means that companies might not test their talc for asbestos before incorporating it into cosmetic products, posing potential harm to consumers.
What products contain Talc?
Interestingly, talc is not exclusive to makeup; it is found in various consumer products like deodorants, powders, soap, feminine hygiene products, contraception devices, pills, textiles, chalk, children’s balloons, clay, and crayons.
What happens if I am exposed to Asbestos?
Long-term exposure to asbestos in talcum powder is linked to mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Although asbestos-contaminated cosmetics hasn’t been directly associated with diseases, the risk persists due to the lack of talc regulation in the U.S.
Loose powder products like baby powder, finishing powder, and compact foundation pose the greatest risk when contaminated with asbestos, as inhalation can lead to lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Asbestos in makeup does not cause immediate side effects. In fact, the health consequences may take decades to develop. The latency period for mesothelioma is between 20 and 60 years after initial asbestos exposure.
How can I avoid Asbestos in Makeup?
1. Be cautious of brands testing positive for asbestos.
2. Opt for talc-free brands.
3. Don’t assume claims of asbestos-free, organic, or natural; check thoroughly the product label.
4. Do not expect products with “all-natural” labels to be talc free, as talc is natural. Check for talc on labels.
Were there any confirmed cases of Asbestos contamination in cosmetic products?
The FDA reviewed 43 cosmetics samples in 2019, finding nine with asbestos. Further testing was planned for 2020, but updates have not been announced. In June 2021, rules were tightened for asbestos data collection. A 2019 risk evaluation found asbestos poses health risks. Legislation for asbestos regulation was proposed, but progress stalled.
Aren’t there laws against asbestos in Makeup?
Asbestos finds its way into cosmetics due to lenient regulations governing cosmetic- grade talc, also known as talcum powder. Talc and asbestos naturally occur together, leading to potential contamination in commercially mined talc. This is a recognised cause of a specific type of lung cancer called mesothelioma.
Asbestos in makeup exists in a legal grey area. The absence of specific regulations on asbestos in talc means the FDA can’t take action unless scientific data proves harm under intended use. This is challenging due to the extended latency period associated with asbestos-related diseases.
“Asbestos-free” in the U.S. allows makeup products to contain up to 1% asbestos and still be labeled as such, leading to the presence of numerous asbestos fibers in legally non-asbestos cosmetic products. The EPA’s attempted to ban asbestos in 1989, however, it was overturned in 1991, contributing to asbestos being present in various products, particularly in talc-containing products.
Despite the FDA expressing concern about asbestos in cosmetic talc, there are no specific U.S. laws or regulations prohibiting talc used in makeup products from containing asbestos.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration identified asbestos in children’s makeup as recently as 2019. Initial reports of asbestos in children’s makeup surfaced in 2017 leading to the release of “Not So Pretty” documentary mini series by HBO presenting real cases of asbestos contamination through kids and adults makeup and confirmed cases of mesothelioma.
How can I know if my Makeup has Asbestos?
To confirm if your makeup has asbestos, the only way is through product testing. If you are concerned about contamination in existing talc-based cosmetics, it is often better to replace it with a talc-free makeup brand than to undergo asbestos testing for each product.
To check for asbestos in makeup, experts use a high-tech tool called a transmission electron microscope (TEM). This method is better than others, like X-ray or light microscopy. Using TEM ensures more accurate results, as it is more sensitive in detecting asbestos in makeup.
Stay informed by exploring online resources like Skin Deep, Made Safe and The Mesothelioma Center.
Other than asbestos possible contamination, your daily cosmetic products may also contain other hidden dangers such as dangerous pigments. Find out more about this topic here.