Key Takeaways
- Asbestos has been found in talc-based cosmetics — including eyeshadow, foundation, and products marketed to children — because talc is a mined mineral that can be contaminated when sourced near or within asbestos deposits.
- A 2020 study found asbestos in 3 out of 21 talc-based cosmetics tested. A 2019 FDA study found contamination in 9 out of 52 products. That translates to roughly 14–17% of talc-based cosmetics potentially containing asbestos.
- As of 2020, more than 100 mesothelioma cases have been definitively linked to asbestos in talc-based cosmetics.
- This is especially relevant for women, who have historically used cosmetic products more frequently than men. Many women diagnosed with mesothelioma cannot identify a specific source of asbestos exposure — contaminated cosmetics may explain a significant number of these previously unexplained cases.
- The FDA has no authority to issue mandatory recalls of contaminated cosmetics. Despite identifying asbestos in talc-based products, the agency can only alert consumers and work with manufacturers — it cannot force products off shelves.
- Many experts say that any amount of asbestos exposure is dangerous, regardless of how small or infrequent.
Talc-based Cosmetics
Talc is a filler product: it absorbs moisture, keeps makeup products structurally cohesive, and
makes products more spreadable/durable. Thousands of makeup products today use talc as one of
their main ingredients. However, because talc is a mined product (just like asbestos), how and
where talc is mined matters. Some talc is mined near or within asbestos mines; in the same vein,
talc products might be packaged with asbestos products. Whatever the reason for contamination,
it’s important to be aware of the potential for asbestos exposure.
In a 2020 study conducted by Stoiber et al., 21 talc-based makeup products were tested for
asbestos; three of the 21 were found to contain asbestos. One of these products was explicitly
marketed towards children, and the other two were eyeshadow palettes. In a similar study
conducted in 2019 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they tested 52 talc-based
products. Nine of the 52 products tested were contaminated with asbestos.
Although asbestos contamination doesn’t occur in the majority of talc-based makeups, it still
happens frequently enough that the FDA had to alert consumers and work directly with the
cosmetic production process. Anywhere from 14-17% of all talc-based cosmetics–if we assume
these findings are widely applicable–are contaminated with asbestos. This is significant, since
people (and product producers) are collectively aware of the carcinogenic effects of asbestos
exposure. Many experts say that any exposure to asbestos is dangerous, despite size or
infrequency.
Retrospective Studies of Asbestos in Cosmetics
As of 2020, there have been over 100 mesothelioma cases that have been definitively linked to
asbestos in talc-based cosmetics. Historically, men have been more likely to develop
mesothelioma due to occupational and environmental exposures. Women also develop
mesothelioma; however, they are oftentimes unsure of when/where/how they may have been
exposed to asbestos (this is called an idiopathic diagnosis). Many researchers might augment
evidence against the idiopathic diagnosis by incorporating data about talc-based cosmetics.
Historically, women have used cosmetic products more frequently than men, and this might
account for their unknown asbestos exposures.
Retrospective studies, in this case, are exceptionally useful; however, they do not provide any
framework for moving forward. Talc is still used in many cosmetic products; talc is still sourced
in the same way, which might lead to asbestos contamination; the FDA isn’t allowed to explicitly
intervene and/or put recalls into place. Because talc-based cosmetics still pose an active risk to
consumers, it might be useful to just start having conversations about asbestos in hopes of raising
awareness.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, please call
(800)-505-6000 for legal help. For more information, fill out the form on our Homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does asbestos end up in makeup and cosmetics?
The primary pathway is through talc, a mineral widely used in cosmetics as a filler ingredient — it absorbs moisture, keeps products structurally cohesive, and makes them more spreadable. Because talc is a mined mineral, its safety depends on where and how it is sourced. Some talc deposits are located near or within asbestos deposits, meaning the talc can become contaminated with asbestos fibers during the mining process. Talc products may also become contaminated during packaging if asbestos-containing materials are used nearby.
How common is asbestos contamination in cosmetics?
Two studies have measured the scope of the problem:
- A 2020 study by Stoiber et al. tested 21 talc-based makeup products and found asbestos in 3 of them — including one product explicitly marketed toward children and two eyeshadow palettes
- A 2019 FDA study tested 52 talc-based products and found asbestos contamination in 9 of them
Based on these findings, roughly 14–17% of talc-based cosmetics may contain asbestos. While asbestos contamination doesn’t affect the majority of talc-based products, the rate is high enough to be a legitimate health concern.
Can asbestos in cosmetics cause mesothelioma?
Yes. As of 2020, more than 100 mesothelioma cases have been definitively linked to asbestos exposure through talc-based cosmetics. When contaminated cosmetics are applied — particularly powders that become airborne — microscopic asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested. Many medical experts agree that any amount of asbestos exposure is potentially dangerous, regardless of how small or infrequent.
Why are women particularly at risk from asbestos in cosmetics?
Women have historically used cosmetic products — including talc-based powders, foundations, and eyeshadows — more frequently and over longer periods than men. This creates a cumulative exposure risk that may account for a significant number of mesothelioma cases in women where the source of asbestos exposure was previously unknown (called idiopathic diagnoses). Researchers now believe that cosmetic exposure may explain many of these unexplained cases, particularly in women who had no occupational or known environmental asbestos contact.
Can the FDA recall cosmetics contaminated with asbestos?
No. Unlike pharmaceuticals and medical devices, the FDA does not have the authority to issue mandatory recalls of cosmetic products — even when they are found to contain asbestos. The agency can alert consumers, issue warnings, and work directly with manufacturers to encourage voluntary action, but it cannot force contaminated products off store shelves. This regulatory gap means that consumers must rely on awareness and informed purchasing decisions to protect themselves.
Is talc itself dangerous, or only when contaminated with asbestos?
Pure talc — without asbestos contamination — is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. The danger arises when talc is mined near asbestos deposits and becomes contaminated with asbestos fibers. Because consumers have no way of knowing where a product’s talc was sourced or whether it has been properly tested, the risk is effectively invisible. Some consumers and advocacy groups have called for talc-free alternatives or mandatory testing as a precaution.
How can I protect myself from asbestos in cosmetics?
While there is no guaranteed way to identify contaminated products at the point of purchase, you can reduce your risk by:
- Choosing talc-free cosmetics — many brands now offer alternatives using cornstarch, rice powder, or other non-talc fillers
- Checking product labels and researching brands’ sourcing and testing practices
- Following FDA consumer alerts about specific products found to contain asbestos
- Being especially cautious with loose powders, which are more likely to become airborne during application
What should I do if I’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe cosmetics may be the source?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you believe the exposure may have come from talc-based cosmetics — particularly if you have no known occupational or environmental asbestos exposure — documenting which products you used and for how long can be an important part of building a case. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
