A growing number of beauty brands are turning to talc-free makeup products as the number of U.S. cancer lawsuits filed over talc-based makeup continues to rise.

Major beauty brands that are ditching talc-based makeup products in favor of talc-free makeup options include Chanel, Revlon, and L’Oreal. These adjustments are being made as consumers, regulators and manufacturers are questioning the safety of talc in cosmetics. This concern was spurred in part by a 2018 Reuters investigation into Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based powders.

Talc is a naturally-occurring mineral. As the softest mineral, it has been found use in a range of cosmetics. Talc has been used in countless makeup and personal care products for years as a method of absorbing moisture, preventing caking and adding softness.

Despite these advantages, talc is sometimes found in the same rock as asbestos, a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). Because the minerals are found together, talc can sometimes become contaminated with asbestos when mined. As a result, asbestos then may find its way into cosmetic products used by thousands of people. A growing number of people are filing lawsuits over talc-based products, such as the thousands of cancer lawsuits dating back several years that have been filed against Johnson & Johnson for its talc-containing baby powder products.

Other major talc powder manufacturers, including Revlon, Chanel, and Avon, have also been hit with litigation over talc powder cancer.

Brands have been moving away from talc-based products, but have been doing so quietly. This is likely an attempt to avoid media blowback. For instance, Chanel took a loose face powder product and removed the talc. In 2017, Chanel also dropped a talc-based body powder scented with its well-known No. 5 fragrance altogether. Reuters reports that this choice was made because of the negative public perception of talc, and not because the powder contained asbestos. Chanel maintains that its powders do not contain asbestos. “We know that it was a safe product,” said Chanel representative Amy Wyatt. But, she said, “we determined from public perception to remove it from the market.”

Similarly, Revlon has removed talc from its body products, though has so far declined to indicate when or why this change occurred. L’Oreal is reportedly exploring alternatives to talc, the companies told Reuters. More and more companies are introducing talc-free makeup products as a result of the public concern over potential cancer risk linked with talc exposure.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is continuing to analyze talc product samples for asbestos. In Canada, the Health Ministry has found that talc itself — not just asbestos contamination — may cause lung problems if inhaled, or ovarian cancer if used around the genitals, according to Reuters.

Filing a Talc Cancer Lawsuit

Cosmetics manufacturers are facing an ever-growing number of lawsuits, including class action litigation, filed over talc cancer. Plaintiffs allege they were diagnosed with mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, lung cancer and more as a result of exposure to dangerous talc products. Litigation has ended with substantial settlements or jury decisions amounting to millions of dollars.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer after exposure to talc-based cosmetics such as makeup or baby powder, you may be able to file a talc cosmetics lawsuit and pursue compensation. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by a cancer diagnosis, nor can it bring a loved one back to life. It can, however, help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages and more.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation and maximize your potential compensation.