Asbestos in Talc: The FDA Rollback You Need to Know About & How to Take Action
Updated: Sep 23
On November 28, the FDA withdrew a 2024 proposal that would have required cosmetics companies to test for asbestos in products containing talc beforeย it hit the shelves.
I was fortunate to be a small part of the advocacy efforts that resulted in the passing of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) that was 10 years in the making, by bipartisan groups, and the 2024 proposal that was withdrawn was a result of MoCRA.
MoCRA was the first major update to cosmetic safety laws since 1938. If you've been a client of mine for a while, you may have helped support the passing of MoCRA as well, by contacting your Representatives with tools I provided.
FDA Rationale
Like other toxins-related rollbacks this year, the narrative is that they will make the testing more comprehensive. However, testing for asbestos in talcย is straight forward; it's just not required so companies don't do it because it's an added expense and complication for them. If the goal is to make America healthy, then the FDA would be fast-tracking the implementation of MoCRA vs. stalling it.
An analogy that may resonate is that you don't tear down a house to remodel it. Then you'd be homeless while it's getting better! You want a roof over your head while you're improving what you have.
It's important to note that when an agency pauses, withdraws or weakens an existing regulation itโs typically a decision made by the agencyโs leadership, who are appointed by the acting President. The FDA can only act within the authority itโs been granted, which is why the agency is often criticized for inaction when, in reality, it lacks the legal power to intervene. In this case, however, the FDA doesย have the authority, and is choosing to roll back the regulation.
Important Facts About Asbestos in Talc
Asbestos is a contaminant that naturally occurs in talc; it is not an ingredient
Asbestos is a carcinogen linked to cancers including mesothelioma and lung cancer
It takes just a single fiber of asbestos to cause mesothelioma
Asbestos has also been found in childrenโs makeup products, discovered due to third-party testing by advocacy groups including Environmental Working Group and PIRG
The EU is banning talc in all cosmetics by 2027
Products Impacted
Powders of all kinds - baby powder, dry shampoo, eyeshadows, brow filler, blush, bronzer, highlighter, body powder, kids play makeup sets, select body glitters
Other cosmetics
Take Action
Send a message to your Senators and Representatives to express your concern. This link will help you find your local Representatives.
Not sure what to say? Use this language as a guide:
My name is (full name) and Iโm writing as a concerned citizen that lives in (city), (state). This year Iโve watched a devastating number of rollbacks to laws that protect human and environmental health. The FDAโs recent decision to retract asbestos testing in cosmetics is another dangerous step backwards for public health and extremely worrisome.
Iโm asking you to please speak up against efforts that weaken the laws that protect the safety of our consumer products, water and air. Safeguarding people from toxic exposures is a bipartisan responsibility, and I am urging you to uphold it. Please help keep the communities that you serve safe. Thank you.
Or use this language that Counter recently put together as part of their advocacy efforts.
Buy makeup formulated without talc; this is rare. Counter is my go-to since they also screen for heavy metals and other contaminants in cosmetics, and have a Never List of over 2,800 ingredients that they do not use due to known or questionable harm.
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