Asbestos in Talc: The FDA Rollback You Need to Know About & How to Take Action
- Elizabeth Boulos
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
On November 28, the FDA withdrew a 2024 proposal that would have required cosmetics companies to test for asbestos in products containing talc before 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Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) that was 10 years in the making, by bipartisan groups, and the 2024 proposal that was withdrawn was a result of MoCRA.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 talc 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 it’s typically a decision made by the agency’s leadership, who are appointed by the acting President. The FDA can only act within the authority it’s 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 does 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 one fiber of asbestos to cause mesothelioma
Asbestos has also been found in children’s 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:
I’m writing as a deeply concerned constituent. This year I’ve have watched an unprecedented number of rollbacks to laws that protect us from toxic chemicals. The FDA’s decision to pull back on asbestos testing in cosmetics is absolutely unacceptable and represents a dangerous step backwards for public health.
I’m urging you to speak out against any effort to weaken the laws that safeguard the quality of our air, water and consumer products. Protecting people from toxic exposures is a bipartisan responsibility, and I expect my elected officials to uphold it.
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.
Comments