Asbestos Found in Children’s Makeup Products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed asbestos contamination in children’s makeup products in popular brands like Claire’s and Justice. Below, our firm discusses the dangers of asbestos and how you can protect your child from being exposed to these dangerous products.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, contact our Maryland mesothelioma lawyer today for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your legal rights.

Avoiding These Contaminated Products

In 2017, asbestos contamination was found in makeup products sold by children’s retailers Claire’s and Justice.

Justice issued a voluntary recall in September 2017 for eight cosmetic products. Claire’s initially refused the FDA’s requests to recall their makeup products, though the retailer did remove some products from stores.

In early 2019, the FDA released a joint statement with the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition regarding the independent tests that confirmed which confirmed asbestos in product samples: three items from Claire’s and one from Justice. The FDA warned consumers not to use these products, as Claire’s refused to honor the FDA’s recall request when the issue first came to light.

Claire’s has released a statement citing the mischaracterization of fibers in the tests which they claim caused false identification of asbestos in the product samples, as well as “significant errors” shown in the testing. The company has removed the three products from stores as well as other talc-based cosmetics. Claire’s will honor returns of talc-based products.

Batches of the following Claire’s products sold between October 2016 and March 2019 have been recalled:

• 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

Why Is Asbestos Found in Makeup?

Asbestos makes its way into makeup through cosmetic-grade talc, also called talcum powder. Talc and asbestos are both minerals, which form together. As talc is mined for use in commercial products, there is the potential for asbestos contamination.

Talc is the softest mineral on the planet. It is used in makeup production for multiple reasons:

• To dilute the pigment in products
• As a filler
• To give the product a silky and soft texture
• To absorb moisture

Which Makeup Products May Contain Asbestos?

Talc is used in many different makeup products. Due to talc’s link to asbestos, the talc used in the following makeup products may be contaminated:

• Foundation
• Finishing powder
• Blush
• Eyeshadow

Powder and cream foundations commonly use talc because of its ability to reduce skin’s oily appearance. Talc-based powders are also used to set cream foundations and give skin a natural, dry look.

How Is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos fibers can make their way into the body through inhalation or ingestion, where they become trapped. Over many years, the asbestos fibers cause scarring and inflammation, and cause genetic damage to cells throughout the body.

Exposure to asbestos has been linked to several cancers and diseases, including:

Cosmetic-grade talc is not subject to strict regulation, which allows asbestos-contaminated products to make their way into stores. While it is not purposefully added to cosmetic products, manufacturers typically do not test for asbestos before talc is used in production.

The FDA is planning new measures to protect consumers from talc exposure, which include collecting manufacturer information regarding the measures taken to ensure the talc used is asbestos-free. Currently, manufacturers are asked to register products and ingredient lists with the FDA’s website, but it is not a requirement.

Get Help from Our Qualified Attorneys Now

If your child has been exposed to asbestos through makeup products for children, The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl is ready to help your family. We will review your claim and inform you of the legal options which may be available to you in order to pursue compensation.

Request a free, no obligation consultation now and learn the legal options that may be available to you. There are no upfront fees and payment is only due if we recover compensation for you.

Call 410-244-7005 or fill out our free online form now.