Key Takeaways
- A 2024 BBC investigation tested eight commercially available cosmetic samples containing talc and found that two contained trace levels of asbestos — confirming that asbestos contamination in makeup remains an active problem.
- Asbestos is not intentionally added to cosmetics. Contamination occurs because talcum rock and asbestos are found close together in the ground — when talc is mined, asbestos fibers can be picked up in the process.
- Approximately 7.3 million tons of talcum are mined globally each year, and talc is used in products including blush, bronzer, eyeshadow, foundation, mascara, and lipstick.
- Companies whose products have been linked to asbestos-contaminated talc include Avon, Chanel, Claire’s, Estee Lauder, and Maybelline.
- Talc-free makeup alternatives are available from brands including bareMinerals, Burt’s Bees, Everyday Minerals, Milk Makeup, SheaMoisture, and Smashbox.
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate materials. When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can be lodged into certain organ linings resulting in an aggressive form of cancer called mesothelioma. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which begins in the lining of the lungs. There are three other types of mesothelioma that begin in the lining of the abdomen, heart, or testicles. Pericardial and testicular mesothelioma are extremely rare, affecting about 1 percent of mesothelioma victims. Asbestos is a carcinogen, and no amount of exposure is safe, although longer exposure tends to result in a greater chance of developing an asbestos-related disease. A 2024 investigation by the BBC discovered that asbestos is still in some makeups.
Investigation
The BBC investigated eight commercially available cosmetic samples that had talc in them and found that two of the samples contained trace levels of asbestos in them. In general, asbestos is not intentionally put into these products. However, talcum rock and asbestos are located close to one another in the ground. When talcum rock is mined there can be asbestos contamination. When the talcum rock is mined, it is then powdered to produce talc, which is used in a variety of cosmetic products. If there are even trace amounts of asbestos in this talc it is dangerous to consumers.
Based on data from 2022, 7.3 million tons of talcum are mined each year. If this talc also contains asbestos, it is problematic. Powder makeup is also applied to the face which makes inhaling the asbestos fibers even more probable.
Talc in Makeup
Throughout the years, many women have filed lawsuits against cosmetic companies for exposing them to asbestos through their makeup, which in turn led to them receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Talc exists in many makeup products including:
- Blush
- Bronzer
- Eye shadow
- Foundation
- Mascara
- Lipstick
This makes the fact that asbestos is still in some makeups very concerning as many people use this makeup on a regular basis.
Some companies that made and sold makeup products that were contaminated with asbestos include:
- Avon
- Chanel Inc.
- Claire’s
- Estee Lauder Companies Inc.
- Maybelline New York
To avoid being exposed to asbestos-contaminated talc, as asbestos is still in some makeups in trace amounts, there are a few things to consider. People can try to avoid using powder-based cosmetics as they are more likely to have talc in them. There are also other names that are used besides “talc” itself, so it is important to look out for that.
Talc-Free Makeup
There are various brands that sell makeup products that are talc-free. Some of these brands include:
- bareMinerals
- Burt’s Bees
- Everyday Minerals
- Milk Makeup
- SheaMoisture
- Smashbox
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease and believe you have been exposed to asbestos through cosmetic products, we have resources available to you. For more information, call us at (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does asbestos end up in makeup?
Asbestos is not intentionally put into cosmetics. The contamination occurs because talcum rock and asbestos occur near each other in the ground. When talcum rock is mined, asbestos fibers can be picked up during extraction. The talcum rock is then powdered into talc, which is used as an ingredient in many cosmetic products. If even trace amounts of asbestos are present in the talc, they end up in the final product — and can be inhaled when powder-based makeup is applied to the face.
Which makeup products can contain asbestos?
Any talc-based cosmetic product can potentially contain asbestos. Common products include:
- Blush
- Bronzer
- Eyeshadow
- Foundation
- Mascara
- Lipstick
Powder-based products pose the highest risk because the application process makes inhalation more likely.
Which companies have been linked to asbestos in their products?
Companies whose cosmetic products have been linked to asbestos-contaminated talc include Avon, Chanel Inc., Claire’s, Estee Lauder Companies Inc., and Maybelline New York. Many women have filed lawsuits against these companies after developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases from using their products.
What makeup brands are talc-free?
Talc-free alternatives are available from several brands, including:
- bareMinerals
- Burt’s Bees
- Everyday Minerals
- Milk Makeup
- SheaMoisture
- Smashbox
When shopping for cosmetics, check ingredient lists carefully — talc may also be listed under alternative names.
What should I do if I believe I was exposed to asbestos through cosmetics?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease and believe the exposure may have come from contaminated cosmetic products, call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
